Overview: The Honey Deuce Cocktail serves as the official beverage for the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, marking two decades since its inception. Commissioned by Grey Goose in 2006, this signature drink combines vodka, raspberry liqueur, and lemonade with a distinctive honeydew melon garnish.
The Full Story
The cocktail traces its lineage to a 2006 commission by Grey Goose for mixologist Nick Mautone. It was designed to match the bright green tennis balls used at the tournament, eventually becoming the official drink in 2007. The name is a mashup of “honeydew” and the tennis term “deuce,” which refers to a tied score of 40-40.
The drink features vodka, Chambord, and lemonade, served with the signature garnish of honeydew melon balls. It resembles the official cocktail of another tennis tournament: Wimbledon’s Pimm’s Cup, which features gin and lemonade. The U.S. Open runs through Sept. 7, but this cocktail is so refreshing that it remains popular well into fall.
Even the acrylic tumblers the drinks come in have become collectible items costing $23. The commemorative design changes each year to reflect the winners of every Open, much like the Mint Julep cups at Churchill Downs. Unsurprisingly, they cost a pretty penny: One Honey Deuce and its special cup will set you back a whopping$23.
Production & Profile
The official recipe calls for 1 ¼ ounces vodka (like Grey Goose), 3 oz fresh lemonade, and ½ ounce raspberry liqueur (like Chambord). To prepare the drink, fill a chilled highball glass with ice cubes. Add the vodka, top with the lemonade and Chambord, and stir. Skewer the melon balls and add as a garnish.
Variations on the Honey Deuce Cocktail include building the cocktail in a glass and blending it until smooth for a Frozen Honey Deuce. Making Honey Deuces for a crowd allows you to batch the cocktail to make enough for nine people at once using 16 ounces vodka, 32 ounces fresh lemonade, and 8 ounces raspberry liqueur.
Brand & Industry History
The cocktail traces its lineage to a 2006 commission by Grey Goose for mixologist Nick Mautone. It was designed to match the bright green tennis balls used at the tournament, eventually becoming the official drink in 2007.
What This Means
The drink is now considered iconic and is synonymous with the U.S. Open. Eventhe acrylic tumblers the drinks come in have become collectible—thecommemorative design changes each year to reflect the winners of every Open,much like the Mint Julep cups at Churchill Downs. This availability allows enthusiasts to replicate the experience at home without attending the event in New York.
Consumer Takeaway
Home bartenders can utilize the official recipe using vodka, Chambord, and lemonade to recreate the signature drink. The option exists for a frozen variation or batch preparation for larger gatherings, ensuring the flavor remains accessible through the summer heat.
Source: Read the original article
