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Despite the signs of autumn like school buses and the array of pumpkin-flavored treats, it’s technically still summer. The U.S. Open, starting the last Monday of August, signals this with its annual commencement. Over the next two weeks, tennis enthusiasts will flock to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens or watch from home to see their favorite tennis stars compete. If you’re attending or tuning in, keep an eye out for the Honey Deuce, the U.S. Open’s official cocktail.

Last year, the tournament sold over 400,000 Honey Deuce cocktails, a blend of raspberry lemonade priced at a hefty $22 each! Fortunately, it’s quite simple to make this drink at home with just three ingredients, allowing you to enjoy it in your air-conditioned living room while saving money. Here’s everything you need to know about crafting the Honey Deuce cocktail at home.

The Honey Deuce consists of vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur, typically garnished with honeydew melon balls that mimic the appearance of tennis balls. Created by restaurateur Nick Mautone in 2007, this cocktail has been a staple of the tournament ever since.

Grey Goose, a sponsor of the U.S. Open, enlisted him to create a distinctive yet simple cocktail for the high-volume event. During his experiments, a visit to a farmer’s market led him to discover honeydew melon balls, which resembled tennis balls and sparked the idea for the perfect garnish for the Honey Deuce cocktail. The cocktail’s name, Honey Deuce, cleverly refers to the tennis term “deuce,” which represents a 40-40 score.

This homemade version of the cocktail includes the same ingredients used by the tournament’s bartenders: crushed ice, vodka, lemonade, Chambord (or any other raspberry liqueur), and skewered honeydew melon balls as a garnish.

Related: Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

In a highball glass, add crushed ice, 1 ¼ oz. vodka, 3 oz. lemonade, ½ oz. Chambord. Stir (or shake in a shaker if you prefer) and pour into your highball glass. Garnish with honeydew melon balls threaded on a drink skewer. For a frozen twist, blend the vodka, lemonade, Chambord, and ice together, then serve in a glass with a garnish.

If you prefer not to make it but still want to try, and you’re in Chicago or New York, good news. DoorDash offers a Honey Deuce kit until September 8, which includes premixed Honey Deuce cocktails in cans, metal straws, melon balls, and a Grey Goose insulated tote bag.

Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel

This easy-to-make cocktail, bursting with a tart yet sweet flavor, has become my favorite for winding down the warm summer days. Its appealing color paired with the right mix of lemonade sweetness (homemade in my case), raspberry tartness, and the smooth flavor of vodka make it irresistible. The adorable melon ball garnish, resembling tiny tennis balls, adds a fun twist that elevates the entire drink.

Although the official recommendation for the U.S. Open is to use Grey Goose vodka because they sponsor the event, I used my favorite Aspen vodka that I already had at home. Feel free to use whatever vodka you prefer; it will still turn out beautifully refreshing and delicious—no wonder it’s a popular choice.

Many others share this sentiment. One enthusiast commented, “The Honey Deuce cocktail was easy to make, refreshing, and sweet. The melon balls were a fun garnish!” Another remarked, “I love to prepare the Honey Deuce throughout the year. Since I live in Miami where the weather is mostly hot, this drink is perfect for BBQs or a day at the beach.” Indeed, it seems it’s game, set, match with this drink.

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