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If you’re going to make a Honey Deuce—the official US Open cocktail at home, don’t just make any recipe, make the best possible version. And this recipe is it. My version is more balanced in flavor, not too sweet, has more raspberry flavor, and is even slightly bubbly.
Honey Deuce Cocktail
If you were lucky enough to enjoy a Honey Deuce at the US Open, well then, you’re lucky enough. And if you’re like me, and couldn’t make it this year, you can enjoy the cocktail—arguably a better one, at that—right at home.
I’ve been developing cocktail recipes for years—both for my site and for Taste of Home Magazine, so it was only a matter of time I tackle the popular US Open cocktail!
My version, which I’ve tested countless times, celebrates all of those things and then takes it up a notch. Instead of overly-sweet lemonade, I recommend using a combination of tart fresh lemon juice and Italian sparkling lemonade. This combo achieves a lovely balance between sweet and tart all while adding some effervescence.
Beat the heat with more light and refreshing cocktails! Some of my personal favorites include a Blueberry Gin Cocktail, Hibiscus Margarita and Strawberry Bourbon Smash.
What’s in a Honey Deuce?
- Vodka: use whatever vodka you like best. Just steer clear of any flavored stuff.
- Raspberry Liqueur: Chambord or Giffards are the two best options here. Due to their low alcohol content, once either of these liqueurs is opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator. Stored at room temperature, the liqueur will change in color and flavor.
- Lemon juice: use fresh squeezed! Nothing compares.
- Salt: one thing I found missing from the original recipe for the Honey Deuce. was a pinch of salt. Any cocktail that is made with citrus juice and sugar should be lightly seasoned with salt.
- Sparkling lemonade: my favorite brand is Sanpellegrino Limonata. Be sure to chill a couple cans of this ahead of time! Adding it to the cocktail warm will water down the drink. (Which might not be bad if you’re dehydrated, but it isn’t ideal for the flavor of the cocktail.)
- Honeydew melon: this is purely for garnish. Use a melon baller or cookie scoop to scoop the melon into balls.
How to Make A Honey Deuce
- Prep your garnish by scooping the honeydew melon using a melon baller or cookie scoop. String a few small melon balls onto cocktail skewers and set aside.
- Add the vodka, liqueur, lemon juice and salt to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until chilled.
- Fill a rocks or Collins glass with ice. Add the sparkling lemonade then strain the cocktail over top.
- Garnish with speared honeydew melon balls and serve immediately.
How to Make a Large Batch of Honey Deuce
I love a batch cocktail. And the Honey Duece is the perfect cocktail for batching. Here’s how to do it:
- In a large pitcher, combine the vodka, liqueur, lemon juice and salt; stir to combine then cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Right before serving, stir in the sparkling lemonade.
Cocktail Tips
- If you’re using a bottle of raspberry liqueur that you already have on hand and which has already been opened, be sure to give it a smell and taste before using.
Chambord, once opened, will only last about 6 months if stored at room temperature. Over time it will change in color to a rusty orange and the berry flavor will become saccharine and fakey.
For longer storage, store the low ABV liqueur in the refrigerator. - This cocktail is light and refreshing—it’s not going to punch you in the face with flavor. Because of that, I recommend chilling all of the ingredients ahead of time to cut down on dilution.
- This is a great batch cocktail! In the recipe card below, I’ve listed instructions for making a single cocktail and a batch of 8 cocktails.
Honey Deuce Us Open FAQs
The classic US Open Honey Deuce cocktail is made of vodka, raspberry liqueur and lemonade.
As of this August 2024, it costs $23.
More Cocktail Recipes to Try
Honey Deuce Cocktail Recipe (US Open Drink)
Description
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Ingredients
- ½ honeydew melon for garnish
For 1 Cocktail
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- ¾ ounce raspberry liqueur such as Chambord or Giffards
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- Pinch salt
- 2 ounces sparkling lemonade, such as Sanpellegrino Limonata
For 8 Cocktails
- 12 ounces vodka
- 6 ounces raspberry liqueur, such as Chambord or Giffards
- 4 ounces fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces sparkling lemonade, such as Sanpellegrino Limonata
Instructions
- Prep garnish by scooping honeydew melon using a melon baller or cookie scoop. String a few small melon balls onto cocktail skewers and set aside.
For 1 Cocktail
- Add vodka, liqueur, lemon juice and salt to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Secure lid and shake vigorously until chilled.
- Fill a rocks or collins glass with ice. Add sparkling lemonade then strain cocktail over top.
- Garnish with speared honeydew melon balls.
For 8 Cocktails
- In a large pitcher, combine vodka, liqueur, lemon juice and salt; stir to combine then cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Right before serving, stir in sparkling lemonade and serve in rocks or Collins glasses filled with ice and garnished with speared honeydew melon balls.
Had everything on hand and made it immediately after seeing on IG. Easy! Will be making this frequently