The opening rounds of the US Open are a little over a week away. That means it is time to gather barware and ingredients for the impending Honey Deuce season. This year, the official US Open Shop offers some new products that I am genuinely excited about. This post sorts out the offerings and evaluates potential alternatives for savvy consumers.
Glassware
The official US Open Shop is finally offering the same Honey Deuce plastic cups as used onsite. In previous years, they only offered the cup in glass and bundled it with other products, which added to the cost. A set of two 2024 Grey Goose® Honey Deuce™ Cups is offered for $14. This is definitely the way to go if you don’t already have authentic drinkware. For reference, purchasing the drink at the tournament in the official commemorative cup this year will set you back $23 a pop.
The US Open Shop price for the 2024 cups is lower than current eBay listings for recycled cups from previous years. Additionally, for a truly authentic experience, I do not recommend alternative glassware. While the Honey Deuce glass looks like a pint, it doesn’t hold 16 ounces. Additionally, the official Grey Goose recipe calls for a highball glass. However, that doesn’t resemble the official vessel at all.
If you don’t already own authentic Honey Deuce cups, this is the year you should finally make that investment.
Melon Ballers
The melon ball is essential to this cocktail. While the skewer of three is intentionally evocative of tennis balls, the circular shape imparts more aromatics than alternative forms of the garnish. You need a melon baller unless you want to tediously whittle them out by hand. The US Open Shop is also selling that essential barware implement this year.
The US Open Melon Baller and Swizzle Sticks Set comes with a baller with the US Open logo and two swizzle sticks with tennis balls on the end. At $24, it’s a reasonable value but not particularly authentic to how melon balls are prepared in the venue. The swizzle sticks are also not what is used as skewers in the beverage onsite.
I prefer the double-ended OXO melon baller (<- Sponsored Link) to make my Honey Deuces. The smaller 1-inch diameter side is the ideal size for the cocktail. The sharp edges ensure precise cuts, and the non-slip handle provides a comfortable grip. It is also dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
Skewers
While any old skewer can be used to spear those melon balls, if you have made it this far down in this post, you’re committed. That means you should consider getting some Gray Goose skewers.
The US Open is the best time of the year to watch tennis in the United States. The evening sessions run deep into the night from coast to coast. Sipping on a Honey Deuce while you watch makes the experience all the better.
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Honey Deuce
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ oz GREY GOOSE® Vodka
- 3 oz Fresh Lemonade
- ½ oz Chambord®
- 3 Honeydew Melon Balls
Method
- Fill a chilled highball glass with cubed ice and add GREY GOOSE® Vodka.
- Top with fresh lemonade and raspberry liqueur.
- Garnish with a skewer of 3 fresh or frozen honeydew melon balls.
