There are certain things that instantly signal summer in New York: packed tennis stands, late afternoon matches, the energy of Flushing Meadows and a bright pink cocktail topped with three little green “tennis balls.”
The Honey Deuce has become one of the most recognizable parts of the US Open experience. What started as a signature cocktail has grown into a tournament tradition, with fans looking forward to ordering one almost as much as they look forward to the matches.
But how did this simple cocktail become the drink of the US Open?
A Cocktail Inspired by Tennis
The Honey Deuce was created in 2006 with the US Open in mind. The idea was to develop a refreshing cocktail that would work for a summer sporting event while also having a visual connection to tennis.
The answer came in the form of honeydew melon.
Cut into small spheres using a melon baller, the melon balls resemble tennis balls, giving the drink its instantly recognizable finishing touch. Combined with vodka, lemonade and raspberry liqueur, the result is a bright, refreshing cocktail that feels perfectly suited to a late-summer day in New York.
Even the name plays along. “Honey” refers to the honeydew garnish, while “Deuce” is a nod to one of tennis’ most familiar terms.
Simple, clever and easy to recognize, the cocktail had all the ingredients of a signature drink.
From Signature Cocktail to US Open Tradition
Over the years, the Honey Deuce became more than something to order at the tournament. It became part of the experience. Fans carry them through the grounds, raise them during matches and, of course, photograph them. The distinctive cocktail has become almost a souvenir in itself, especially as commemorative cups have become part of the experience.
Its popularity has continued to grow, with hundreds of thousands of Honey Deuces now served during the tournament each year. By combining a recognizable drink with a recognizable event, the Honey Deuce became something fans could associate with the US Open year after year. And today, when tennis season rolls around in New York, it is hard to think about the US Open without thinking about that pink cocktail and its three honeydew “tennis balls.”
Why It Became So Iconic
The Honey Deuce is a great example of how presentation can turn a simple product into an experience.
The drink itself is relatively straightforward. What makes it memorable is the way everything comes together: the color, the garnish, the name and the connection to tennis.
The honeydew balls are especially important. They aren’t simply decorative. They immediately communicate what the drink represents. It’s also incredibly photogenic. In an era when food and drinks are often discovered and shared through social media, that matters. A recognizable visual can turn a beverage into something people want to photograph, share and recreate.
Nearly two decades after its creation, that idea is still being served at the US Open. Three little melon balls. One pink cocktail. And a drink that has become synonymous with tennis in New York.
