How To Make A Honey Deuce: The US Open's Signature Drink

Michael

3 min read

Post on Sep 01, 2025

4.3

Share

How to Make a Honey Deuce: The US Open's Signature Cocktail

The US Open. The roar of the crowd, the intense rallies, the nail-biting finishes… and the refreshing Honey Deuce. This iconic cocktail has become synonymous with the tournament, a sweet and bubbly beverage perfectly complementing the summer heat and high-stakes tennis action. But what makes this drink so special, and more importantly, how can you recreate this taste of the US Open at home?

This guide will walk you through crafting the perfect Honey Deuce, providing tips and tricks to ensure your cocktail is as delicious as the ones served at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

What is a Honey Deuce?

The Honey Deuce is a deceptively simple yet incredibly refreshing vodka-based cocktail. Its key ingredients are vodka, lemonade, and a splash of Chambord raspberry liqueur, all topped with fresh raspberries and a generous drizzle of honey. The combination of tart lemonade, sweet honey, and the subtle tartness of raspberries creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that's both sophisticated and easy to drink. It’s the ideal drink for a summer afternoon, whether you're watching tennis or relaxing by the pool.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• Vodka: Choose a good quality vodka, as it forms the base of the drink. A neutral-tasting vodka will allow the other flavors to shine.
• Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade is ideal, but a high-quality bottled lemonade will also work well. Avoid overly sweet varieties.
• Chambord Raspberry Liqueur: This adds a beautiful ruby color and a subtle raspberry flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Honey: A light-colored honey is preferred for both its flavor and visual appeal.
• Fresh Raspberries: These are essential for both the taste and the visual presentation of the Honey Deuce.

How to Make a Honey Deuce: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Chill your glassware: This is a crucial step for ensuring your Honey Deuce stays refreshingly cold. Chill your glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving.
2. Fill with ice: Fill your chilled glass about ¾ full with ice.
3. Add vodka: Pour 1.5-2 ounces of vodka into the glass. Adjust this amount to your preference.
4. Add lemonade: Add 3-4 ounces of lemonade. Again, adjust according to your taste.
5. Add Chambord: Gently add ½ ounce of Chambord. The liqueur will sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful layered effect.
6. Garnish: Add several fresh raspberries to the glass. Drizzle a generous amount of honey over the raspberries and ice.
7. Stir gently: Give the drink a gentle stir, just to slightly combine the ingredients without completely muddling the raspberries.

Tips for the Perfect Honey Deuce:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh raspberries and freshly squeezed lemonade will significantly enhance the flavor of your cocktail.
• Don't over-sweeten: The honey adds sweetness, so avoid using overly sweet lemonade.
• Adjust to your taste: Feel free to adjust the ratios of vodka, lemonade, and Chambord to achieve your preferred level of sweetness and tartness.
• Get creative with garnishes: While raspberries are traditional, you can experiment with other garnishes like mint sprigs or lemon wedges.

Beyond the US Open: Enjoying Your Honey Deuce All Year Round

The Honey Deuce isn't just a US Open treat; its refreshing taste makes it perfect for any summer gathering, barbecue, or simply a relaxing evening at home. So, grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and experience the magic of this iconic cocktail. Let us know in the comments how your Honey Deuce turned out! Cheers!