New York – The U.S. Open’s iconic Honey Deuce cocktail has become as synonymous with the tournament as the sport itself. Celebrating its 20th year, the vodka‑lemonade‑raspberry drink now sells roughly 800,000 servings each September, up from just 25,000 when it debuted in 2007.
From modest beginnings to a national sensation
Created by restaurateur Nick Mautone, the Honey Deuce blends Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur and three honeydew melon balls meant to resemble tennis balls. Its price has risen from $12 to $23 per glass, reflecting both demand and the premium experience offered in the U.S. Open’s luxury suites.
Collectible glass and social‑media buzz
Each year the drink is served in a plastic glass printed with the names of every past U.S. Open champion, the font shrinking as the champion list grows. Fans eagerly hunt the limited‑edition glasses on eBay, often buying them out before the tournament ends.
U.S. Open officials credit the rise of social media for amplifying the cocktail’s popularity. In 2024, the tournament accredited about 100 creators, including 20 focused on food and beverage content, who share photos and videos of the Honey Deuce across platforms.
Behind the scenes
USTA National Tennis Center COO Danny Zausner says a dedicated team scoops between 2.5 and 3 million honeydew balls each year to keep the supply steady. The tournament’s hospitality partner, Levy, pre‑mixes the cocktail in large casks—essentially a smaller version of a beer keg—to ensure consistent quality and volume.
“Levy’s team exists solely to take these casks and batch the exact amount we need,” Zausner explained, highlighting the logistical effort required to serve hundreds of thousands of fans.
Looking ahead
The success of the Honey Deuce has inspired other Grand Slam events. The Australian Open partnered with Grey Goose in 2025 to launch the Grey Goose Lemon Ace, selling over 100,000 units in its first year. As the U.S. Open continues to blend sport, hospitality, and social media, the Honey Deuce stands as a testament to how tradition can evolve with modern fan engagement.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
