The Honey Dence

Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

In September there’s a lot of talk about a mixed drink called the Honey Dence, the official cocktail of the US Open. Created by mixologist Nick Mautone in 2006 and featured in Grey Goose’s cookbook, it features 3 fresh honeydew melon balls to represent tennis balls. At the US Open this year, it costs: $23.

Here’s how to make the cocktail at home:

The Honey Dence

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces vodka - the US Open uses Grey Goose
3 ounces lemonade - A simple lemonade recipe combines lemon juice, simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) and water.
1/2 ounce raspberry liqueur - the US open uses Chambord
3 honeydew melon balls, for garnish

If making cocktails for a crowd, mix the following larger quantities in a pitcher:

16 ounces vodka, 32 ounces fresh lemonade, 8 ounces raspberry liqueur.

Directions:

1) Fill a tall glass with ice.

2) Add the vodka, lemonade and respberry liqueur. 

3) Stir to mix.

4) Make 3 honeydew balls with a melon baller.

5) Place the balls across the top of the glass. The US Open threads the melons on a skewer.

This is a tasty drink even I (who usually skips mixed drinks for a simple glass of red wine paired with food) finds refreshing probably because during the summer, I drink water flavored with raspberry lemonade water enhancer, the only variety I think has much flavor.

So if you never drink alcohol, a raspberry lemonade flavor enhancer added to an icy glass of water is super refreshing too. Bottles up!

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