Week 1 of the 2026 U.S. Open is underway, and as players get warmed up on the court, there’s no better way to enjoy the action than with a drink that is an event tradition: the Honey Deuce. For two decades, this signature cocktail has become one of the most recognizable drinks in sports. See below for the history of the Honey Deuce at Arthur Ashe Stadium and what it takes to craft the perfect cocktail.
What is the Honey Deuce drink at the U.S. Open?
The Honey Deuce is the signature drink of the U.S. Open. The name derives from the tennis term, “deuce”, a tie score of 40-40, and has a pink color with a honeydew garnish resembling tennis balls. You can enjoy it on the rocks, frozen, or as a large pitcher.
Honey Deuce recipe
Ingredients:
1 1/4 oz Grey Goose Vodka
3 oz. Fresh Lemonade
1/2 oz. Premium Raspberry Liqueur
3 Honeydew Melon Balls
How to make a Honey Deuce
Fill a chilled highball glass with cubed ice and add Grey Goose vodka. Top with fresh lemonade and raspberry liqueur. Garnish with a skewer of one or multiple frozen honeydew balls.
For those looking for variety at home, you can enjoy a Frozen Grey Goose Honey Deuce, which blends the ingredients with ice until well combined. The Grey Goose Top Spin is another popular variation, which substitutes in ginger beer, cranberry juice, and garnished grapes with Grey Goose vodka.
History of the Honey Deuce at the U.S. Open
Nick Mautone, a successful restauranteur, invented the Honey Deuce in 2006 when Grey Goose wanted to create a special drink as a sponsor of the tennis tournament. The goal was simple: create something interesting, memorable, but easy enough to serve in a high-capacity.
While shopping at a farmer’s market, a cluster of honeydew melon balls caught Mautone’s eye. He was inspired by their striking resemblance to tennis balls, and with the raspberry-lemonade base, it served as the perfect pairing for what is now a Grand Slam cocktail.
How much does the Honey Deuce drink cost at Arthur Ashe stadium?
You can enjoy a Grey Goose Honey Deuce cocktail for $23 in a commemorative souvenir cup, which you get to take home while supplies last.
Why is the Honey Deuce drink so popular?
Since 2011, over 3.5 million Honey Deuce cocktails have been sold, including around 740,000 in 2025 alone. Through robust marketing and the drink’s natural, photogenic appearance, it has become an integral part of the U.S. Open fan experience.
