The Viral Recipe That Has Us Rushing to the Store to Buy Vodka
Despite what the school buses rolling down roads and the plethora of pumpkin products suggest, it's still summer. And one way we know this is that the U.S. Open kicks off today, the last Monday of August. For the next two weeks, tennis fans will be rushing to Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens and/or tuning in on TVs and all the other devices to catch their favorite tennis pros in action. And while you're there (or watching at home), you might see a pink drink that catches your eye—the Honey Deuce, the official cocktail of the U.S. Open.
Last year at the U.S. Open, more than 400,000 of these raspberry lemonade cocktails were sold. The only downside? They're a reported $22 each! Lucky for you, we're going to show you just how easy it is to make the cocktail at home with just three ingredients. The best part? You get to sip this on your couch in the AC while watching the match (and counting all the money you've saved). Read on for everything you need to know about the Honey Deuce cocktail.
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What is the History of the Honey Deuce Cocktail?
The Honey Deuce is a simple blend of vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur, usually garnished with honeydew melon balls (to resemble tennis balls). The drink has been the official cocktail of the tennis tournament since 2007, when it was invented by restaurateur Nick Mautone.
Grey Goose, which has been a sponsor of the U.S. Open, tapped him to create a special drink that was "interesting and memorable, but easy enough to serve at a high-capacity event." He started mixing and experimenting, and one day, while wandering through a farmer's market, Nick stumbled upon honeydew melon balls. Their striking resemblance to tennis balls sparked an idea, leading to the creation of the iconic garnish for the Honey Deuce. As for the name? It’s a nod to the 40-40 score in tennis, famously known as "deuce."
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What Ingredients are in a Honey Deuce Cocktail?
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
This at-home version uses the same ingredients as the tournament's bartenders use. You're going to need crushed ice, vodka, lemonade, Chambord (or other raspberry liqueur) and skewered honeydew melon balls for garnish.
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How Do you Make the Honey Deuce Cocktail?
In a highball glass, add crushed ice, 1 ? oz. vodka, 3 oz. lemonade, ? oz. Chambord. Stir (or shake in a shaker if you prefer and pour into your highball glass). Thread the honeydew melon balls on a drink skewer. To make a frozen version, combine the vodka, lemonade and Chambord in a blender with a handful of ice, then pour into a glass and garnish.
If you're not into making it but you're still curious to give the drink a try and you live in Chicago or New York, you're in luck. DoorDash has a Honey Deuce kit that's available through September 8 with all the fixings, but in canned form: 8 premixed Honey Deuce Cocktail Courier Cans, 8 metal straws, and, of course, the melon balls, packaged in a cute little Grey Goose insulated tote bag.
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What I Thought of the Honey Deuce Cocktail
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
Not only was this a simple, tart-but-sweet and refreshing cocktail, but it just may be my new go-to for the last few hot summer evenings. And it's a pretty color, so I'm sold. The lemonade gives it just enough sweetness (I made my own here), the raspberry flavor is a tiny bit tart and the vodka pairs incredibly well with both flavors. And the garnish couldn't be cuter—the melon balls really do look like mini tennis balls and take this drink over the top.
The folks at the U.S. Open say to use only Grey Goose (it is a sponsor, after all) but I used what I had on hand: my well-loved bottle of Aspen vodka, so use what you have and use what you like! It will still be gorgeous, simple, refreshing and downright delicious. No wonder it's a winner.
And I'm not the only one who thinks so. "The Honey Deuce cocktail was easy to make, refreshing, and sweet. The melon balls were a fun garnish!" says one fan. "I like making the Honey Deuce all year long. Living in Miami, it's always hot out and for a nice BBQ or day on the beach, this drink is my go-to" adds another. Game, set, match!
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