All eyes on tennis fans right now are on the US Open courts: the fourth and final Grand Slam, held annually in New York between late August and early September. But beyond the competition on the courts, attention is also focused on what spectators are sipping in the stands: it's not the first time a dish has taken center stage at a major sporting event, and in this case, it's two cocktails, one historic and one recently introduced, both with prices that are anything but affordable.
Honey Deuce vs Watermelon Slice
The first arrived at Flushing Meadows in 2007, becoming the official cocktail of the tournament: it was created by bartender Nick Mautone for Grey Goose, the famous French vodka brand. The drink is composed, of course, of vodka, lemonade and raspberry liqueur, but its most iconic feature is the garnish: three melon balls reminiscent of tennis balls, and the whole thing is served in a distinctive collectible glass. The Honey Deuce costs a whopping $23, a price that, although it hasn't increased compared to last year, has undergone six increases since 2012, going from $14 to the current $23. Despite this, however, it remains the favorite cocktail of the fourth Grand Slam: in fact, in 2024, more than 550,000 were sold, generating revenue of approximately $12 million.
But this year, it seems another competitor has appeared in the stands at the US Open: it's called the Watermelon Slice and was created by IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the tournament's sponsors. And if $23 for the Honey Deuce seems excessive to you, you'll find the price of its competitor almost absurd: the Watermelon Slice, in fact, comes in at a whopping $39. This one also stands out for its unique presentation: a bright yellow glass with white wavy lines reminiscent of tennis balls. It's a fusion of watermelon juice, elderflower liqueur, lime, and Moët & Chandon, garnished with a slice of watermelon. Its introduction was highly appreciated, especially by celebrities like Brittany Snow, Meg Donnelly, and even Serena Williams, who were photographed sipping one. It remains to be seen whether this newcomer will be able to outclass the historic US Open cocktail or whether the two will be able to coexist, making the experience of this highly anticipated Grand Slam even fresher and more exciting – at least for spectators.
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