Easy Melon Ball Shot Recipe made with vodka, Midori melon liqueur, and pineapple juice. This easy vodka shot has a great tropical flavor with the Midori and pineapple flavors added to it.

Melon Ball Shot text over a bright green cocktail shot

Melon Ball Shot Recipe

Contents show

This sweet pineapple cocktail takes three ingredients and two minutes to prepare. It is a fantastic St. Patrick's Day cocktail that tastes great.

The Midori adds a delicious melon flavor that combines great with the pineapple juice. This party shot is the perfect summer party cocktail shot. It is light and easy to drink while still tasting great.

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make an epic Melon Ball Shot! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Optional Garnish - Honeydew Melon Ball

Vodka - You don't need to use a high end vodka for this shot since it is being mixed with other ingredients. We like to use a mid-range vodka similar to Tito's, Svedka, Absolut, New Amsterdam, or Deep Eddy's, or Three Olive.

Cocktail Shot Tools We Use

2 ounce shot glasses - We love these 2 oz shot glasses especially for layered shots.

Cocktail Shaker – This cocktail shaker comes with a fantastic set of tools

Bar Spoon - Bar spoons help to create layers in the cocktail shot. They fit perfectly into the cocktail shot glass.

OXO angled jiggers - these are our go-to measuring tools for cocktails. They work perfectly for pouring in layers for cocktails.

A melon baller can be used to create melon balls if you would like them for a garnish.

How to make a Melon Ball Shot

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version. This delicious shot recipe only takes a couple of steps.

Melon liqueur pouring into a cocktail shaker for a melon ball shot next to a plate of melon

Step 1 - Add Midori, Vodka, and Pineapple Juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled.

Melon Ball Shot pouring into a shot glass next to a plate of melon

Step 2- Strain into a 2 oz shot glass.

Melon Ball shot in a cocktail glass next to a plate of melon balls

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead + Storage: You can make Melon Ball Shots up to three days before serving. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the fridge, and shake it before serving so it can reincorporate.

Freezing/How to Freeze:

Double or triple the ingredients to fit a cocktail glass, and blend them with a handful of ice to make summertime Melon Ball Slushies.

You can use our Alcoholic Popsicles recipes to turn this drink into boozy popsicles perfect for cooling off from the summer heat.

Recipe Variations

Substitutions:

This shot doesn't need high-end vodka since it mixes with other ingredients. We like to use a mid-range vodka similar to Tito's, Svedka, Absolut, New Amsterdam, Deep Eddy's, or Three Olive.

To add more flavor, you can use flavored vodka. This Melon Ball Shot would be great with tropical vodka flavors like coconut and mango or other sweet fruits. Choose a clear vodka that will not change the color.

You can make this shot with Midori Melon Liqueur or any high-quality green melon liqueur so it remains green. We made ours with DeKuyper Melon Liqueur.

Vegetarian + Vegan Option: This melon cocktail and party shot is vegetarian and vegan.

Gluten-Free: The three ingredients in this Melon Ball Shot, including Midori, are gluten-free, making it safe for a gluten-free diet.

Alcohol-Free Option: Swap the Vodka and Midori with NA alternatives to make this drink alcohol-free.

Make It Spicy: We have not seen spicy versions of this fruity cocktail shot.

Larger Group/More Servings:

If you make this green shot for a party, you can easily double, triple, or more this recipe. Increase the recipe proportionately and line up your shot glasses to make serving easier.

Turn this party shooter into a Melon Ball Drink by proportionately increasing the ingredients to fill a cocktail glass. Double the vodka and Midori or add more pineapple juice, depending on how strong of a cocktail you want to enjoy.

Sugar-Free: The written recipe contains 7 grams of sugar per serving. Replace the Midori Melon Liqueur and pineapple juice with sugar-free substitutes to make it sugar-free.

Melon Ball shot on a white coaster next to a plate of melon balls

Tips for the Best Melon Ball Shot

If you are worried about the shot getting watered down as you shake it with ice, chill the pineapple juice, vodka, and Midori before serving, and skip the ice. I would still shake the cocktail shot so the flavors mix.

What to Serve with a Melon Ball Shot

This sweet and fruity party shot is filled with delicious melon flavor, making it fantastic for warm-weather sipping, and its bright green color makes it an excellent choice for any celebration of green, like St. Patrick’s Day! Here are some menu planning suggestions.

Sides: Grilled Avocados, Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, Pulled Pork Parfait, Kool-Aid Pickles, Easy Macaroni Salad, Broccoli Slaw, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip