Honey Deuce

Just like how the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby is a Mint Julep, the Honey Deuce is the official drink of the U.S. Open, America's one and only Grand Slam for tennis. (The name alludes to the 40-40 tie score known in the tennis world as a "deuce.")

And just like how you don't need to be donning a big hat in the stands of Churchill Downs to enjoy that mint-topped bourbon refresher in the silver cup, you don't need to be a tennis fan to be tempted by this spiked lemonade cocktail that is basically begging to be sipped on your porch. It's much more accessible than the courts of the U.S. Open, and it's easy to whip up at home in just about two minutes.

The base of the cocktail is lemonade, preferably fresh, homemade lemonade, which is then spiked with Grey Goose vodka and Chambord. Finally, the cocktail is customarily garnished with honeydew melon balls, because they look charmingly like tennis bowls. Fitting, no? Break out the melon baller at home, or you can simply garnish with a lemon wedge or cocktail skewer of raspberries to complement the Chambord.

Who Invented the Honey Deuce?

In 2006, restauranteur Nick Mautone was hired by Grey Goose, one of the U.S. Open sponsors, to help promote the Grey Goose brand. He worked to create a cocktail that would be easy to make for a crowd, quick to serve, and of course, refreshing on a hot day. The Honey Deuce he created was balanced, fruity, and well-received. It remains incredibly popular to this day.

Ingredients for a Honey Deuce

This fruity, refreshing cocktail is perfectly balanced—a little tart, a little sweet, and super refreshing. To make this drink, you'll need:

• Vodka: Preferably Grey Goose, but can be substituted with a vodka of a similar quality.
• Lemonade: Adds a vibrant punch to the drink. Aim for homemade if possible.
• Raspberry liqueur: Preferably Chambord for a mild, fruity flavor.
• Ice: Ideally crushed.
• Honeydew melon balls: Chilled or frozen for a sweet, tennis-inspired touch.

How To Make a Honey Deuce

This drink comes together quickly for a festive way to watch a tennis game, or a light and fruity way to enjoy an afternoon at home.

To make it, fill a highball glass with ice. Add vodka, then top with lemonade and raspberry liqueur. Garnish with honeydew melon balls, lemon wedges, or fresh raspberries, and you're ready to serve (pun intended)!

Can I Make a Pitcher of Honey Deuce?

This drink can be scaled up to serve a crowd. Prepare the honeydew balls, and chill or freeze in advance so they're ready to grab when you need them. Then refer to this official recipe for your large-batch proportions.

Can a Honey Deuce Be Served Frozen?

Want a version of this cocktail that's even more refreshing on a hot summer day? Look no further than a frozen Honey Deuce. Blend the vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur, and crushed ice in a blender until well combined. Garnish with honeydew balls and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Honey Deuce

• DIY crushed ice: For easy crushed ice, place cubes into a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
• Chilled honeydew: Freeze the melon balls in advance to help keep the drink cold when serving.
• Fresh garnishes: Add even more color by garnishing the drink with both honeydew melon and fresh raspberries.
• Quality ingredients: Since Grey Goose is the official company behind this drink, be sure to use it or a vodka of similar quality when making this cocktail.
• Raspberry is a must: If you need to substitute the Chambord, choose another raspberry liqueur for a similar flavor. The liqueur adds a subtle, fruity flavor that makes this drink reminiscent of a raspberry lemonade.
• Keep it homemade: Opt for homemade lemonade if you can for a fresh, vibrant flavor that isn't too sweet.

What To Serve With a Honey Deuce

This drink is strong enough to sip on, especially when paired with a variety of snacks or appetizers. Check out our favorite small bites for a variety of dishes that will keep you and your guests happy until dinnertime.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.