You’ll love this refreshing and invigorating grand slam of a cocktail.
The US Open was in full swing. I had arrived late, the traffic in this part of Queens being particularly heavy that day. Running through the back corridors of Arthur Ashe Stadium, I desperately searched for where I was sitting. Knowing absolutely nothing about tennis, how to play it or even follow it, my excitement at drinking a few Honey Deuce cocktails was overwhelming. So much so that I dressed in tennis shorts, shoes, shirt and a totally 80s headband to complete the look, hoping to blend in. Looking like a pro would turn out to be a big mistake.
A hand grabbed my arm, pulling me through a private walkway and down onto the court. Suddenly the same hand, which belonged to a ballboy, thrust a lethal-looking racket in my hand.
“What’s going on? I’m just looking for my seat and a Honey Deuce-” I was cut off.
“This is your match, you’re late!”, he exclaimed. “Aren’t you the player?”
“Of course not-”, I began to say. Unfortunately, only the first two words were heard as I was shoved out in front of the roaring crowd. Across the net stood my opponent. Their eyes, below a lone, angry brow glowered at me in annoyed confusion. Suddenly they lobbed a yellow ball into the air and launched it my way with a loud THWOK of their racket.
Flying at me like a rocket, the ball seemed to whistle and whine with speed. A hush fell over the spectators. There was nothing I, a complete and utter noob, could do. I swung at it with a loud cry of strenuous effort.
I awoke in the infirmary, my head a throbbing vessel of squishy pain. I tasted blood. Next to me, keeping watch, was the ballboy. I managed to croak out a feeble question. “Did I win?”
He shook his head mournfully. “That ball knocked you back like twenty feet when it hit you. And your swing was way off. It’s almost like you don’t know how to play tennis.”
Staring at the ceiling, all I could think was how I came for the Honey Deuce, but stayed for a concussion. And for one, brief glorious millisecond, I really thought I could win.
What is a Honey Deuce Cocktail?
The Honey Deuce cocktail is the official libation of the US Open, a Grand Slam tennis tournament held every year in Queens, New York. Created by mixologist Nick Mautone, it is a simple and sweet recipe that combines vodka, lemonade and raspberry liqueur. The three little round melon balls added for garnish resemble tennis balls, making it a fun beverage for enthusiasts of the sport to enjoy.
What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a Honey Deuce?
A crisp and clean top-shelf vodka, such as a Grey Goose, Cîroc or Belvedere, will meld seamlessly with the freshly squeezed lemonade and raspberry liqueur, a Chambord perhaps. You don’t have to go crazy when picking out your ingredients. If you have a preference in your brand of spirits, by all means go with that. And if fresh lemonade isn’t available, there are plenty of delicious options at the supermarket.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces lemonade
- 1/2 ounce raspberry liqueur
- Ice cubes
- 3 honeydew melon balls for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour vodka over the ice.
- Add lemonade and raspberry liqueur, and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with skewered honeydew melon balls.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
Fill a highball glass with ice to craft your cocktail in, and pop three melon balls on a skewer or little drink sword for garnish to complete the look.
Yes, you upscale your recipe for a large group and combine the ingredients together in a pitcher or other big container. Store in your fridge for a few days before serving. It is also recommended to prepare and freeze your melon balls ahead of time as well.
At 284 calories, this beverage’s count can add up quickly if you have more than a few.
I tried this recipe with a London Dry gin and found it to be just as sweet and refreshing, albeit more botanical forward, especially the juniper.
Similar Drinks to the Honey Deuce
If you prefer to watch your sports rather than playing them, you and I are in good company. And enjoying any match or game is always elevated with a cold and satisfying tipple. The Honey Deuce is a thirst-quenching winner, and Twist & Toast has other recipes that’ll score some goals with you too.
- Vodka Lemonade – Simple and brilliant, the combination of lemonade and vodka will make any partygoer happy.
- Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg Lemonade – This sparkling lemon libation is sure to cool you down on a hot summer’s day.
- Belmont Jewel – Bring the Belmont Stakes home with you as you sip this refreshing treat on your couch.
- Disneyland Mint Julep – Taking a booze break? Try this non-alcoholic version of the sporting favorite.
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