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Refreshing US Open Cocktail Recipe garnished with cherry best for summer.

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US Open Cocktail Recipe

By Sandra · · Updated

Every year, as summer reaches its zenith and the sports world turns its eager gaze towards the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, this refreshing concoction serves up its own brand of excitement. For those of us who revel not only in the artistry and athleticism displayed on the court but also in the delights and libations that accompany such gatherings, the Honey Deuce or US open cocktail is more than just a cocktail; it's a symbol of summer's grand finale, a toast to the titans of tennis, and a personal invitation to immerse ourselves fully in the U.S. Open experience.

1 serving·5 min

Recipe reviewed 29 Sep 2026. How we test recipes.

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WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Servings1

METHOD

How to make it

  1. Prepare the Glass: Start by filling a highball glass to the brim with crushed ice, ensuring your cocktail stays chilled throughout.
  2. Add the Vodka: Pour 1 1/4 oz. of Grey Goose vodka over the ice.
  3. Layer with Lemonade: Carefully add 3 oz. of fresh lemonade on top of the vodka, allowing the flavors to marry together.
  4. Float the Raspberry Liqueur: Gently pour 1/2 oz. of raspberry liqueur over the back of a spoon or drizzle it down the side of the glass, creating a visually striking layer on top of the lemonade.
  5. Garnish: Spear several honeydew melon balls onto a cocktail pick and rest it atop your cocktail, not just as a decoration but as a tasty snack to enjoy.

Refreshing US Open Cocktail Recipe garnished with berries in sunlit outdoor best for summers.

More in this article 5 sections
  1. Pro Tips for the Perfect Serve
  2. What to serve with
  3. Ingredients Substitutes
  4. Final Thoughts
  5. More Cocktail Recipes:

Refreshing US Open Cocktail Recipe garnished with cherry, mint and a slice of apple, best for summer.

US Open Cocktail Recipe

The US Open Cocktail is a refreshing drink often served at the US Open tennis tournament. It typically features a combination of vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice, making it fruity and vibrant.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Serve

  • Making Melon Balls: Use a small melon baller to scoop out your honeydew melon. For extra fun, try freezing them before using them as an additional cooling element.
  • Homemade Lemonade: Consider making your own lemonade for an added personal touch and flavor boost. Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and a sweetener like simple syrup or agave to your taste preference.
  • Presentation: Serve with a festive straw or a stirring rod that guests can use to mix the liqueur in themselves, creating an interactive element to their drink.
  • Batch It: If you're hosting a group, scale up the recipe and prepare a pitcher in advance. Just hold off on the ice, melon garnish, and raspberry liqueur float until you're ready to serve.

What to serve with

This light, fruity cocktail suits summer party food: melon and prosciutto skewers, mini lobster rolls, caprese skewers or goat cheese crostini. For dessert, try lemon bars or fresh fruit tarts.

Ingredients Substitutes

The US Open cocktail, the Honey Deuce, is famed for its refreshing blend of vodka, lemonade, Chambord (or raspberry liqueur), and a garnish of fresh honeydew melon balls that symbolize the tennis balls used in the tournament.

Vodka

  • Non-Alcoholic Substitute: You can use non-alcoholic spirits that mimic the clear, neutral vodka base for a non-alcoholic version of the Honey Deuce. Brands like Seedlip or Lyre's offer alternatives that can be used in the same quantity as regular vodka.
  • Flavored Vodka Substitute: To add an extra layer of flavor, consider using a lemon or raspberry-flavored vodka. This can enhance the fruity notes of the cocktail without needing additional syrup or liqueurs.

Lemonade

  • Homemade Substitute: If store-bought lemonade isn’t handy or you prefer something more natural, you can make your own by mixing fresh lemon juice, water, and a sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, or a zero-calorie sweetener for a lighter option) until your desired sweetness level is achieved.
  • Substitute for a Tangier Taste: For a tangier, more complex base, consider using a mix of lemon and lime juice with a bit less sweetener. This could add a refreshing zestiness perfect for summer days.

Chambord (Raspberry Liqueur)

  • Non-Alcoholic Substitute: Raspberry syrup, either store-bought or homemade, can replace Chambord for a non-alcoholic Honey Deuce. You can make raspberry syrup by simmering raspberries with water and sugar, then straining the mixture to remove the seeds.
  • Alternative Liqueurs: If Chambord isn’t available but you still want the alcoholic content, look for other raspberry liqueurs or even a blackberry liqueur for a slightly different fruity profile. A pomegranate liqueur could also provide a tart yet sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Honeydew Melon Balls for Garnish

  • Alternative Fruits: If the honeydew melon is out of season or not to your liking, you can substitute it with cantaloupe or watermelon balls for a similarly aesthetic and refreshing garnish. In non-melon seasons, even frozen balls of your desired fruit can work.
  • Creative Garnishes: For a twist, consider adding skewered fresh raspberries or a lemon twist as a garnish. These options complement the flavors of the drink and still provide an appealing visual accent.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. Open Cocktail, specifically the Honey Deuce, encapsulates the essence of summer and the exhilaration of one of the sport's most anticipated events.

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