The Monster Mash

I saw some very well deserved Midori bashing on Twitter today. As usual, it was in the context of being suggested alongside its usual "isle-mates"; green apple "pucker", margarita mix, vodka  and other such nonsense.

Suntory could use some support right now, and Midori is actually a high-quality liqueur.

Midori's (ahem...again I must say, "very well deserved") 1970's reputation aside...it does not take much of the stuff to flavor a drink, and when your mix can actually temper this beast - it is of very good value and utility.

Along with more good news that I caught on Twitter today regarding the eminent return of the gentian-cult favorite "Suze" to the U.S. market - I knew it must be time to post this drink.

The "Monster Mash" has been an occasional part of my rotation for several months now. It is a combination of rye whiskey, Suze and Midori. I know that the mix sounds bizarre, it really works for me though. I hope you find it to your liking as well.

I have found that robust ryes like "Wild Turkey Rye 101" holds up best here. It's quick and easy, and sometimes they go down well...really, really well.

The Monster Mash


1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) Rye Whiskey
1 ounce (30 ml) Suze
1/2 ounce (22 ml) Midori
* 1-2 dashes rhubarb bitters (optional)


Build in glass over large ice cube, stir and enjoy.

Suntory Sour

THE SUNTORY SOUR

I first became interested in putting this drink together after reading David Broom's new book "The World Atlas of Whisky" where I learned more about the Suntory company and Japanese whisky making in general. I decided maybe Midori deserved a second look and started plotting the Suntory Sour.

Easier said than done though as Midori is a rather challenging liqueur to balance. After many attempts with varied success I've settled on the following recipe which I think captures the character of a whisky sour and allows the Midori to play a role without proving too overpowering or cloying. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Ingredients

1.5 oz Yamazaki 12 Single Malt Whisky
.5 oz Suntory Midori Melon Liqueur
.5 oz Cointreau
.5 oz Lemon Juice (Fresh of course)

Instructions

Shake well with ice, strain (through fine weave strainer to remove the small ice particles) into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

(This would also make a great highball.)