Tennis Court Twist - Honey Deuce Cocktail Recipe

The Honey Deuce is the official cocktail of the U.S. Open, and it has earned that title the hard way, by becoming one of the most photographed, most talked about drinks in tennis. Created by mixologist Nick Mautone, it pairs vodka and fresh lemonade with a float of Chambord, then finishes with three honeydew melon balls skewered on top so they look exactly like miniature tennis balls. It’s the kind of garnish that gets a drink noticed before anyone’s even tasted it.

Underneath the presentation, it’s a genuinely easy, well-balanced drink. Grey Goose vodka keeps things clean rather than boozy, fresh lemonade supplies the tartness, and the Chambord (a black raspberry liqueur) adds both color and a layer of sweetness without turning the drink syrupy. Poured over crushed ice, it stays cold and refreshing through a long match or a long afternoon, which is exactly the point. Tournaments sell tens of thousands of these a year, and the demand alone tells you it’s more than just a novelty.

Part of what makes it work at home is how forgiving it is. There’s no shaking, no precise ratios to hit, and the only “technique” involved is scooping the melon balls. If you’re making a batch for a group, the base mixes fine in a pitcher, just add the Chambord and garnish drink by drink so it doesn’t get lost.

Glass: Collins glass  |  Strength: Light  |  Serves: 1  |  Prep Time: 5 minutes

Bartender’s tip: Don’t stir the Chambord in. Letting it sit on top and slowly bleed down through the drink is what gives the Honey Deuce its layered color, and it looks a lot better in photos too.