Mixing it Up at the US Open
This year at the US Open, the top seed isn’t the only one under pressure. Surprisingly, it’s not about players like Jannik Sinner or Aryna Sabalenka.
The drink of choice, the Grey Goose Honey Deuce, is facing some stiff competition from new cocktails as Arthur Ashe Stadium fills with a rowdy crowd there for the fun. Francis Tiafoe, the beloved American player, remarked that “70% of the fans are loaded, and I’m absolutely drunk,” highlighting the festive atmosphere among attendees this year.
Last year, the tournament set a record with 556,000 Honey Deuce cocktails—vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur garnished with honeydew chunks that resemble mini tennis balls. This popular drink, served in a printed Keeper Sake Cup, generated almost $13 million in sales.
New contenders are making a splash, such as watermelon cocktails introduced by the InterContinental Group. These feature champagne, elderflower liqueur, pale watermelon juice, and lime, served in a bright yellow glass shaped like a tennis ball—priced at $39, it stands in stark contrast to the $23 Honey Deuce.
Other newcomers include a fresh take on the espresso martini, as well as Moët Mimosa. The Ace Paloma, which made its debut in 2023, will return alongside two Margarita options introduced last year with Taylor Fritz and Aryna Sabalenka.
However, not all tennis fans are on board with the influx of new drinks. Zach Miller, a 39-year-old from Queens who served Honey Deuce at his wedding, expressed skepticism about the other options, calling them “counterfeit products.” He might not grudge others for trying to hop on the bandwagon, but his loyalty clearly lies with Honey Deuce.
He likened it to the iconic Aston Martin DB5 from James Bond—sure, there are many James Bond cars, but it’s the Goldfinger DB5 that’s truly memorable. “Honey Deuce is a DB5,” he asserted.
His wife, 44-year-old Jill Rafson, an artistic director, has different plans. “I’m going to put my hands on it,” she said, referring to the watermelon drink. “Watermelon and neon cups? That sounds really loud in my alley.”
The tournament kicked off on Monday with Fan Week and Mixed Doubles, while singles matches are set to start on Sunday. Tennis enthusiasts who have come to enjoy the tournament were taken aback by the variety of drinks available.
“I was surprised,” commented 23-year-old Charlie Hill, a sports content creator from Brooklyn. “I was hoping Honey would imagine.” Meanwhile, Claris Bell, a 21-year-old tennis expert and first-time attendee since reaching legal drinking age, was open to the options but criticized the $39 price for the Watermelon Slice. Even with the souvenir cups, she thought, “It’s still not worth it.”
After dominating the scene for nearly two decades, Grey Goose appears unfazed by its new rivals and even views it as flattery. Aleco Azqueta, the brand’s vice president of marketing, noted that “Grey Goose Honey Deuce has set the standard for nearly 20 years. Others simply strengthen their status as an icon,” emphasizing its legendary status.
Some fans believe that having more choices might actually lead to less overall drinking. “If there’s an option for people, the line isn’t that long, and you don’t have to buy as many Honey Deuces as you can carry back to your seat,” Rafson commented, suggesting it might help ease the crowd dynamics.
But Miller isn’t quite convinced, hoping that less diversity won’t change the traditional vibe. “The US Open is the end of a summer party, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing,” he said. “We don’t want to change that.”
