This recipe for the official Honey Deuce Cocktail brings the signature drink of the US Open Tennis Championships right to your home. This incredibly refreshing and beautifully simple cocktail is a perfect mix of premium vodka, tart lemonade, and a splash of sweet raspberry liqueur. Its iconic garnish of frozen honeydew melon “tennis balls” makes it a fun, festive, and delicious drink that’s a grand slam for any occasion.
Whether you’re watching the final match or just enjoying a warm late-summer evening, the Honey Deuce is the ultimate thirst-quencher. It’s a sophisticated yet easy-to-make cocktail that’s perfectly balanced and dangerously drinkable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Iconic & Refreshing: The famous, must-have cocktail for any tennis fan or lover of light, fruity drinks.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: A simple, three-ingredient cocktail that you just pour and serve.
- Perfect for Parties: Easy to scale up for a crowd and always a huge hit.
- Fun & Festive Garnish: The honeydew melon balls are a signature, whimsical touch that makes the drink special.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 oz Grey Goose Vodka
- 3 oz Fresh Lemonade
- 1/2 oz Chambord or other raspberry liqueur
- For Garnish: 3 frozen Honeydew Melon Balls
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Garnish: Ahead of time, use a melon baller to scoop out several balls from a ripe honeydew melon. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until solid.
- Fill the Glass: Fill a chilled highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add Vodka and Lemonade: Pour the Grey Goose vodka over the ice, followed by the fresh lemonade.
- Top with Liqueur: Drizzle the raspberry liqueur over the top. It will cascade beautifully through the drink.
- Garnish and Serve: Skewer the three frozen honeydew melon balls on a cocktail pick and place it in the glass. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Pro Tip: Using high-quality, fresh-squeezed lemonade will elevate the flavor of your cocktail significantly compared to a concentrate or powder mix.
- Make a Pitcher: To make a batch for a party, combine 1 part vodka, 3 parts lemonade, and 1/2 part raspberry liqueur in a large pitcher. Wait to add ice until serving to avoid watering it down.
- Different Vodka: While Grey Goose is the official vodka of the tournament, any high-quality, smooth vodka will work well.
- No Melon Baller? If you don’t have a melon baller, you can simply cut the honeydew into small cubes and freeze them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Chambord?
- Chambord is a premium French raspberry liqueur. If you can’t find it, any good-quality raspberry liqueur (like Razzmatazz) or even crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur) can be used as a substitute.
- Can I make this non-alcoholic?
- Absolutely. For a delicious “mocktail” version, simply omit the vodka and raspberry liqueur. Combine the lemonade with a splash of raspberry syrup and garnish as usual.
- Why does the garnish have to be honeydew?
- The signature garnish of honeydew melon balls is meant to look like little tennis balls, a nod to the US Open!
Serving Suggestions
- The Honey Deuce is traditionally served in a highball glass, often a souvenir cup from the US Open. It’s best served ice cold on a hot day, whether you’re on a patio, by a pool, or on the couch watching the match.
Honey Deuce Cocktail
The official cocktail of the U.S. Open! Fresh lemonade is mixed with vodka, raspberry liqueur, and garnished with chilled honeydew melon balls. Refreshing, elegant, and perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small pot over medium-low heat, combine sugar and water. Heat until sugar dissolves, then let cool. Add fresh lemon juice to create a simple lemonade base.
- In a shaker, combine 3 oz lemonade, 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz raspberry liqueur, and ice. Shake vigorously, then strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with honeydew melon balls on a skewer.
- In a pitcher, combine 16 oz lemonade, 9 oz vodka, and 3 oz raspberry liqueur. Stir well and chill. Add ice to glasses when serving and garnish with honeydew melon balls.
Notes
You can prepare this cocktail as a single serving with a shaker or make a large batch in a pitcher for parties. Store-bought lemonade works if you want to save time, and a splash of sparkling water on top makes it even more refreshing.
