A Japanese slipper is a drink made from Midori, Cointreau, and lemon juice. It was created in 1984 by French bartender Jean-Paul Bourguignon at Mietta's Restaurant in Melbourne.
History
Bourgignon invented the Japanese slipper while working as a bartender at Mietta's in Melbourne. Having received a bottle of Midori from a Suntory sales representative, Bourgignon tried mixing it with Cointreau and lemon juice to cut through its sweetness, and the drink was born. The drink quickly proved a hit and spread through Australia, credited by Bourguignon to his continued promotion of the drink throughout his career.
The Japanese Slipper is referenced in literature as early as 1988: "You might care for one of the other current favorites — a Toblerone, a Japanese Slipper, or a Mind Eraser [...] or a Melon Bullet (Midori, Mainstay, Cointreau, lemon juice)".
Preparation Place a cherry into a cocktail glass. Place crushed ice into cocktail shaker, add Midori, then the Cointreau and lemon juice. Shake well and strain into the chilled cocktail glass and serve. Garnish with a slice of honeydew melon.
A variation can be made by replacing the Cointreau with vodka.
References