Introduction to the Honey Deuce
The iconic Honey Deuce cocktail has been a U.S. Open staple for nearly 20 years. The 2025 U.S. Open will be no different as tennis fans will rush to concession stands to grab their refreshing cocktail made with Grey Goose vodka, freshly squeezed lemonade and Chambord raspberry liqueur. Whether it’s New York’s passion for tennis or a light Honey Deuce buzz, the U.S. Open is known to have the rowdiest fans in the stands, making for an unforgettable experience.
History of the Honey Deuce
Many sporting events have an iconic signature drink, whether it’s the Kentucky Derby’s Mint Julep or the Indy 500’s Pit Lane Lemonade. The U.S. Open’s refreshing Honey Deuce has been popular among the large New York crowds and comes in a commemorative cup that lists all of the Grand Slam’s past champions. The U.S. Open gets a little more lit as fans sip on their alcoholic beverage.
Origin of the Name
Honey Deuce takes its name from the word deuce, which is a tennis term for when the score is tied 40-40. The honeydew melon ball skewers, which are meant to mimic tennis balls, give fans the complete experience.
Creation of the Honey Deuce
In 2006, the U.S. Open sponsor Grey Goose asked Nick Mautone, a respected restaurateur who had been managing partner at Gramercy Tavern, to come up with a signature vodka drink for the annual U.S. Open. The drink had to be refreshing and easy to concoct due to the large volume the Slam can create. The idea of the drink was also meant to complement the idea of having a ball park-like cocktail and tasting universally delicious. After a couple of failed drinks, which included rosemary syrup and muddled lemons, Mautone created a mini spherical honeydew melon drink that resembled tennis balls.
Facts and Figures
The Honey Deuce made its debut in 2007, becoming the official cocktail of the U.S. Open. The U.S. Open has sold over 2.8 million Honey Deuce drinks since it was introduced to the event, according to Grey Goose. In 2024, more than 556,000 of the cult-favorite cocktails were sold, generating nearly $13 million in revenue. The drink costs $23 this year and comes in a U.S. Open glass, which purchasers can keep as a souvenir. In the past, its cost fluctuated between $18 and $22.
Ingredients of the Honey Deuce
The simple yet delicious cocktail has four ingredients:
- 1.25 oz Grey Goose vodka
- 3.0 oz Fresh Lemonade
- 0.5 oz Raspberry Liqueur
- Garnish: honeydew melon ball skewer
A version of this article was originally published in 2022.
Conclusion
The Honey Deuce has become an integral part of the U.S. Open experience, with its refreshing taste and commemorative cup making it a must-have for tennis fans. With its rich history and interesting facts, the Honey Deuce is sure to continue to be a crowd favorite for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What is the Honey Deuce?
A: The Honey Deuce is the official cocktail of the U.S. Open, made with Grey Goose vodka, freshly squeezed lemonade, and Chambord raspberry liqueur.
Q: How much does a Honey Deuce cost?
A: The Honey Deuce costs $23 this year and comes in a U.S. Open glass, which purchasers can keep as a souvenir.
Q: Who created the Honey Deuce?
A: The Honey Deuce was created by Nick Mautone, a respected restaurateur who was asked by Grey Goose to come up with a signature vodka drink for the U.S. Open.
Q: How many Honey Deuce drinks have been sold at the U.S. Open?
A: Over 2.8 million Honey Deuce drinks have been sold at the U.S. Open since its introduction in 2007.
Q: What are the ingredients of the Honey Deuce?
A: The Honey Deuce is made with 1.25 oz Grey Goose vodka, 3.0 oz Fresh Lemonade, 0.5 oz Raspberry Liqueur, and garnished with a honeydew melon ball skewer.
