Unique Melon-Inspired Cocktails to Enjoy During the US Open in NYC

As summer's melon season reaches its peak, tennis fans eagerly seize the opportunity to enjoy the beloved Honey Deuce. This signature cocktail, featuring Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur, has become synonymous with the US Open, enchanting attendees and viewers alike. Its popularity has spurred a variety of creative interpretations at bars across New York City, where mixologists are offering their own takes on this iconic drink.

The charm of the Honey Deuce lies in its refreshing flavor, beautifully complemented by a garnish of melon balls. Given that the US Open is not just a tennis tournament but also a seasonal celebration of casual yet elegant cocktails, it seems fitting to explore some of the unique riffs on this drink being poured at bars throughout the city. Here are 12 standout offerings to check out during this year's US Open.

Clemente Bar: The Sour Love

At Clemente Bar, a vibrant spot above Eleven Madison Park, the Sour Love cocktail shakes things up with a blend of Grey Goose, tomato gin, aloe, and muskmelon liqueur, enriched with green tomato and watermelon juices. This refined drink is clarified with coconut milk, resulting in a clean, silky finish, adorned with pickled watermelon and honeydew garnishes.

Gem: The Honey Deuce Slushy

Nolita’s Gem offers a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative with its Honey Deuce Slushy. This delightful concoction blends honeydew, raspberry, and lemon juice into a chilled, tart drink garnished with a melon ball, capturing the essence of summer and nostalgia.

Sake No Hana: The Love Set

For those seeking an elegant twist, Sake No Hana introduces the Love Set. This sophisticated drink features sparkling wine and cassis, garnished with a muskmelon ball, alongside a delicate oyster topped with caviar, merging flavors in a delightful harmony.

Muku: Morning Dew

At Muku, chef Steve Kim presents the Morning Dew, which harmoniously fuses shochu and green Chartreuse with honeydew, citric acid, and ginger beer. This highball drink is accentuated with a shiso flower, offering a fresh take on the classic recipe.

Bar Blondeau: 40 Love Spritz

At Bar Blondeau, the 40 Love Spritz cleverly reimagines the Honey Deuce, incorporating its signature flavors with a refreshing fizz from soda water. The resulting blush-pink drink is garnished with cucumber, echoing the traditional cocktail's appearance.

Bar Fiori: Deuces Wild

Over at Bar Fiori, the Deuces Wild trades the classic Honey Deuce ingredients for a vibrant spritz featuring melon liqueur, natural lemon, lemongrass, and grapefruit juice, ensuring a lively sipping experience.

Confidant: Lil’ Melon

Though slightly veering from the Honey Deuce outline, Confidant offers a captivating Lil’ Melon cocktail. Using cantaloupe instead of honeydew, this cocktail combines cantaloupe, cucumber gin, sherry, and lemon for a drink that balances sweet and savory.

Forgione: Sake-Tini

At Forgione, the Sake-Tini showcases a blend of Haku vodka, sake, and a housemade honeydew and cucumber cordial. Served in a coupe glass and finished with three melon balls, it strikes a fine balance between refreshing and strong.

Beefbar: The Honey Deuce

Beefbar, nestled in Tribeca, works with Grey Goose to create a custom Honey Deuce featuring vodka, black raspberry liqueur, yuzu, and lemonade. This lively drink is garnished with traditional honeydew balls dusted with a flavored salt for extra zest.

Queens Tavern: The English Garden Deuce

The Queens Tavern also delivers a unique twist by crafting the English Garden Deuce. This refreshing take combines vodka, dry vermouth, apple liqueur, honey, and lemonade, presented in a branded cocktail glass celebrating the US Open spirit.

Elcielo: Elcielo New York Honey Deuce

Lastly, Elcielo, a fine dining Colombian restaurant, delivers its own rendition of the Honey Deuce using honeydew soda, kaffir lime juice, and raspberry-infused vodka, creating a light, effervescent cocktail that retains the spirit of the classic drink.

For cocktail enthusiasts, these variations embody not just the essence of tennis culture but the joys of summer sipping. Whether you’re courtside or at one of NYC’s vibrant bars, explore these inventive takes on the Honey Deuce throughout the US Open season.