Honey Deuce Cocktail
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While Wimbledon has the Pimm’s Cup, the US Open has the honey deuce. This refreshing alcoholic take on lemonade is made with only a few ingredients: vodka, lemonade, and Chambord (a black raspberry liqueur). The name comes from the 40-40 tie game score in tennis and the honeydew melon balls that resemble tennis balls. It’s one of my favorite cocktails, and I always forget I can make it at home using this simple recipe rather than having to wait for the two weeks of the US Open tennis tournament every year. A honey deuce cocktail at the US Open costs $22 (in a souvenir cup) but costs significantly less to make yourself at home.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Vodka – This clear, distilled spirit doesn’t necessarily have as many hard and fast rules as other liquors. To make vodka, they extract the starch from various grains, fruits and vegetables; commonly potatoes, wheat or rice. Vodka at its base is less flavorful than other spirits (unless it’s flavored vodka). Grey Goose was the creator of the cocktail.
- Lemonade – Store Bought or homemade lemonade works well in this recipe.
- Raspberry liqueur – I use Chambord in this recipe. Chambord has a sweet flavor and deep red color. It is a French liqueur made by infusing raspberries and blackberries with vanilla, citrus, honey and cognac.
- Melon – The cocktail is garnished with several melon balls that resemble tennis balls. I use a melon baller though you can also use a tablespoon to make them. Thread them onto a skewer and add to the top of the highball glass.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Swaps and substitutions
- If you can’t find Chambord, I recommend substituting another liqueur like crème de framboise.
- For a lower sugar option, swap the lemonade for some fresh lemon juice and top it off with a bit of club soda.
How to make a honey deuce pitcher
Making a pitcher filled with a batch version of the cocktail comes in handy for entertaining. Combine 9 ounces of vodka, 18 ounces of lemonade and 3 ounces of raspberry liqueur in a large pitcher. Stir and keep chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pour into chilled highball glasses filled with ice. This larger batch serves 6.
How to Make a Honey Deuce Cocktail
Fill a highball glass with ice and vodka. Top with the lemonade and raspberry liqueur.
Thread the melon balls onto a cocktail skewer or toothpick and add them to the cocktail. Serve immediately.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
The name combines “honey” (from honeydew melon garnish) and “deuce” (the 40–40 tennis score), perfectly tying it to the sport of tennis.
Vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur and a garnish of melon balls.
Nope! Grey Goose is traditional, but any good-quality vodka will do!
At Billie Jean King stadium, it sells for around $23, often served in collectible cups. The total estimated cost per drink at home is ~$2.30 – a dramatic savings compared to the stadium price.
Yes! Use raspberry purée with lemonade or a combination of lemon juice and sparkling water instead of booze.
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Honey Deuce Cocktail
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Ingredients:
- 1½ ounces vodka
- 3 ounces lemonade
- ½ ounce raspberry liqueur
- 3 Honeydew melon balls
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice and vodka.
- Top with the lemonade and raspberry liqueur. Thread the melon balls onto a cocktail skewer or toothpick and add them to the cocktail. Serve immediately.
Notes:
Nutrition:
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US Open taste without the ticket price tag!d delicious.
YES! perfect if you can’t make it to NY!