3 days ago
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
