US Open Cocktail Recipe

Every year, as summer reaches its zenith and the sports world turns its eager gaze towards the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, this refreshing concoction serves up its own brand of excitement. For those of us who revel not only in the artistry and athleticism displayed on the court but also in the delights and libations that accompany such gatherings, the Honey Deuce or US open cocktail is more than just a cocktail; it’s a symbol of summer’s grand finale, a toast to the titans of tennis, and a personal invitation to immerse ourselves fully in the U.S. Open experience.

How to Make US Open Cocktail

The US Open Cocktail is a refreshing drink often served at the US Open tennis tournament. It typically features a combination of vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice, making it fruity and vibrant.

Ingredients

• Grey Goose Vodka: 1 1/4 oz. – The clean, smooth taste of Grey Goose is essential for crafting this cocktail, providing a premium base that complements the sweetness and tartness of the other ingredients.
• Fresh Lemonade: 3 oz. – The zesty brightness of fresh lemonade is key. For the best results, homemade lemonade is preferable, combining fresh lemon juice, water, and a sweetener of your choice to taste.
• Raspberry Liqueur: 1/2 oz. – Chambord is the go-to for the Honey Deuce, offering a deep, berry flavor that adds a beautiful layer of complexity and color.
• Crushed Ice: Filling your glass with crushed ice chills the cocktail and maintains its cool temperature, keeping you refreshed under the summer sun.
• Honeydew Melon: For garnish. Cut into small spheres that resemble tennis balls; this garnish adds a playful nod to the U.S. Open’s tennis theme and an extra touch of sweetness to the cocktail.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass: Start by filling a highball glass to the brim with crushed ice, ensuring your cocktail stays chilled throughout.
2. Add the Vodka: Pour 1 1/4 oz. of Grey Goose vodka over the ice.
3. Layer with Lemonade: Carefully add 3 oz. of fresh lemonade on top of the vodka, allowing the flavors to marry together.
4. Float the Raspberry Liqueur: Gently pour 1/2 oz. of raspberry liqueur over the back of a spoon or drizzle it down the side of the glass, creating a visually striking layer on top of the lemonade.
5. Garnish: Spear several honeydew melon balls onto a cocktail pick and rest it atop your cocktail, not just as a decoration but as a tasty snack to enjoy.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Serve

• Making Melon Balls: Use a small melon baller to scoop out your honeydew melon. For extra fun, try freezing them before using them as an additional cooling element.
• Homemade Lemonade: Consider making your own lemonade for an added personal touch and flavor boost. Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and a sweetener like simple syrup or agave to your taste preference.
• Presentation: Serve with a festive straw or a stirring rod that guests can use to mix the liqueur in themselves, creating an interactive element to their drink.
• Batch It: If you’re hosting a group, scale up the recipe and prepare a pitcher in advance. Just hold off on the ice, melon garnish, and raspberry liqueur float until you’re ready to serve.

What to serve with

When hosting a U.S. Open viewing party or simply enjoying the tournament from the comfort of your home, pairing the right snacks and dishes with your Honey Deuce cocktails can elevate the experience to new heights.

Appetizers

• Melon and Prosciutto Skewers: This pairing is a nod to the melon garnish of the Honey Deuce. Wrap thin slices of prosciutto around bites of honeydew and cantaloupe. The sweet and salty contrast beautifully complements the fruity profile of the cocktail.
• Mini Lobster Rolls: A classy and delicious choice, mini lobster rolls bring a taste of East Coast luxury that feels right at home with the elite vibes of the U.S. Open. The richness of the lobster and the slight sweetness of the buns pair delightfully with the crispness of the cocktail.
• Caprese Salad Skewers: Alternating cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella balls on skewers, drizzled with balsamic glaze, create a refreshing and easy-to-eat appetizer that mirrors the freshness of your Honey Deuce.

Main Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado and Mango: The freshness of a well-seasoned grilled chicken salad with creamy avocado slices and sweet mango chunks can balance the slightly tangy, sweet flavors of your US Open cocktail, especially under the summer sun.
• Salmon and Asparagus: Grilled or baked salmon with a side of lemony asparagus can echo the summer vibe while providing a heartier meal that complements the lighter, refreshing notes of the US Open cocktail without overpowering it.

Snacks

• Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini: Spread herbed goat cheese on lightly toasted slices of baguette and top with a drizzle of honey or some fig jam for a blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet. This snack pairs marvelously with the sweetness and acidity of the Honey Deuce.
• Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie Board: A selection of fine cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and fruits can cater to all palates and enhance the social aspect of watching the tournament. Pair sharp cheeses and crisp fruits to complement the sweet and tangy cocktail flavors.

Desserts

• Lemon Bars: The tartness and sweetness of lemon bars resonate with the citrus notes of the Honey Deuce, making them a perfect dessert option for those enjoying this refreshing US Open cocktail.
• Fresh Fruit Tarts: Mini fruit tarts with a creamy custard base and a variety of fresh fruits on top offer a light, aesthetically pleasing dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, much like the cocktail it complements.

Ingredients Substitutes

The US Open cocktail, the Honey Deuce, is famed for its refreshing blend of vodka, lemonade, Chambord (or raspberry liqueur), and a garnish of fresh honeydew melon balls that symbolize the tennis balls used in the tournament.

Vodka

• Non-Alcoholic Substitute: You can use non-alcoholic spirits that mimic the clear, neutral vodka base for a non-alcoholic version of the Honey Deuce. Brands like Seedlip or Lyre’s offer alternatives that can be used in the same quantity as regular vodka.
• Flavored Vodka Substitute: To add an extra layer of flavor, consider using a lemon or raspberry-flavored vodka. This can enhance the fruity notes of the cocktail without needing additional syrup or liqueurs.

Lemonade

• Homemade Substitute: If store-bought lemonade isn’t handy or you prefer something more natural, you can make your own by mixing fresh lemon juice, water, and a sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, or a zero-calorie sweetener for a lighter option) until your desired sweetness level is achieved.
• Substitute for a Tangier Taste: For a tangier, more complex base, consider using a mix of lemon and lime juice with a bit less sweetener. This could add a refreshing zestiness perfect for summer days.

Chambord (Raspberry Liqueur)

• Non-Alcoholic Substitute: Raspberry syrup, either store-bought or homemade, can replace Chambord for a non-alcoholic Honey Deuce. You can make raspberry syrup by simmering raspberries with water and sugar, then straining the mixture to remove the seeds.
• Alternative Liqueurs: If Chambord isn’t available but you still want the alcoholic content, look for other raspberry liqueurs or even a blackberry liqueur for a slightly different fruity profile. A pomegranate liqueur could also provide a tart yet sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Honeydew Melon Balls for Garnish

• Alternative Fruits: If the honeydew melon is out of season or not to your liking, you can substitute it with cantaloupe or watermelon balls for a similarly aesthetic and refreshing garnish. In non-melon seasons, even frozen balls of your desired fruit can work.
• Creative Garnishes: For a twist, consider adding skewered fresh raspberries or a lemon twist as a garnish. These options complement the flavors of the drink and still provide an appealing visual accent.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. Open Cocktail, specifically the Honey Deuce, encapsulates the essence of summer and the exhilaration of one of the sport’s most anticipated events.

More Cocktail Recipes:

• Lemon San Diego Cocktail Recipe
• How to Make Margaritas at Home
• Black Tea Shot Recipe
• Rumchata Malibu Lime Juice & Soda Water Cocktail Recipe
• Old Fashioned Ingredients 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters Recipe

US Open Cocktail

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 5 Minutes Cooking Time: 0 Minute 0 Minute

Nutrition facts: 73 calories 0 gram fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

• Grey Goose Vodka: 1 1/4 oz.
• Fresh Lemonade: 3 oz.
• Raspberry Liqueur: 1/2 oz.
• Crushed Ice
• Honeydew Melon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass: Start by filling a highball glass to the brim with crushed ice, ensuring your cocktail stays chilled throughout.
2. Add the Vodka: Pour 1 1/4 oz. of Grey Goose vodka over the ice.
3. Layer with Lemonade: Carefully add 3 oz. of fresh lemonade on top of the vodka, allowing the flavors to marry together.
4. Float the Raspberry Liqueur: Gently pour 1/2 oz. of raspberry liqueur over the back of a spoon or drizzle it down the side of the glass, creating a visually striking layer on top of the lemonade.
5. Garnish: Spear several honeydew melon balls onto a cocktail pick and rest it atop your cocktail, not just as a decoration but as a tasty snack to enjoy.