Japanese Slipper cocktail

The Japanese Slipper cocktail is a light fruity cocktail made from a mix of melon liqueur (Midori) orange liqueur (Cointreau) and some lemon juice.

Midori is a bright green Japanese watermelon liqueur and is considered the main ingredient in the cocktail. This is likely the reason why the drink was called Japanese Slipper, even though it was invented in one of the restaurants in Australia.

  • Total Time:
  • Type: Cocktail
  • Units: 1.5

Equipment

  • Cocktail glass

Ingredients

  • 30 ml Midori melon liqueur
  • 30 ml Cointreau orange liqueur
  • 30 ml lemon juice
  • 1 maraschino cherry (to garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Pour Midori and Cointreau liqueurs and lemon juice. Shake well until chilled.
  2. Strain the liquid into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry dropped to the bottom of the glass.
Midori liqueur is made from two fresh melons, yubari and musk, which can be found exclusively in Japan. Yubari come from Yubari City on the North Island, where the soil is fertile, and the musk melons come from the south of Tokyo.

FAQ

Why is it called a Japanese Slipper when it has no Japanese ingredients?

Despite the name, the cocktail was created in Australia in the 1980s and named more for flair than origin.

Which flavours define the Japanese Slipper?

The Japanese Slipper is a strikingly green cocktail with a balance of sweet melon liqueur, zesty triple sec, and sharp lemon juice. Its flavour is fruity yet crisp, making it lighter and brighter than creamy liqueur drinks like the Baileys-based Espresso Martini.

How strong is a Japanese Slipper?

A standard serve (20ml Midori, 20ml triple sec, 20ml lemon juice) equals 1.4 alcohol units, lighter than spirit-forward classics like the Martini or Negroni.

What glass should it be served in?

It’s traditionally served in a stemmed martini or coupe glass, with a cherry dropped to the bottom for a colourful contrast. This presentation is similar to how the Manhattan is garnished, though with a far fruitier twist.

When was the Japanese Slipper invented?

The drink was created in Melbourne, Australia in 1984 by bartender Jean-Paul Bourguignon, making it a modern classic compared to historic recipes like the Old Fashioned.

Is the Japanese Slipper a good after-dinner cocktail?

Yes with its sweet melon notes and smooth texture make it an easy finisher after a meal, in the same way a Grasshopper offers a sweet, dessert-like profile.

Please note that the units field is an estimation, and will vary depending on the type and quantity of alcohol used. Please drink responsibly and legally.
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