Why You’ll Love This Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce
Looking for a cocktail that tastes like pure summer in a glass? The Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce bursts with flavor, looks gorgeous, and comes together fast no sugary syrup needed.
Here’s why this version is a standout:
- Naturally vibrant – Uses real muddled raspberries instead of liqueur
- Bright and well-balanced – The tartness of raspberries pairs beautifully with the sweetness of lemonade and the crispness of vodka.
- Visually iconic – Honeydew melon balls mimic tennis balls for a playful U.S. Open tribute
- Quick to prepare – Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal tools
- Versatile for occasions – Perfect for July 4th, pool parties, tennis watch parties, or backyard gatherings across the U.S. and Canada
- Easily customizable – Swap spirits, make a mocktail, or turn it into a frozen treat
Perfect for gatherings or solo sipping, this drink brings a fruity, elegant touch to any summer moment.
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Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce Cocktail
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce is a fruity, refreshing cocktail made with real raspberries, lemonade, and vodka, inspired by the U.S. Open classic. Unlike the original that uses liqueur, this version delivers a cleaner, more vibrant taste with natural sweetness and a showstopping garnish of honeydew melon balls. It’s easy, elegant, and perfect for summer entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (from 1 pint), plus more for garnish
- 2 cups store-bought lemonade
- 1/2 cup (4 oz.) vodka
- 12 honeydew melon balls (use a melon baller or small scoop)
Instructions
- Muddle and stir:
Place the raspberries in a pitcher. Use a cocktail muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon to gently mash them until juicy and broken down. - Add the lemonade and vodka to the pitcher. Stir until well combined.
- Strain and serve:
Set a fine-mesh strainer over a clean container. Pour the mixture through the strainer to remove pulp and seeds. - Fill four rocks glasses with ice. Pour the strained cocktail mixture into each glass.
- Garnish each drink with a cocktail pick holding three honeydew melon balls and a few fresh raspberries.
- Serve immediately and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Substitute vodka with gin or tequila for a creative twist.
- Make a mocktail version by replacing vodka with sparkling water and muddling extra raspberries.
- Use frozen raspberries if fresh are unavailable—just thaw and drain before muddling.
- Prep in advance: You can mix the drink base up to 2 days ahead; just strain and garnish when ready to serve.
- Ideal for summer parties, brunches, or themed events like a tennis watch party.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink, Cocktail
- Method: Stirred, Muddled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients & Budget Breakdown for the Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce
Ingredient List with Variations
- 1 cup raspberries (from 1 pint), plus more for garnish
- 2 cups store-bought lemonade (16 oz.)
- 1/2 cup (4 oz.) vodka
- 12 honeydew melon balls
Ingredient Variations:
- Frozen raspberries – Use thawed berries; drain excess liquid
- Lemonade choices – Try pink lemonade or citrus-infused versions
- Vodka styles – Go classic or flavored like citrus or raspberry
Estimated Cost (Budget to Premium)
- Budget: ~$6 with store-brand vodka
- Standard: ~$10 using name-brand lemonade and mid-shelf vodka
- Premium: ~$18 with organic berries and Grey Goose vodka
Money-Saving Tips & Waste Reduction
- Freeze leftover raspberries or puree into yogurt
- Use extra honeydew for smoothies or fruit salad
- Repurpose unused lemonade in recipes like this Watermelon Basil Soup
How to Make the Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce, Step by Step
Time needed: 10 minutes
Preparing a Single Serving of the Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce
- Muddle and stir:
Add raspberries to a pitcher. Muddle with a spoon or muddler until juicy. Stir in lemonade and vodka.
- Strain and serve:
Strain the mixture into four ice-filled glasses, then top each one with melon balls and a few extra raspberries for garnish.
Batch Prep for Parties
Multiply recipe by four for 16 servings. Mix up to 2 days in advance. Store strained mixture chilled and add garnishes when serving.
Creative Ways to Customize Your Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce
Spirit Swaps: Vodka, Gin, or Tequila
- Gin: Enhances with herbal notes great with cucumber
- Tequila blanco: Brightens the drink with earthy, citrus tones
Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce Mocktail Version
- Omit vodka
- Replace with soda water or sparkling lemonade
- Muddle extra raspberries for stronger flavor
Sparkling or Frozen Twist
- Sparkling: Top with bubbly water or Prosecco
- Frozen style: Combine everything with ice in a blender for a refreshing summer slushie.
Pairing Suggestions & Occasion Tips for Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce
Best served with:
- Grilled pineapple chicken kabobs
- Summer corn salad with avocado
- Cherry vanilla yogurt smoothie
Ideal occasions:
U.S. Open watch parties, July 4th, bridal showers, summer brunches, or pool parties from coast to coast.
Nutritional Info & Macros for Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce
- Calories per serving: ~150 kcal
- Sugar: ~12g
- Alcohol content: 1.5 oz vodka
For a lower-calorie version, use diet lemonade and reduce fruit garnish.
FAQs
The classic version uses Chambord, but this recipe skips liqueur for fresh raspberries.
The classic ingredients include vodka, raspberry flavor (from liqueur or real berries), lemonade, and melon balls.
Vodka, gin, and tequila all pair beautifully, offering different flavor profiles.
Lemonade, tonic water, club soda, and citrus juices work well.
Pairs well with lemon soda, cranberry splash, or a handful of mixed berries in a sparkling spritzer.
Yes thaw and drain to avoid diluting your drink.
Mix raspberries, lemonade, and vodka up to 3 days ahead. Strain and garnish before serving.
Absolutely. Gin adds florals, while tequila gives a zesty bite.
Yes. Use soda water or sparkling lemonade and skip the vodka.
Approximately 150 calories per standard serving.
Story & Origin of the Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce (US Open Legacy)
The original Honey Deuce, created by Grey Goose in 2007 for the U.S. Open, became a tennis tournament staple. Its pale pink hue and tennis-ball-like melon garnish made it instantly iconic.
But unlike the $23 version sold courtside, this recipe takes a healthier, homemade approach. Made across the U.S. and Canada for summer gatherings, it’s just as festive with deeper flavor and far more versatility.
Final Thoughts on the Fresh Raspberry Honey Deuce
This recipe is more than a drink it’s a total crowd-pleaser. With real ingredients, low prep time, and stunning visuals, it brings together flavor, nostalgia, and seasonal ease in one perfect pour.
Whether you’re sipping poolside or serving guests, it’s the kind of drink people ask about and remember. Fresh, fruity, and unforgettable.