Cherry Court Cooler Cocktail with a strawberry and lime garnish on a boat

Honey Deuce Cocktail Recipe + My Cherry Court Cooler

Every summer, tennis fans flock to New York for the US Open — not just for the thrilling matches but also for one of the most iconic cocktails in sports: the Honey Deuce Cocktail. 

This refreshing sip has earned a reputation as the official drink and the ultimate courtside companion, and it’s easy to see why. Fruity, light, and dressed up with frozen honeydew melon balls (that look like mini tennis balls!).

Honey Deuce Melon Balls in a bowl with sprigs of mint

At the US Open, one of these delicious drinks currently costs about $23 and comes with a collectible souvenir cup.

What is Honey Deuce Made Of?

The Honey Deuce is made with vodka, Chambord, and lemonade, and it hits that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing. It’s one of those drinks that makes you feel like you’re part of the action, even if you’re just watching the match from your couch at home.

Honey Deuce Cocktail

Honey Deuce Cocktail

The Honey Deuce is the signature cocktail of the US Open, made with vodka, Chambord, and lemonade, and garnished with frozen honeydew melon balls that look like mini tennis balls. Refreshing, fruity, and iconic, it’s the perfect summer sip for tennis fans.
Course Cocktails
Keywords Fruity Cocktails, Vodka Cocktails
Servings 1 Servings

Equipment

  • 1 Martini Glass
  • 1 Melon Baller
  • 1 Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 oz Grey Goose Vodka (Or other premium vodka)
  • .5 oz Chambord
  • 3 oz Lemonade
  • 1 wedge Honeydew Melon Made into 3 balls and frozen

Instructions
 

For Garnish

  • Using a melon baller scoop 3 balls from the honeydew melon and place them in the freezer until you place them on a cocktail skewer for garnish

For Cocktail

  • Pour vodka, Chambord and lemonade into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well
  • Strain the shaken mixture into a martini glass with ice
  • Garnish with three melon balls on a skewer
Keyword Fruity Cocktails, Vodka Cocktails

But Wait…

If you follow me here at Next Cocktails, you know I can’t just stop at admiring a great drink; I have to create my own spin on it when necessary. This is exactly what I did here!

Meet the Cherry Court Cooler 

Inspired by the Honey Deuce’s berry-citrus charm, I put my own spin on it with ingredients that bring a bold cherry-lime kick, including my favorite vodka Ciroc Red Berry!

It’s the kind of cocktail made for summer moments — whether you’re watching tennis, relaxing lakeside, or sharing drinks with friends.

Cherry Court Cooler Cocktail with a strawberry and lime garnish on a boat

Cherry Court Cooler Cocktail

The Cherry Court Cooler is a berry-forward, fruity, crisp, and easy-to-sip spinoff of the Honey Deuce Cocktail.
Course Cocktails
Keywords Chambord, Ciroc Vodka, Fruity Cocktails
Servings 1 Servings

Equipment

  • 1 Martini Glass
  • 1 Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 oz Ciroc Red Berry
  • .5 oz Chambord
  • 3 oz Cherry Limeade
  • 2 each Strawberries Sliced for Garnish
  • 1 wedge Lime For Garnish

Instructions
 

  • Add vodka, Chambord, and cherry limeade into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
  • Strain into a martini glass over ice
  • Garnish with strawberry slices and a wedge of lime
Keyword Chambord, Ciroc Vodka, Fruity Cocktails

The result? A juicy, berry-forward cocktail with just enough tart lime to keep it refreshing. The Chambord adds depth, the Ciroc Red Berry gives it a smooth kick, and the cherry limeade ties everything together.

The Taste Test: Honey Deuce vs Cherry Court Cooler

Of course, I couldn’t keep this one to myself. I recently mixed up a batch of Cherry Court Coolers while spending an afternoon with friends out on the lake. 

Group of people enjoying a cocktail on the lake

After the first round of sips, I knew I had something special — because not only did everyone go back for seconds, but the verdict was unanimous: they loved the Cherry Court Cooler even more than the Honey Deuce. 

Why You’ll Love The Cherry Court Cooler

The Cherry Court Cooler shines in three big ways. First, it brings berry brightness, with even more juicy berry flavor than the classic Honey Deuce.

It’s also a true crowd-pleaser, easy to batch for parties, lake days, or tennis watch nights. And finally, it delivers that unmistakable summer energy — fruity, light, and refreshing, perfect when the sun’s shining or even when you want to capture a little taste of summer in the middle of winter.

Now It’s Your Turn 

So while the Honey Deuce may reign supreme at the US Open, the Cherry Court Cooler is my personal signature serve. Whether you’re watching Serena highlights, cheering on the next generation, or just enjoying cocktails with friends, this one’s a winner.

Try both and decide for yourself. I would love to hear your opinion.

Game. Set. Match. Cheers!

Similar Posts