Every year, as the world’s best tennis players battle it out under the bright lights of Flushing Meadows, fans sip on a drink that has become just as iconic as the tournament itself—the Honey Deuce. More than just a cocktail, the Honey Deuce has grown into a cultural symbol of the US Open, carrying nearly two decades of tradition and storytelling in every glass.
The birth of a signature drink
The Honey Deuce didn’t always hold its legendary status. It was first introduced in 2005, crafted by renowned restaurateur and former Grey Goose ambassador Nick Mautone. His challenge was straightforward yet daunting: to create a cocktail that could be prepared in massive quantities for the roaring crowds of the US Open while remaining refreshing and visually striking.
Mautone recalled how the inspiration came from a simple dessert he was preparing at home.
“As I was scooping honeydew melon balls, it struck me—they looked just like tennis balls. In that moment, inspiration hit, and the concept for our cocktail was born,” he shared.
That spark led to the creation of a drink that perfectly married aesthetics with flavor—a recipe destined for tennis history.
Crafting the perfect balance
Developing the Honey Deuce was no overnight success. Mautone experimented with multiple variations before arriving at the final recipe that struck the right chord with both fans and bartenders. The winning mix included Grey Goose vodka, fresh lemonade, Chambord raspberry liqueur, and the signature honeydew melon balls.
The raspberry liqueur added more than just a burst of sweetness—it gave the cocktail its vibrant pink hue, making it instantly recognizable across Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I made several variations that did not make the cut; many proved too hard for the venue to produce in large format,” Mautone admitted.
His careful attention ensured the drink wasn’t just flavorful, but also practical for large-scale service during the two-week tournament.
More than a drink, a tradition
Today, nearly 20 years after its creation, the Honey Deuce has become inseparable from the US Open experience. Its presentation—a chilled cocktail topped with melon “tennis balls”—is both playful and sophisticated, capturing the energy of the tournament itself.
Whether enjoyed by first-time visitors or loyal tennis fans returning year after year, the Honey Deuce is more than just a beverage. It is a ritual, a piece of the US Open’s identity, and a sip of tennis history.
As the US Open 2025 unfolds, the Honey Deuce continues to serve not only as a refreshing cocktail but also as a timeless reminder of how creativity, simplicity, and sport can come together to create an enduring icon.