Latest news with #HoneyDeuce
Forbes
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Where To Sip U.S. Open's Honey Deuce Cocktail, And The New $39 Watermelon Slice
If you've ever been to the U.S. Open in Queens, you know there's one thing more ubiquitous than flashy outfits and celebrity sunglasses: that pale pink drink in a collectible cup — the Honey Deuce cocktail. It's the courtside cocktail, and it's been holding court since 2007, when Grey Goose decided the tournament needed a signature sip. Enter Nick Mautone, a mixologist-slash-restaurant pro, who spotted a honeydew melon at a farmer's market and thought, 'Well, that looks like a tennis ball… and also like summer.' Fast-forward nearly two decades, and the Honey Deuce, a mix of Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, Chambord raspberry liqueur, and three perfectly scooped melon 'tennis balls' is basically what the Mint Julep is to the Kentucky Derby—an absolute right of passage if you go. The Honey Deuce: The US Open's $12.8 Million Cocktail Last year, the U.S. Open official cocktail hit a whole new record: more than a half-million Honey Deuces sold at $23 each, raking in a jaw-dropping $12.8 million. That's enough to pay both singles champions their $3.6 million prize money… and still have millions left over for more drinks. Since its debut 19 years ago, over 2.2 million Honey Deuces have been poured, each one served in a commemorative cup printed with past champions' names — a collectible fans guard like it's a Grand Slam trophy. And at-home imbibers are joining in the fun too. During the 2024 U.S. Open, Total Wine reported an 800% increase in sales of Honey Deuce's main ingredients, such as Chambord and Grey Goose vodka. At the U.S. Open, you'll find them all over the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, or skip the lines at one of the 'Honey Deuce Express' bars. Many Big Apple bars, restaurants and hotels tend to feature it on their drink menus as well, such as STK restaurants, InterContinental New York Barclay and Seaport's South Plaza Bar (served in official U.S. Open glassware). Serena Williams tried her very first one last year, sharing her review on TikTok—cleverly renaming it the 'Honey Ace.' Even beloved Taylor Swift sipped on a Honey Deuce last year at the event. Watermelon Slice: The $39 U.S. Open Newcomer But this year, there's a flashy new contender in the drinks arena: the Watermelon Slice. Created by IHG Hotels & Resorts, this $39 (!!) cocktail is served in the most 'extra' tennis-ball-shaped stem glass you've ever seen. It's neon yellow-green, U.S. Open branded, and begging for an Instagram close-up. The drink itself? A fruity, refreshing sipper available only at Arthur Ashe Stadium's IHG Racquet Bar and select IHG hotels in NYC. Like the Honey Deuce, its name nods to tennis — a 'slice' being that tricky, spin-heavy shot that can leave opponents scrambling. Sure, the price tag might make you blink, but here's the thing: you're not just buying a drink, you're buying a keepsake and a moment. And in true U.S. Open style, exclusivity is part of the thrill. Will the Watermelon Slice match the Honey Deuce's legendary status? That's the $12.8 million question. Below is a your guide to tennis-themed cocktails in New York City and beyond, plus a few pop-up U.S. Open events: Where to Find Honey Deuce in NYC Beyond the Stadium A playful nod to tennis, this bittersweet and bright cocktail mixes Jim Beam Bourbon, Aperol, house-made cinnamon syrup, and fresh lemon. Think tennis whites with bourbon swagger. Find it courtside-cool in Flatiron/NoMad at Swingers NoMad, where competition meets cocktails. Swingers NoMad, 35 W 29th St, New York, NY Bananas' inventive spin on a martini nods to the US Open courts: a savory soju martini with green tea bitters, garnished with blue cheese-stuffed Castelvetrano olives shaped like mini tennis balls. 'We decided on a martini is because Chris (Banana's Co-founder) and his mother attend the US Open annually,' says Dania Kim, Beverage Director at Bananas. 'She loves tea but only drinks Poland Springs during the tournament. Chris only always wants vodka, but the request is always rejected.' Kim's creation is win-win for both. Bananas, 174 1st Ave New York This sparkling serve by GUI Steakhouse's beverage director Gelo Honrade blends Singani 63, melon liqueur, pineapple, lime, simple syrup, and club soda, topped with a playful pop. The Match Point Pop Rock cocktail is a grand slam of tropical fizz perfect for mid-match sipping. GUI Steakhouse, 92 Ludlow St, New York, NY The Wythe Hotel's beverage director Jarett Karlsberg reimagines the Honey Deuce as a spritz with vodka, Chambord, lemon, and simple syrup, topped with soda and garnished with cucumber. Light, fruity, and refreshing — it's game, set, match in a Hotel, 80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY Exclusive U.S. Open Themed Pop-Up Events in New York (2025) Fifth Avenue Hotel's Portrait Bar has three exclusive tennis-themed cocktails inspired by the iconic Honey Deuce. The VIP launch event kicks off August 28, with cocktails available through September 7 on the bespoke U.S. Open menu. Book the hotel's Game. Set. Stay. package to snag launch tickets plus luxe tennis-inspired amenities — the ultimate courtside-in-the-city Fifth Avenue Hotel, 1 W 28th St, New York, NY Launching August 22, the US Open's cult-favorite cocktail lands at Il Bar, pairing Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, Chambord, and honeydew 'tennis balls.' Sip it alongside player meetups and a pop-up shop with UomoSport. Available all tournament long with special perks for guests. Check the hotel site for latest tennis-themed events. Hotel Seville NoMad, 22 E 29th St, New York, NY On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, join tennis pros like Karen Khachanov at this rooftop kickoff rally for the US Open. Expect Honey Deuce cocktails, light bites, skyline views, and a virtual tennis challenge. Tickets are $40 per person, with every guest entered to win U.S. Open tickets, an overnight hotel stay, and a Vintage Green gift card. Limited spots available — game on!The Shelburne Sonesta Hotel, 303 Lexington Ave, NY Tennis-Themed Cocktails Nationwide A crisp summer serve built for a long rally. Tequila blanco anchors the mix, brightened with elderflower and lime, while juicy rock melon and cucumber water add a garden-fresh sweetness. Ginger and Hawaiian salt deliver balance, finished with mint for the win. Bonus: Perry's also serves up a refreshing N/A version of the Open Meadows cocktail made with Seedlip Garden Porch, 335 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, Florida The Maybourne's playful take on a Pimm's Cup, this courtside classic pairs Pimm's No. 1 with ginger beer, strawberry, cucumber, and basil. The finishing touch of the Matchpoint libation? Two grapes perched on top like tennis balls. A Wimbledon meets U.S. Open wink in Beverly Hills, the tennis-themed cocktail is available at The Terrace and The Maybourne Café.The Maybourne Beverly Hills, 225 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA Game, Set, Matcha is a rally between earthy, floral, and tropical. Bobby's Gin and Italicus create a crisp baseline, layered with yerba mate, matcha, and creamy avocado. Lime and passionfruit smash through with tang, while soda keeps things light. Garnished with mint, lemon, and an edible flower — this one's as photogenic as it is complex. Guard & Grace Houston, 500 Dallas St Suite 100, Houston, TX U.S. Open Tennis Honey Deuce Recipe If you're watching from home or throwing a tennis-themed U.S. Open party to watch a match, here's the U.S. Open Honey Deuce recipe cocktail, courtesy of Grey Goose: Honey Deuce Cocktail-Making Tips
Forbes
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How To Serve The U.S. Open's Official Drink, The Honey Deuce, At Home
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 07: The Grey Goose Suite at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 7, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo byfor Grey Goose) Getty Images The U.S. Open takes over the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds in Queens, New York every year at the end of August, before summer nights fade into fall. And so does the Honey Deuce, the official cocktail of the U.S. Open. The drink debuted at the 2006 U.S. Open when Grey Goose became a sponsor, and in recent years the sipper has catapulted to its own form of celebrity. No one at the U.S. Open would dare leave without posing with their Grey Goose Honey Deuce. Can't snag a ticket to the U.S. Open this year? No problem—you can still sip like you're courtside. Molly Horn, chief mixologist and spirits educator at Total Wine & More, offered up tips for making the best version of this signature cocktail at home, whether you're toasting solo during a nail-biter match or serving a crowd at your own Grand Slam watch party. There is something so special about the Honey Deuce at the U.S. Open; so much so that it may not feel the same drinking from home. Do you have any tips, tricks or hacks for ensuring it still tastes awesome even when making it yourself? Horn: I would imagine for most home bartenders the challenge is the honeydew melon balls. There are plenty of great, quality lemonades on the market if you can't make it fresh yourself, and Chambord and Baron De Casterac are great (black) raspberry liqueurs — another option if you want a straight raspberry liqueur is Drillaud. For those honeydew balls, I would recommend getting a melon baller — which will make the process much faster and easier — and attacking the whole melon. If you haven't done this before, it's actually super easy, but having the right tool will make all the difference. If you do you want to make lemonade yourself, the key is to use fresh lemon juice and whisk it together aggressively with equal amounts of granulated sugar — the lemon juice will break down and dissolve the sugar much better than adding it to water alone first — then add your filtered water. I prefer a ratio of one part lemon juice, one part sugar, and four parts water for a nice and brightly tangy lemonade, but if that's too sweet or sour for you you can always adjust — just do so before you add it to the cocktail. What's the most common mistake people make when trying to recreate the Honey Deuce at home? Horn: A majority of the challenges I see for the home mixologist with this cocktail is using a shelf-stable lemonade that doesn't have the zip or tang of a fresh lemonade. Since that is the foundation of the cocktail, it's really important to either purchase fresh lemonade (from the refrigerated section of your shop or market, with a sell-by date within one to two weeks) or make it yourself. Can you talk through batching this cocktail and what that looks like? Horn: This is a great recipe for batching since it doesn't require any dilution (aka, it doesn't get shaken or stirred, just poured together). My biggest tip, as always, is just to make sure all of your ingredients are very cold (vodka in the freezer, other ingredients in the fridge for 24 hours+ before serving) in order to minimize over-dilution of your batch. I also recommend freezing melon balls overnight — not only will they work better to keep your batched cocktail nice and chilled, but they won't melt and over-dilute the way ice cubes would. Glassware and ice are also so important to this drink — what do you suggest? Horn: I like to serve it in a tall glass, like a Collins or a Highball. I personally prefer to freeze the honeydew balls and use those for 'ice' (since I also have my ingredients for the cocktail chilled in advance), but if you want to go for real ice it would look and taste great with a highball ice cube. You can find ice trays that make four long, wide, ice cubes that will fill up the length of your glass, keep your cocktail nice and cold, and take a long time to melt — allowing you to enjoy it at your leisure. Are there any other spins on this cocktail that could make it a bit more unique, while keeping the essence? Horn: This recipe is a great one for riffing — for one thing, using a sparkling lemonade adds a great effervescence I really enjoy. Elderflower plays nicely with the flavors in the cocktail, so adding a splash of elderflower liqueur or syrup is a really nice addition. And of course, many different fruit liqueurs will work great in place of raspberry if you want to switch it up, such as Drillaud Strawberry Liqueur or any of the Chinola flavors — which would also add a nice texture — especially passion fruit or pineapple.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Match Point: How To Serve The Honey Deuce At Home
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 07: The Grey Goose Suite at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 7, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo byfor Grey Goose) Getty Images Every year at the end of August, before Summer nights fade into Fall, the U.S. Open takes over the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds in Queens, New York. And so does the Honey Deuce, the official cocktail of the U.S. Open. The drink debuted at the 2006 U.S. Open when Grey Goose became a sponsor and in recent years the sipper has catapulted to its own form of celebrity. Everyone and anyone at the U.S. Open wouldn't dare leave without posing with their Grey Goose Honey Deuce. Can't snag a ticket to the U.S. Open this year? No problem — you can still sip like you're courtside. Molly Horn, chief mixologist and spirits educator at Total Wine & More offered up tips for making the best version of this signature cocktail at home, whether you're toasting solo during a nail-biter match or serving a crowd at your own Grand Slam watch party. There is something so special about the Honey Deuce at the U.S. Open; so much so that it may not feel the same drinking from home. Do you have any tips, tricks or hacks for ensuring it still tastes awesome even when making it yourself? Horn: I would imagine for most home bartenders the challenge is the honeydew melon balls. There are plenty of great, quality lemonades on the market if you can't make it fresh yourself, and Chambord and Baron De Casterac are great (black) raspberry liqueurs — another option if you want a straight raspberry liqueur is Drillaud. For those honeydew balls, I would recommend getting a melon baller — which will make the process much faster and easier — and attacking the whole melon. If you haven't done this before, it's actually super easy, but having the right tool will make all the difference. If you do you want to make lemonade yourself, the key is to use fresh lemon juice and whisk it together aggressively with equal amounts of granulated sugar — the lemon juice will break down and dissolve the sugar much better than adding it to water alone first — then add your filtered water. I prefer a ratio of one part lemon juice, one part sugar, and four parts water for a nice and brightly tangy lemonade, but if that's too sweet or sour for you you can always adjust — just do so before you add it to the cocktail. What's the most common mistake people make when trying to recreate the Honey Deuce at home? Horn: A majority of the challenges I see for the home mixologist with this cocktail is using a shelf-stable lemonade that doesn't have the zip or tang of a fresh lemonade. Since that is the foundation of the cocktail, it's really important to either purchase fresh lemonade (from the refrigerated section of your shop or market, with a sell-by date within one to two weeks) or make it yourself. Can you talk through batching this cocktail and what that looks like? Horn: This is a great recipe for batching since it doesn't require any dilution (aka, it doesn't get shaken or stirred, just poured together). My biggest tip, as always, is just to make sure all of your ingredients are very cold (vodka in the freezer, other ingredients in the fridge for 24 hours+ before serving) in order to minimize over-dilution of your batch. I also recommend freezing melon balls overnight — not only will they work better to keep your batched cocktail nice and chilled, but they won't melt and over-dilute the way ice cubes would. Glassware and ice are also so important to this drink — what do you suggest? Horn: I like to serve it in a tall glass, like a Collins or a Highball. I personally prefer to freeze the honeydew balls and use those for 'ice' (since I also have my ingredients for the cocktail chilled in advance), but if you want to go for real ice it would look and taste great with a highball ice cube. You can find ice trays that make four long, wide, ice cubes that will fill up the length of your glass, keep your cocktail nice and cold, and take a long time to melt — allowing you to enjoy it at your leisure. Are there any other spins on this cocktail that could make it a bit more unique, while keeping the essence? Horn: This recipe is a great one for riffing — for one thing, using a sparkling lemonade adds a great effervescence I really enjoy. Elderflower plays nicely with the flavors in the cocktail, so adding a splash of elderflower liqueur or syrup is a really nice addition. And of course, many different fruit liqueurs will work great in place of raspberry if you want to switch it up, such as Drillaud Strawberry Liqueur or any of the Chinola flavors — which would also add a nice texture — especially passion fruit or pineapple.
Time Out
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This over-the-top U.S. Open activation lets you breakfast-in-bed right on the tennis court
The U.S. Open already delivers high-stakes drama, envious fits and more celebrity sightings than a SoHo brunch spot. But this year, IHG Hotels & Resorts is serving an entirely new kind of courtside fantasy. As the tournament's official hotel and loyalty program partner, IHG is offering tennis lovers the chance to win "Bed on the Baseline," which is exactly what it sounds like: breakfast in bed—right on the court. Think: Louis Armstrong Stadium, the crowd's roars replaced by serene quiet, the air still humming from the earlier match. A private car whisks you there, where you're greeted by your own concierge and led to a bed parked where tennis greats were volleying just minutes earlier. Get cozy in a plush IHG robe and slippers while you watch highlights from matches on the massive stadium screen as you indulge in a room service–style breakfast. This isn't just a luxe escape; it's a bucket-list item. Don't worry, IHG didn't forget everyone's favorite part of the U.S. Open. Forget the Honey Deuce; IHG is debuting its own tournament cocktail, the Watermelon Slice, a delicious mix of Moët & Chandon, watermelon juice, elderflower liqueur and lime, garnished with an actual wedge of watermelon and poured into a tennis-themed collectible cup. But don't worry, IHG would never deny non-attendees the chance to feel like they're basking in the summer sun, wearing all white with their heads swiveling from player to player. The Watermelon Slice will also be available at the IHG Racquet Bar on site and at select IHG hotels around NYC. Bed on the Baseline will be held on September 17. IHG loyalty members have until September 7 to enter for a chance to win the 'Bed on the Baseline' package at IHG One Rewards Access. (Non-members can register for free at This is, essentially, the U.S. Open as a five-star bed rot: a love letter to both hospitality and hardcourt magic. Sure, not everyone will score the Bed on the Baseline experience, but just knowing it exists makes the tournament feel a little more decadent. Because if there's one thing New Yorkers understand, it's that the best seat in the house is sometimes an actual bed. The 2025 U.S. Open Tennis Championships run from August 18 through September 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York.
Fast Company
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
Meet the Watermelon Slice, the $39 cocktail that's about to dominate the U.S. Open
For almost 20 years, the Honey Deuce cocktail has reigned as the undisputed drink champion of the U.S. Open. But this year, a challenger is stepping onto the court, and it's serving up a competitive dose of summer refreshment. Behold, the Watermelon Slice. The Watermelon Slice is a limited-edition beverage designed by IHG Hotels & Resorts. It will be available at the U.S. Open's venue, New York City's Arthur Ashe stadium, starting at the beginning of the tournament on August 18. Attendees will be able to grab the fruity cocktail for a head-turning $39 onsite at IHG's Racquet Bar, as well as at select IHG hotel properties in NYC. [Photo: courtesy IHG] For IHG, this isn't any old cocktail. Selling a custom beverage at the U.S. Open represents a coveted advertising opportunity, given that the branded cups are sure to be captured on the big screen and on countless Instagram accounts throughout the tournament. This year, Grey Goose vodka will be returning for the 19th consecutive year as the U.S. Open's official vodka sponsor, a title that comes with the privilege of serving the tournament's signature cocktail, the $23 Honey Deuce. Subscribe to the Design newsletter. The latest innovations in design brought to you every weekday Privacy Policy | Fast Company Newsletters The Honey Deuce—which combines Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, and a touch of Chambord raspberry liqueur, topped with tennis ball-esque scoops of honeydew melon—has been pictured in the hands of such stars as Taylor Swift, Serena Williams, and Travis Kelce. It's a billboard in drink form, which raked in more than $10 million in total sales last year before the tennis matches were even finished, and has inspired its own line of merch. To go racquet-to-racquet with such an iconic beverage, the Watermelon Slice will have to give a truly outstanding performance. The Honey Deuce at the 2023 US Open. [Photo: Grey Goose] Battle of the two beverages The Watermelon Slice is described by a press release as 'a refreshing blend of Moët & Chandon, watermelon juice, elderflower liqueur, and lime,' garnished with a 'signature watermelon wedge.' 'Fans are looking for something vibrant and easy to enjoy between points—nothing too heavy, but packed with just the right flavors. The Watermelon Slice delivers that,' says Connor Smith, VP of masterbrand strategy at IHG. [Photo: courtesy IHG] Like the Honey Deuce, which is named for the 'deuce' point when players are tied at 40-40, the Watermelon Slice also got its name through a tennis reference. A 'slice,' in the tennis world, is a shot that uses a sharp slashing movement to give the ball a difficult-to-hit backspin or sidespin. However, the Watermelon Slice stands apart in its unique collectible cup design (which may, in part, provide the justification behind its hefty price tag). It's served in a stem glass—branded with the IHG Hotels & Resort logo, of course—designed to resemble a tennis ball. In essence, it's the much classier version of eating ice cream out of a helmet cup at a baseball game. 'We started with a clear vision: the glass should be as instantly recognizable as a tennis ball but still feel premium and functional for service,' Smith explains. 'The biggest challenge was achieving that perfect pop of neon yellow (or green depending on what color you think a tennis ball is) without compromising the feel of the glass in your hand. We worked closely with our partners to get the shape, color, and tactile finish just right.' A large part of the intrigue surrounding both the Honey Deuce and the Watermelon Slice are their exclusivity: Both cocktails are strictly available during the course of the tournament. As to whether the Watermelon Slice will be returning in years to come, Smith says, 'You'll just have to wait and see.'
