While U.S. Open players are serving tennis balls, something just as important is being served to the audience in the stands: cocktails. But it’s not just any regular drink that social media is raving about. The infamous Honey Deuce, created by Grey Goose vodka, can only be found at the U.S. Open—and the cocktail is so acclaimed, you could now say it’s become essential to the success of the event itself.
Last year, Honey Deuce sales reached nearly $10 million, which has given it its very own celebrity nickname: the Ten Million Dollar Drink. It might need a new moniker in 2024, though—Grey Goose is aiming to break its sales record this year.
Nearly 500,000 cocktails were sold last year at an impressive $22 each. And you won’t find any deals at the U.S. Open this year; the drinks have reached a new price of $23 per glass, which is high even for stadium beverages. But if you want to sip on the real deal, the U.S. Open is the only time and place you can order it—so for many tennis fans, that’s money well spent.
If you weren’t able to make the U.S. Open this year but are still desperate to try the iconic drink for yourself, Grey Goose published the official recipe so you can make it at home.
What’s in the Honey Deuce?
The cocktail is composed of Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur for a deliciously fruity concoction. The recipe also includes the measurements to make an entire pitcher, because let’s face it—who wants to stop at just one Honey Deuce?
The real trademark of the Honey Deuce is three scooped honeydew balls, cleverly made to resemble tennis balls. To recreate yourself, slice the melon in half, remove the seeds, and use a melon scooper. To complete the cup, skewer the three pieces and add it to your drink.
How to Try the Honey Deuce
When bought at the event, the Honey Deuce also comes with a custom official U.S. Open cup, which can sometimes go for more than the drink itself online after the Open is over. Unfortunately, you won’t find these sold first-hand anywhere but the U.S. Open.
You might catch the drink itself at a select few New York bars for fans who weren’t able to score seats themselves, though. There are just over 140 bars that are allowed to serve the Honey Deuce—and yes, you’ll only find the drink in NYC, so you do have to travel for it if you’re not lucky enough to live close by.
The drink can only be sold while the U.S. Open is going on, and then bars will take it off the menu until next year. If you’re looking to enjoy the drink year round, your best bet is to serve it up yourself.
Most U.S. Open fans are also dedicated enjoyers of the Honey Deuce, but tennis star Serena Williams doesn’t agree with the name. “It is good,” she said in a TikTok commemorating her first time trying the drink. “But honey, that’s a honey add-in—or a honey ace.” She says she usually prefers tequila, and while it’s unlikely Grey Goose will let that version hit stadiums anytime soon, we have no doubt home mixologists would love that iteration of the Honey Deuce, too.
