📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Midori
Alcohol 14%
Calories 210 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 21g
Prep time 2 minutes
Are you ready to explore the delightfully citrusy world of the Japanese Slipper cocktail? This refreshing drink is a vibrant mix of sweet and sour, perfect for sipping on a sunny day. We’ll journey through its history, taste, and how to craft the perfect slipper at home. Ready to mix things up? Let’s dive in! ⬇️
History
The Japanese Slipper was born in 1984 at Mietta’s restaurant in Melbourne, Australia. It quickly became famous for its bright color and unique taste. This cocktail is a piece of modern mixology history that continues to be enjoyed worldwide.
- The name ‘Japanese Slipper’ was inspired by the cocktail’s Oriental look and its slipper-shaped glass.
- Despite its name, the Japanese Slipper does not originate from Japan.
- It was created by Jean-Paul Bourguignon, a legendary bartender of his time.
The taste of a Japanese Slipper?
Imagine a sweet melody of flavors dancing on your tongue—that’s the taste of a Japanese Slipper. It blends the tanginess of citrus with a hint of melon’s sweetness, creating a harmonious and refreshing sip.
I personally love drinking Japanese Slippers because they make me feel like I’m on vacation, lounging by the beach with not a care in the world.
Interesting facts about Japanese Slipper
- The vibrant green color of the Japanese Slipper comes from Midori, a melon-flavored liqueur.
- This cocktail is often garnished with a maraschino cherry, adding a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
- The Japanese Slipper is renowned for its simplicity, requiring only three main ingredients.
Ingredients
- Midori: 1 oz (30ml)
- Cointreau: 1 oz (30ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz (30ml)
Martini glass is the traditional choice for a Japanese Slipper. Its wide, open rim allows the delightful aromas to enhance the tasting experience. An alternative could be a Coupe glass, which also elegantly showcases the cocktail’s vibrant hue.
Recipe. How to make Japanese Slipper
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Pour in Midori 1 oz (30ml), Cointreau 1 oz (30ml), and freshly squeezed Lemon juice 1 oz (30ml).
- Shake the ingredients vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain the mix into a chilled Martini glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Japanese Slippers are delicious, but remember they have sugar and calories! For a healthier twist, try using natural sweeteners or a bit less Midori. Plus, the lemon juice gives you a dose of vitamin C, which is great for your immune system.
Food Pairings
When enjoying a Japanese Slipper, certain foods can enhance the cocktail’s flavors. Here are some pairings that create a perfect harmony of taste:
Fresh Sushi
The crisp acidity of the Japanese Slipper cuts through the richness of sushi, particularly with fatty fish like salmon or tuna.
Grilled Chicken
The smoky flavor of grilled chicken is balanced by the sweet and citrusy notes of the cocktail, providing a refreshing contrast.
Fruit Platter
The melon notes in the Japanese Slipper complement a variety of fruits, making it an excellent accompaniment to a fruit platter.
I find Japanese Slippers irresistible because they’re just so light and playful on the palate—like a sunny day in a glass!
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Bartender Advice
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—it makes a world of difference.
- To achieve the perfect chill, shake the cocktail until the shaker feels ice-cold to the touch.
- Experiment with the amount of Midori to find your ideal balance of sweetness and tartness.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Japanese Slipper, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Japanese Slipper
- Midori: Try a different melon liqueur for a new flavor twist.
- Cointreau: Swap it out for other orange-flavored liqueurs like Grand Marnier for a richer taste.
- Lemon juice: Use lime juice instead for a sharper citrus kick.
Japanese Slipper Variations
Tropical Slipper
- Ingredients: Add pineapple juice for a tropical spin.
- Recipe: Mix equal parts Midori, Cointreau, pineapple juice, and lemon juice.
Berry Slipper
- Ingredients: Include raspberry liqueur for a berry blast.
- Recipe: Combine Midori, raspberry liqueur, and lemon juice, then top with soda water.
Spiced Slipper
- Ingredients: Introduce a dash of cinnamon syrup for warmth.
- Recipe: Shake Midori, Cointreau, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup together.
For a non-alcoholic treat, mix equal parts melon syrup, fresh lemon juice, and soda water. Serve it in a fancy glass with a cherry on top for that authentic cocktail feel.
Q&A
What does Midori taste like?
Midori has a sweet and fruity taste with a distinct melon flavor—it’s the star of our Japanese Slipper show.
Can I make a Japanese Slipper without Cointreau?
Absolutely, you can use other orange-flavored liqueurs or even a splash of orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Is the Japanese Slipper a strong drink?
It’s moderately strong but balanced with the sweetness of Midori and the tartness of lemon juice, making it quite easy to sip.
What’s the best way to garnish a Japanese Slipper?
A maraschino cherry is traditional, but you can also add a twist of lemon peel or a melon ball.
How can I make my Japanese Slipper less sweet?
Try reducing the Midori and adding a bit more lemon juice for an extra zingy kick.
What are some common mistakes when making a Japanese Slipper?
Not using fresh lemon juice is a big no-no, and overdoing the Midori can make it too sweet. Remember, balance is key!
