Description
The Honey Deuce is a refreshing cocktail that combines the smoothness of vodka, the tart sweetness of lemonade, and the rich fruity notes of raspberry liqueur. Garnished with chilled or frozen honeydew melon balls resembling tennis balls, this drink is not only visually appealing but also perfectly balanced in flavor. Ideal for summer gatherings or as a nod to the U.S. Open, the Honey Deuce is a drink that’s simple to make and delightful to sip.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1 ¼ ounces (Grey Goose recommended for authenticity).
- Lemonade: Freshly squeezed or high-quality store-bought, about ¾ cup.
- Raspberry Liqueur: ½ ounce (Chambord preferred for its rich raspberry flavor).
- Ice: Crushed, for a refreshing chill.
- Honeydew Melon Balls: Garnish that mimics tennis balls, chilled or frozen for added effect.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Glass
- Use a highball glass for an authentic presentation.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice to keep the drink refreshing.
- Add Vodka
- Pour 1 ¼ ounces of vodka over the ice.
- Top with Lemonade
- Fill the glass with lemonade, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Add Raspberry Liqueur
- Gently pour ½ ounce of raspberry liqueur into the glass to create a beautiful gradient effect.
- Garnish with Honeydew Melon Balls
- Use a melon baller to scoop out honeydew melon balls.
- Chill or freeze them for a refreshing garnish.
- Skewer 2–3 melon balls and place them on top of the glass.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Stir gently before sipping or allow the layers to mix naturally while drinking.
- Pair with your favorite snacks or enjoy on its own as a refreshing treat.
Notes
- Melon Ball Garnish: For the best visual and taste appeal, prepare the honeydew melon balls in advance and freeze them. This keeps your drink cold without watering it down.
- Homemade Lemonade: Opt for freshly squeezed lemonade for a brighter, fresher flavor. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality, less sugary brand.
- Vodka Selection: While Grey Goose is the official vodka for the Honey Deuce, any premium vodka with a smooth finish will work well.
- Raspberry Liqueur: Chambord is the traditional choice, but you can substitute with any raspberry-flavored liqueur or syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash of simple syrup or increase the amount of raspberry liqueur.
- Crushed Ice: Using crushed ice not only chills the drink faster but also enhances its refreshing quality on hot days.
- Serving for a Crowd: To make a large batch, mix the vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur in a pitcher. Add the garnishes right before serving for the best presentation.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace vodka and raspberry liqueur with sparkling water or raspberry syrup for a kid-friendly or non-alcoholic option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
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