Honey Deuce: The Refreshing Cocktail That Defines the U.S. Open Experience

Oscar Peña, the lead supervisor of the Grey Goose Bar at the U.S. Open, is no stranger to the hustle and bustle of the tournament. Each day, he commutes from the Bronx to the USTA Billie Jean King National Center, where he dedicates 14 hours to overseeing the preparation and serving of the event's signature cocktail, the Honey Deuce. With a staggering 5,000 Honey Deuces sold each day, the demand for this refreshing drink has reached an all-time high, making it as much a part of the U.S. Open experience as the tennis matches themselves. Since its inception as the tournament's signature cocktail in 2008, the Honey Deuce has undergone a marketing evolution that has seen it become a must-have for fans attending the matches. The cocktail, which features a blend of vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur, is served in a souvenir highball cup adorned with three honeydew melon balls, evocative of tiny tennis balls. The drink’s clever name is a playful nod to both its fruity composition and the tennis term "deuce," referring to a tie score of 40-40. According to Chris Studley, the USTA's managing director of event services, last year’s sales climbed to an impressive 460,000 Honey Deuces, generating over $10 million in revenue. This year, with a slight price increase to $23 per drink, the tournament is projected to sell over 500,000 cocktails, pushing revenue past $11.5 million—a remarkable feat for a single drink at a sporting event. The logistics behind serving such a high volume of drinks daily is intricate. An overnight crew ensures that each bar is stocked with supplies, including souvenir cups, vodka, lemonade, and ice, creating what Studley describes as a “24-hour operation.” The implementation of a draft system has sped up service, allowing bartenders to prepare each drink in just 12 seconds, significantly enhancing the experience for fans eager to quench their thirst during matches. Nick Mautone, the mixologist and hospitality expert who created the Honey Deuce, drew inspiration from a fruit salad he concocted after visiting a farmer's market. His mission was to create a signature drink that would embody the spirit of the U.S. Open while providing a light and refreshing option for spectators enduring the summer heat. The Honey Deuce, with its vibrant colors and appealing presentation, has become a staple on social media, with fans frequently sharing selfies and group photos featuring the cocktail. The excitement surrounding the Honey Deuce is palpable, and it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon at the U.S. Open. Fans have been known to stack their empty cups into elaborate structures, and the souvenir cups are often resold on e-commerce platforms, indicating their status as coveted keepsakes. As the evening sessions grow livelier, it’s common to spot celebrities mingling with fans, each clutching a Honey Deuce—an emblem of the event's blend of sport and celebration. Peña, who manages the lively bar nestled among the trees near Arthur Ashe Stadium, thrives in the bustling atmosphere of the tournament. He skillfully juggles the tasks of taking orders, preparing cocktails, and maintaining the party vibe. As he concludes another strenuous day, he takes pride in knowing that he has contributed to the creation of unforgettable memories for countless fans, solidifying the Honey Deuce as an integral part of the U.S. Open experience. “It’s not only just a drink, it’s part of the aura,” Peña reflects. As the tradition of the Honey Deuce flourishes, it stands as a testament to the intersection of sports, hospitality, and fan culture at one of the world’s premier tennis events.