If you’ve been hunting for a Honey Deuce Recipe that actually tastes like the $23 cocktail from the U.S. Open, you’re in the right place. This Honey Deuce Recipe is tested, balanced, and easy to make at home for about $5.
I get it. I was confused at first too.
Maybe you saw Serena Williams holding one. Maybe Taylor Swift. Or maybe you just saw that pink drink with the little green melon balls and thought, “Wait, that looks amazing. What is that?”
So here’s the deal. The Honey Deuce is the official cocktail of the U.S. Open. It costs $23 at the stadium. People bought 738,459 of them in 2025 alone. That’s over $17 million in cocktail sales. For one drink.
But here’s the thing nobody tells you: you can make this at home for a fraction of the price. And honestly? It might taste even better because you’re not standing in a stadium line sweating.
Let me walk you through everything. The exact recipe, the melon ball trick, how to batch it for a party, a mocktail version, and all the little things I wish someone had told me before I tried making this myself.
What Is the Honey Deuce Recipe? The $23 U.S. Open Cocktail Explained
The Honey Deuce Recipe is a vodka cocktail made with Grey Goose vodka, fresh lemonade, raspberry liqueur (usually Chambord), and honeydew melon balls that look like tiny tennis balls.
That’s it. Four ingredients. Takes about five minutes.
It was created in 2006 by Nick Mautone, a mixologist and former managing partner of Gramercy Tavern, when Grey Goose asked him to come up with a signature drink for the U.S. Open. The story goes that he was making a fruit salad at home in the Hamptons, looked at the honeydew melon balls he’d just scooped, and thought, “These look like tennis balls.”
And honestly? They do. Especially when they’re frozen and sitting in a glass of pink lemonade.
The name is a tennis pun too. “Deuce” is a tennis score. “Honey” comes from the honeydew. Clever, right?
The drink debuted at the 2006 U.S. Open. In its first year, they sold about 18,000. By 2025, that number had jumped to over 738,000. So yeah, it caught on.
Why This Honey Deuce Recipe Actually Works
I tested this Honey Deuce Recipe a bunch of times. Made it too sweet once. Made it too strong another time. Finally got the ratios right.
Here’s what makes this version work:
The ratios are balanced. The official recipe is 1¼ oz vodka, 3 oz fresh lemonade, and ½ oz raspberry liqueur. That combo gives you something that tastes like a grown-up raspberry lemonade. Not too boozy. Not too sweet. Just right.
You don’t need fancy skills. If you can pour liquid into a glass, you can make this. The only “hard” part is the melon balls, and I’ll show you how to handle that.
It actually tastes like the stadium version. I was skeptical. I thought it would be one of those drinks that’s fun in theory but disappointing at home. But no. It’s good. Really good.
It scales easily. Making one? Easy. Making 16 for a watch party? Also easy. I’ll give you the batch measurements.
The melon balls matter more than you think. I know it sounds like a garnish detail you can skip. Don’t skip it. The frozen melon balls keep the drink cold without watering it down, and they add a little honeydew flavor as they thaw. Plus, they’re the whole point of the drink’s visual appeal.
Honey Deuce Recipe Ingredients: The 4 Things You Need
Let me break down each ingredient. What to buy, what to skip, and what to do if you can’t find something.
Grey Goose Vodka (Or Whatever You’ve Got)
The official recipe uses Grey Goose. That’s what the U.S. Open uses. And yeah, it’s smooth. But here’s my honest take: you can use whatever vodka you have.
I’ve made this with Tito’s. I’ve made it with Ketel One. I’ve even made it with the cheap stuff from the bottom shelf just to see. The difference is noticeable but not huge. The lemonade and raspberry liqueur do a lot of the heavy lifting.
If you want the authentic experience, grab Grey Goose. If you want to save a few bucks, your regular vodka will work just fine. Don’t stress about it.
Fresh Lemonade (This Part Actually Matters)
Okay, this is where I’m going to be a little pushy. Use fresh lemonade. Not the powdered stuff. Not the shelf-stable jug that’s been sitting in the pantry for six months.
Molly Horn, chief mixologist at Total Wine & More, told Forbes that the most common mistake people make with this drink is using shelf-stable lemonade that doesn’t have “the zip or tang of a fresh lemonade.” She’s right.
You’ve got two options:
Option 1: Buy fresh lemonade. Look for the refrigerated stuff in the produce section. Check the sell-by date. If it’s within a week or two, you’re good.
Option 2: Make your own. It’s not hard. Fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water. Horn recommends a ratio of one part lemon juice, one part sugar, and four parts water. Whisk the sugar into the lemon juice first, then add water. That way the sugar dissolves properly.
I usually just buy it. But if you’re hosting a party and want to impress people, homemade lemonade takes this drink to another level.
Chambord (Or Another Raspberry Liqueur)
Chambord is the classic choice. It’s a French black raspberry liqueur that gives the drink its signature pink color and that sweet-tart raspberry flavor.
But here’s the thing: Chambord is expensive. Like $35 a bottle expensive. And if you’re only making a few drinks, that’s a lot to spend on something you might not use again.
Substitutes that work:
Razzmatazz – Cheaper, still raspberry, works fine.
Cr̬me de Framboise РA little different but still tasty.
Homemade raspberry syrup – Simmer raspberries with sugar and water, strain, and you’ve got a zero-proof version that works great.
Grenadine – In a pinch, it’ll do. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll give you that pink color and sweetness.
I’ve tried all of these. Chambord is the best. Razzmatazz is the best budget option. Homemade syrup is the best if you want to control the sweetness.
Honeydew Melon (Don’t Skip This)
You need a ripe honeydew melon. Not a rock-hard one. Not a mushy one. You want one that smells sweet and gives just a little when you press the bottom.
Here’s how to pick a good one:
Smell it. It should smell sweet and melon-y. If it smells like nothing, it’s not ripe.
Press the bottom. It should give slightly. If it’s hard as a rock, it’s not ready.
Look at the color. You want a creamy yellow, not green.
One melon will give you way more melon balls than you need for a few drinks. So if you’re making a batch, one melon is plenty. If you’re making one drink, you’ll have leftovers. Use them for fruit salad or just snack on them.
Honey Deuce Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Calories: 192 per serving (official Grey Goose estimate)
Ingredients
1¼ oz Grey Goose vodka (or your preferred vodka)
3 oz fresh lemonade
½ oz Chambord (or raspberry liqueur of choice)
3 honeydew melon balls, frozen
Ice cubes
Highball glass
Instructions
Chill your highball glass. You can stick it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prep.
Fill the chilled glass with cubed ice.
Pour in the vodka.
Add the fresh lemonade.
Float the raspberry liqueur on top. Don’t stir yet. Let it create that pretty pink gradient.
Skewer three frozen honeydew melon balls on a cocktail pick and rest it on the rim of the glass.
Give it a gentle stir before drinking if you want, or just let the flavors mix as you sip.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 192
Carbs: ~24g
Sugar: ~22g
ABV: Approximately 10%
Note: Nutrition varies based on lemonade brand and how much liqueur you use.
How to Make the Honey Deuce Recipe: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s walk through this properly. Because there are a few little things that make a big difference.
Step 1: Chill Your Glass (Don’t Skip This)
I know it sounds fussy. But a warm glass makes a warm drink. And a warm drink is a sad drink.
Fill your highball glass with ice water while you’re prepping everything else. By the time you’re ready to build, the glass will be nice and cold. Dump the water and ice out, and you’re ready to go.
Step 2: Ice First, Then Vodka
Fill the glass about three-quarters full with cubed ice. Then pour in your 1¼ ounces of vodka.
Why ice first? Because if you pour vodka into an empty glass and then add ice, the ice cracks and you get more dilution. Ice first gives you a cleaner, colder drink.
Step 3: Add the Lemonade
Pour your 3 ounces of lemonade over the vodka and ice. Give it a second to settle.
Step 4: Float the Chambord (This Is the Pretty Part)
Here’s where you get that signature look. Pour the ½ ounce of Chambord slowly over the back of a spoon or just drizzle it gently on top. It’s heavier than the lemonade, so it’ll sink and create this beautiful pink-to-red gradient.
You can stir it if you want. But honestly, it’s prettier if you don’t. Let people stir it themselves and watch the colors swirl.
Step 5: The Melon Balls (The Part That Trips Everyone Up)
Okay, this is the part where people get frustrated. I did too, the first time.
You need frozen honeydew melon balls. Three of them. On a skewer.
Here’s how to do it without losing your mind:
Use a melon baller. Not a spoon. Not a knife. A melon baller. It costs like $8 on Amazon and it makes this so much easier.
Chill the melon first. A cold melon is firmer and easier to scoop. Stick it in the fridge for a few hours before you start.
Scoop with pressure. Press the melon baller into the flesh and twist. The ball should pop right out.
Freeze the balls. This is important. Frozen melon balls keep your drink cold and they don’t get mushy. Freeze them on a parchment-lined sheet for at least two hours. Overnight is even better.
Step 6: Skewer and Serve
Slide three frozen melon balls onto a cocktail pick. Rest it on the rim of your glass. And you’re done.
Take a picture. Because it looks good.
The Melon Ball Garnish: How to Make It Look Like a Tennis Ball
The melon balls are what make this drink iconic. They’re supposed to look like little tennis balls. And when they’re done right, they do.
Tools You Actually Need
Melon baller (the small side, usually)
Cocktail picks or bamboo skewers
Parchment paper for freezing
If you don’t have a melon baller, you can use a small cookie scoop. It’s not as precise but it works in a pinch.
Troubleshooting: When Melon Balls Go Wrong
They’re falling apart. Your melon is too ripe. Get a firmer one. Or chill it longer before scooping.
They’re too small. Use the larger side of the melon baller. Or just accept that they’ll be a little smaller than tennis balls. Nobody’s measuring.
They’re sinking in the drink. Did you freeze them? Frozen melon balls float. Fresh ones sink. Freeze them.
They taste weird. You got a bad melon. It happens. Try a different one.
You don’t have a melon baller and you’re in a panic. Just cut small cubes. It won’t look like tennis balls, but it’ll taste the same.
Honey Deuce Recipe for a Crowd: Pitcher and Batch Guide
Making one Honey Deuce is easy. Making 16 for a watch party is also easy. You just need to know the ratios.
Honey Deuce Pitcher Recipe (8 Servings)
Vodka: 10 oz
Fresh lemonade: 24 oz
Chambord: 4 oz
Melon balls: 24 (3 per drink)
Ice: Plenty
Combine vodka, lemonade, and Chambord in a large pitcher. Stir gently. Chill for at least an hour. When you’re ready to serve, fill highball glasses with ice, pour the mixture, and garnish with three melon balls per glass.
Large-Batch Recipe (16–24 Servings)
Grey Goose actually publishes an official batch recipe. For their jug version, they use 400 ml vodka, 800 ml lemonade, and 200 ml raspberry liqueur. That makes about 10–12 servings depending on how generous you pour.
Double that for a bigger crowd:
Vodka: 800 ml
Lemonade: 1.6 L
Chambord: 400 ml
Party Timeline: What to Do When
24 hours before:
Make the lemonade (if you’re making it from scratch)
Scoop and freeze the melon balls
Chill the vodka and Chambord
2 hours before:
Mix the batch (without ice)
Keep it in the fridge
10 minutes before:
Set out glasses
Fill a bucket with ice
Skewer the melon balls
Self-Serve Bar Setup
If you want people to make their own, set up a little station:
Pitcher of pre-mixed Honey Deuce base
Ice bucket with a scoop
Highball glasses
Skewered melon balls in a small bowl
A sign with instructions
Trust me, people love this. It feels fancy without being complicated.
Honey Deuce Recipe Variations: Frozen, Mocktail, Skinny, and Spicy
The classic Honey Deuce Recipe is great. But you can also mess with it. Here are some variations that actually work.
Frozen Honey Deuce
Blend everything with ice instead of serving it over cubes.
1¼ oz vodka
3 oz lemonade
½ oz Chambord
1 cup ice
3 melon balls
Blend until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass. Garnish with extra melon balls. This is basically a raspberry lemonade slushie with alcohol. Dangerous in the best way.
Non-Alcoholic Honey Deuce Mocktail
You can absolutely make this without booze. And it’s actually really good.
3 oz fresh lemonade
1 oz raspberry syrup (or 1½ oz raspberry puree)
Splash of soda water
Frozen honeydew melon balls
Ice
Combine raspberry puree, lemonade, and soda water in a glass. Add ice. Top with frozen melon balls. The frozen melon balls do double duty here. They keep it cold and add flavor as they thaw.
If you want it a little more complex, add a splash of fresh lime juice. It gives it a nice tang.
Skinny Honey Deuce (Low-Sugar)
The classic version has about 192 calories and 22 grams of sugar. If you want something lighter:
Use a low-sugar or zero-sugar lemonade
Cut the Chambord to ¼ oz
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness
Use extra ice and a splash of soda water to stretch it
It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll still be refreshing.
Spicy Honey Deuce
Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño in the bottom of the glass before you build the drink. Or add a few drops of jalapeño tincture. The heat plays really well with the sweet raspberry and melon.
Don’t overdo it. One slice is enough. You want a little kick, not a five-alarm fire.
Martini-Style Honey Deuce
If you want something stronger and more “cocktail bar” vibes, stir the vodka, lemonade, and Chambord with ice and strain it into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a melon ball on a pick.
It’s essentially a raspberry lemon drop martini. And it’s delicious.
Honey Deuce Recipe Nutrition Facts: Calories, Sugar, and ABV
Okay, let’s talk numbers.
The official Grey Goose FAQ page says a Honey Deuce has 192 calories. That’s the number you’ll see most often.
But here’s where it gets confusing. Other sources list different numbers:
Difford’s Guide says 180 calories
Some recipe sites say 220, 265, or even 280 calories
A Daily Mail article pointed out that three Honey Deuces is nearly 600 calories, which is basically half a tub of Ben & Jerry’s
Why the discrepancy? It depends on the lemonade. Fresh-squeezed lemonade with less sugar will have fewer calories. Store-bought lemonade with high-fructose corn syrup will have more. The type of raspberry liqueur matters too.
Here’s my advice: Don’t stress about exact numbers. If you’re counting calories, use fresh lemonade and go easy on the Chambord. That’ll keep you in the 180–200 range. If you’re not counting, just enjoy the drink and maybe have a glass of water between rounds.
ABV: The Honey Deuce is around 10% alcohol by volume. That’s similar to a strong wine or a light cocktail. It’s not a sipping whiskey, but it’s not a wine cooler either. Two of these and you’ll feel it.
What Does a Honey Deuce Taste Like? (And How to Fix It If It’s Too Sweet)
The flavor is basically this: raspberry lemonade with a hint of melon and a smooth vodka finish. It’s tart, sweet, fruity, and refreshing.
The Chambord gives it a deep berry flavor. The lemonade brings brightness and acidity. The vodka adds a little warmth but doesn’t overpower. And the melon balls add a subtle honeydew note that ties everything together.
But here’s the thing. Some people find it too sweet. I did the first time I made it.
Here’s how to fix it:
Too sweet? Cut the Chambord to ¼ oz. Or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Or use a less sweet lemonade.
Too strong? Add more lemonade. Or more ice. The ice will melt and dilute it as you drink.
Too weak? Add another ¼ oz of vodka. But don’t go overboard. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Too tart? Add a tiny bit more Chambord or a splash of simple syrup.
The beauty of this drink is that it’s forgiving. You can adjust it to your taste without ruining it.
Best Vodka and Chambord Substitutes for a Honey Deuce Recipe
Let’s talk swaps. Because not everyone has Grey Goose and Chambord sitting around.
Vodka Alternatives
Tito’s – Smooth, American-made, affordable. Works great.
Ketel One – A little more premium, still smooth.
Absolut – Reliable and widely available.
Smirnoff – Budget-friendly and totally fine in a mixed drink.
Raspberry Liqueur Alternatives
Razzmatazz – The closest budget substitute. Raspberry-flavored, sweet, pink.
Cr̬me de Framboise РA little more sophisticated, slightly less sweet.
Homemade raspberry syrup – Simmer raspberries with sugar and water, strain, and you’re done. Zero-proof.
Grenadine – In a pinch. It’ll give you color and sweetness but not much raspberry flavor.
Lemonade Alternatives
Fresh-squeezed – The gold standard.
Refrigerated store-bought – Fine if it’s fresh.
Homemade honey-lemonade – Swap some of the sugar for honey. It adds a nice floral note.
Sparkling lemonade – Adds a little fizz. Not traditional, but fun.
Honeydew Alternatives
Cantaloupe – Sweeter, orange color. Still tasty.
Watermelon – More refreshing, less sweet.
Cucumber – For a spa-like version. Surprisingly good.
The Story Behind the U.S. Open’s Most Famous Cocktail
I love a good origin story. And this one is pretty good.
In 2006, Grey Goose became a sponsor of the U.S. Open. They wanted a signature cocktail. Something that would become synonymous with the tournament, like the mint julep at the Kentucky Derby or the Pimm’s Cup at Wimbledon.
They called Nick Mautone. He was a brand ambassador for Grey Goose at the time, and he had a serious resume. Former managing partner of Gramercy Tavern. Hospitality director at the Rainbow Room. Author of five cocktail books.
Mautone went home to Hampton Bays to think. He was making a fruit salad for a dinner party, scooping honeydew melon balls, when it hit him. The melon balls looked exactly like tennis balls.
He borrowed the flavor profile from the dessert he was making (berries, citrus, melon) and added vodka. The Honey Deuce was born.
The drink debuted at the 2006 U.S. Open. In its first year, they sold about 18,000. By 2024, that number had jumped to over 550,000. In 2025, it hit 738,459.
The price has gone up too. In 2014, it was $14. In 2025, it was $23. That’s a 64% increase in a decade.
But people keep buying it. Because it’s not just a drink. It’s an experience. It’s a souvenir. It’s a photo op.
And now you can make it at home.
Honey Deuce vs. Pimm’s Cup: Which Tennis Cocktail Should You Make?
If you’re hosting a tennis watch party, you’ve got two main cocktail options: the Honey Deuce (U.S. Open) or the Pimm’s Cup (Wimbledon).
Here’s how they compare:
Taste: Honey Deuce is sweet, fruity, and raspberry-forward. Pimm’s Cup is herbal, spicy, and cucumber-forward. Completely different vibes.
Difficulty: Both are easy. Honey Deuce has the melon ball garnish, which takes a little effort. Pimm’s Cup is basically just pour and garnish with cucumber and mint.
Ingredients: Honey Deuce needs vodka, lemonade, Chambord, and honeydew. Pimm’s Cup needs Pimm’s No. 1, ginger ale or lemonade, cucumber, mint, and strawberries.
Cost: Honey Deuce is more expensive because of the Chambord. Pimm’s Cup is cheaper.
When to choose each: Honey Deuce for a U.S. Open watch party. Pimm’s Cup for Wimbledon. Or just make both and let people choose.
Honestly, I’d make both. They’re both delicious.
How to Serve a Honey Deuce Recipe: Glassware, Ice, and Food Pairings
Best Glass
A highball glass is traditional. It’s tall, it holds a lot of ice, and it looks good. Nick Mautone himself said it’s “the simplest, easiest glass to use.”
You can also use a Collins glass, which is basically the same thing but slightly taller. Or a pint glass if you’re feeling casual. A mason jar works too if you’re going for that rustic vibe.
Don’t use a martini glass. The drink is too big and it’ll get warm too fast.
Ice
Cubed ice is standard. Clear ice cubes look prettier, but regular ice works fine.
If you want to get fancy, make ice cubes with small melon balls frozen inside. It’s a nice touch for parties.
Food Pairings
The Honey Deuce is sweet and fruity, so it pairs well with:
Light appetizers – Bruschetta, cucumber sandwiches, melon wrapped in prosciutto
Salty snacks – Chips and guacamole, popcorn, pretzels (the salt balances the sweet)
Grilled food – Chicken skewers, shrimp, veggie kebabs
Dessert – Shortbread cookies, fresh fruit, lemon bars
For a U.S. Open watch party, I’d do a spread of finger foods and let people graze. Nothing too heavy. The drink is the star.
Presentation Tips for Instagram
Use a clear glass so people can see the pink gradient and the green melon balls.
Natural light is your friend. Take photos near a window.
Garnish with three melon balls on a skewer, resting on the rim. That’s the classic look.
Add a tennis-themed prop if you’re feeling extra. A tennis ball, a mini racket, whatever you’ve got.
Don’t over-stir. The gradient is part of the appeal.
Honey Deuce Recipe FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
What is a Honey Deuce made of?
The Honey Deuce is made with Grey Goose vodka, fresh lemonade, raspberry liqueur (usually Chambord), and honeydew melon balls. It’s the official cocktail of the U.S. Open.
How many calories are in a Honey Deuce?
The official Grey Goose estimate is 192 calories per serving. The exact number depends on your lemonade and how much Chambord you use.
What alcohol is in a Honey Deuce?
Vodka. Specifically Grey Goose, though you can use any vodka you like. It also contains raspberry liqueur, which adds a little more alcohol.
Can I make a Honey Deuce without Chambord?
Yes. You can use Razzmatazz, Crème de Framboise, homemade raspberry syrup, or even grenadine in a pinch. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll still be good.
How do you make the melon balls for a Honey Deuce?
Use a melon baller to scoop balls from a chilled honeydew melon. Freeze the balls for at least two hours. Then skewer three on a cocktail pick and rest it on the rim of your glass.
Can I make a Honey Deuce ahead of time?
Yes. You can mix the vodka, lemonade, and Chambord up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. Add ice and melon balls right before serving. The melon balls can be frozen for days.
Is the Honey Deuce sweet?
It’s on the sweeter side, yes. It’s basically raspberry lemonade with vodka. If you want it less sweet, use less Chambord or a low-sugar lemonade.
How much does a Honey Deuce cost at the U.S. Open?
In 2025, it cost $23. The price has gone up over the years. In 2014, it was $14.
Can I make a non-alcoholic Honey Deuce?
Absolutely. Use raspberry puree or raspberry syrup instead of Chambord, and skip the vodka. Add a splash of soda water for fizz. It’s really good.
What’s the best vodka for a Honey Deuce?
Grey Goose is the official choice. But Tito’s, Ketel One, and Absolut all work great. Honestly, any decent vodka will do the job.
Final Sip: Why This Honey Deuce Recipe Is the Only One You Need
Here’s the thing about the Honey Deuce. It’s not just a drink. It’s a moment.
It’s the taste of summer. It’s the feeling of watching a great tennis match with friends. It’s that little bit of U.S. Open magic you can recreate in your own kitchen for a fraction of the price.
You don’t need a $23 stadium cup. You don’t need a ticket to Arthur Ashe Stadium. You just need four ingredients, five minutes, and a melon baller.
And yeah, the melon balls are a little fussy. But they’re also the best part. They’re what makes the drink special. They’re what makes people say, “Wait, is that a tennis ball?”
So here’s what I want you to do. Grab a honeydew melon. Get some Grey Goose. Make a batch of fresh lemonade. And make yourself a Honey Deuce this weekend.
Then take a picture and send it to me. I want to see your melon balls.
One last tip: Make extra melon balls. Freeze them. Because once you make this Honey Deuce Recipe once, you’re going to want to make it again.
And maybe again.
Game, set, match.
Save this Honey Deuce Recipe. Share it with the friend who’s always hosting watch parties.
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