Honey Deuce Cocktail

The honey deuce cocktail is a guaranteed “ace” when it comes to entertaining during US Open season. This crisp, colorful and chic apertif has been the official drink of the US Open since 2006, but it’s incredibly easy to make for watch parties at home too. The delightful mix of vodka, lemonade and raspberry liqueur looks as good as it tastes, but the real showstopper is the garnish: honeydew melon balls that look like miniature tennis balls. This little detail levels up the drink from a cute courtside cocktail to a VIP suite sipper.

Whether you’re hosting the whole tennis club after a hard-fought doubles match or just kicking back solo with ESPN, the honey deuce makes you look like a bartending pro. It’s a drink that serves style, flavor and a perfect backhand of bragging rights without making you chase down a single rogue ball—unless you prep your garnish with a little too much spin.

Honey Deuce Cocktail Ingredients

• Ice cubes: These chill the drink without diluting the flavor too quickly. Use large, clear ice cubes if you want your drink to stay icy and photogenic for longer.
• Vodka: The original recipe traditionally uses a clean, neutral vodka like Grey Goose, which allows the citrus and raspberry flavors to shine.
• Lemonade: Store-bought lemonade is fine, but if you want a truly elevated sip, try making homemade lemonade. It lets you create a personalized balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Raspberry liqueur: Chambord is the classic choice here. It floats gently into the drink and adds a jewel-toned hue and sweet berry complexity.
• Honeydew melon balls: These adorable little spheres mimic tennis balls and give the drink its iconic look. Chill or freeze them ahead of time if you (and your drink) are super cool.

Directions

Step 1: Fill a glass with ice, and add vodka and lemonade

Fill a highball glass with ice. Top with the vodka. Add the lemonade.

Step 2: Add the liqueur

Add the raspberry liqueur to the glass. Stir to combine.

Editor’s Tip: Want an extra aesthetic boost? Chill the raspberry liqueur ahead of time and pour the thick liquid over a bar spoon to create pretty layers.

Step 3: Garnish with melon balls

Thread three honeydew melon balls onto a cocktail skewer and rest it against the edge of the glass.

Honey Deuce Cocktail Variations

• Serve up a boozy slushy: Blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen version that’s perfect for hot summer days. Serve with frozen melon balls.
• Give each sip some sparkle: Top with a splash of club soda or Prosecco for a bubbly, spritz-like finish.
• Make a tart twist: Swap in limeade or pink lemonade for a tangy, tart spin on the original.
• Boost the flavor with berries: Muddle a few fresh raspberries into the bottom of the glass before adding ice for an extra fruity flavor burst.

How to Store Honey Deuce Cocktail

Making and storing this cocktail ahead of time is an ace of an idea. To make a batch of honey deuce cocktails in advance, mix the vodka and lemonade in a pitcher and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Don’t add the raspberry liqueur until just before serving if you want to create a layering effect. Adding the ice right before serving prevents watering down the batch cocktail. You can also pre-skewer your melon balls a few hours in advance and keep them chilled until party time.

Honey Deuce Cocktail Tips

What’s the best type of glass for a honey deuce cocktail recipe?

The classic honey deuce cocktail recipe is served in a stemless wine glass or highball cocktail glass, which gives plenty of room for ice and garnishes. But really, any sturdy glass that fits your melon balls will do just fine.

How do you make melon balls without a melon baller?

If you don’t have a melon baller, use a small metal teaspoon or a rounded 1/2-teaspoon measuring spoon. Scoop and twist to form a rough sphere. It won’t be perfect, but it’ll still look cute—and taste great.