A cocktail version of raspberry lemonade and the official drink of the US Open, you don’t need to be a tennis fan to love this refreshing drink!
People go to the US Open for the tennis. But the official drink of this long-standing tennis tournament lures throngs of fans as well.
When I first heard about the honey deuce, I was smitten with the garnish. Spheres of honeydew melon make the perfect tennis balls.
How clever is that?
A grownup version of raspberry lemonade, this cocktail has proven to be a popular summer drink with family and friends, even without the fun garnish. Earlier this summer, my mother-in-law declared it her new favorite drink, whatever the season.
Photo evidence below, although I should have taken photos of the many drinks I prepared for extended family on a weekend away earlier this summer!
The history: The honey deuce has been the official drink of the U.S. Open since 2006, when Grey Goose commissioned bartender Nick Mautone to create a refreshing drink with broad appeal – with the stipulation that it be easy enough to serve to hundreds of fans. Mautone came up with a mix of just four ingredients – raspberry liqueur, lemonade, vodka, and honeydew melon – and it’s been a hit ever since.
The honey deuce is quick to make by the glass or pitcher and perfect to sip as you watch tennis…or sit by the pool, porch, or backyard barbecue.
For those who may not play or follow tennis, I should also mention that deuce is the term for a tie score of 40-40.
At the Open, the honey deuce is served in a plastic souvenir cup, which lists the current year along with the names of previous tournament winners. The cup has become a coveted souvenir, perhaps justifying the $22 price tag.
Lucky for us, Emily had a special edition glass from the 50th anniversary of the Open in 2018. Any glass will do, but her keepsake was fun for the photos!
As an exciting P.S., Jack and I are going to the US Open this year. Stay tuned for photos on Instagram and Facebook stories! Meanwhile, below are two shots of a previous trip Emily made to the Open with her family.
How do you make a non-alcoholic honey deuce? Not sure if this was a possibility, I asked while at the US Open, and was pleased to learn it is. For the NA honey deuce, cranberry and lime juice replace the vodka and Chambord. We ordered one of each (see second photo, below), and they were both delicious!
Emily and family at the US Open a few years ago.
On our recent trip the the US Open, I discovered that they will make a non-alcoholic version of this very popular cocktail. The drink on the left is the original, while the one on the right uses cranberry and lime juice in place of the vodka and Chambord.
Frances Tiafoe about to serve.
Even if you skip the garnish and trade courtside for poolside, the Honey Deuce is destined to be the drink of the season.
I’d love to know if you try the Honey Deuce. Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @fountainavenuekitchen on Instagram and Facebook. Your feedback is always appreciated.
Honey DeucePrep Time: 3 minutes Total Time: 3 minutes Yield: 1 cocktail; easy to scale up or make a pitcher
The Honey Deuce is a cocktail version of raspberry lemonade and the official drink of the US Open, but you don’t need to be a tennis fan to love it. Added fun factor comes from the garnish. Scoops of honeydew melon are the tennis balls. How clever is that?
Ingredients
- 1¼ ounces vodka (Grey Goose is authentic, but use your favorite)
- 3 ounces lemonade (homemade or your favorite store-bought*)
- ½ ounce raspberry liqueur (I use Chambord)
- 3 skewered honeydew melon balls for garnish (if you skip, the drink is still delicious!)
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Fill a chilled highball or Collins glass with ice and add the vodka.
- Top with the lemonade and raspberry liqueur and stir.
- Garnish with the honeydew melon balls.
- Cheers!
Notes*When purchasing lemonade, I really like the Simply Lemonade brand.
How do you make a non-alcoholic honey deuce? I recently asked at the US Open, and for a NA honey deuce, they use cranberry and lime juice in place of the vodka and Chambord. We ordered one to try, and it was very good!
Tip: For a colder, more refreshing pour, store your vodka in the refrigerator. Vodka may also be stored in the freezer, as the alcohol content will prevent it from freezing.
For a pitcher: (yield: 56oz/7 cups)
• 2 cups (16oz) vodka
• 4 cups (32oz) lemonade
• 1 cup (8oz) raspberry liqueur
• Garnish: Honeydew melon balls
Add lemonade, vodka, and raspberry liqueur to a large pitcher filled with ice and stir well. Pour into highball glasses filled with ice and garnish with melon balls.
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- 1¼ ounces vodka (Grey Goose is authentic, but use your favorite)
- 3 ounces lemonade (homemade or your favorite store-bought*)
- ½ ounce raspberry liqueur (I use Chambord)
- 3 skewered honeydew melon balls for garnish (if you skip, the drink is still delicious!)
- Crushed ice
- Fill a chilled highball or Collins glass with ice and add the vodka.
- Top with the lemonade and raspberry liqueur and stir.
- Garnish with the honeydew melon balls.
- Cheers!
*When purchasing lemonade, I really like the Simply Lemonade brand.
How do you make a non-alcoholic honey deuce? I recently asked at the US Open, and for a NA honey deuce, they use cranberry and lime juice in place of the vodka and Chambord. We ordered one to try, and it was very good!
Tip: For a colder, more refreshing pour, store your vodka in the refrigerator. Vodka may also be stored in the freezer, as the alcohol content will prevent it from freezing.
For a pitcher: (yield: 56oz/7 cups)
• 2 cups (16oz) vodka
• 4 cups (32oz) lemonade
• 1 cup (8oz) raspberry liqueur
• Garnish: Honeydew melon balls
Add lemonade, vodka, and raspberry liqueur to a large pitcher filled with ice and stir well. Pour into highball glasses filled with ice and garnish with melon balls.