You don’t need to be courtside at the U.S. Open to enjoy its signature sip. The Honey Deuce—named for the tennis term “deuce,” when players are tied late in a game—is as much a part of the tournament as the matches themselves. And thankfully, it’s easy to recreate at home.

The cocktail was born in 2006 when Nick Mautone, then a brand ambassador for Grey Goose, was tasked with crafting an official drink for the Open. On his way home one night, he picked up a honeydew melon. While using a melon baller, he noticed the pale green spheres looked a lot like tennis balls—and a cocktail concept was born.

At its core, the Honey Deuce is a vodka lemonade, but what elevates it is the addition of Chambord (a black raspberry liqueur). Chambord gives it both a berry-sweetness to balance the tart lemonade and a soft pink hue that feels just right for a summer afternoon.

What makes this cocktail a grand slam is its ease and scalability. Whether serving a single glass or a party pitcher, it always delivers. While any good vodka will do, the official version uses Grey Goose—which we always have on hand, thanks to Ed’s allegiance.

If you want the full U.S. Open effect, don’t skip the garnish: frozen honeydew melon balls stand in for miniature tennis balls and help keep the drink cold. Don’t worry if you don’t have time to freeze them.

I may not have made it to Flushing Meadows (yet), but at least I’ve enjoyed this cocktail at home. Here’s to sipping like a champion.

Thank you to Sharon G, for these pretty pink glasses which are perfect for this drink.

Honey Deuce

U.S. Open, in a glass

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Course Drink

Servings 1

Ingredients

1-1/4 ounces vodka preferably Grey Goose
1/2 ounce raspberry liqueur preferably Chambord
3 ounces lemonade
3 honeydew melon balls

Instructions

If you’re planning ahead, prepare the honeydew melon balls (using a melon baller) and place them on a parchment-lined plate for 2 to 3 hours. If you don’t have time to freeze them, no worries.
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add vodka, raspberry liqueur and lemonade. Stir.
Garnish with a skewer of 3 honeydew melon balls.