For a unique tennis-themed cocktail, I highly recommend checking out "The Smash" at The Open Bar in NYC. This drink is a playful twist on the classic mojito, with fresh mint, rum, lime, and a splash of tennis-inspired honey syrup. It's refreshing and perfect for a match day celebration. Another great one is "The Ace" from a local pop-up at the Westside Tennis Club in Forest Hills. It's a vibrant cocktail made with gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon, and a hint of cucumber, served in a glass resembling a tennis ball. You can also try the "Backhand" at The Plaza Hotel's Champagne Bar, a sophisticated blend of gin, grapefruit, and bitters that's as bold as a powerful serve. These drinks are perfect for fans of both the sport and good cocktails! Check out the links for more details and photos of these drinks.
Tennis-Themed Cocktails for US Open Season With the US Open around the corner, here are some standout tennis-themed cocktails being served across NYC and beyond — plus a few ideas you can incorporate into your own menus or events. 1. Honey Deuce (US Open Signature Cocktail) Where to Find It: Available at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows Served at NYC spots like Dante, The Greens at Pier 17, Amuse at The Westin Grand Central, and Harlem Tavern About the Drink: Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, a splash of Chambord (raspberry liqueur), and frozen honeydew melon balls (shaped like tennis balls). Served in a signature souvenir cup. More Info: Read about it on Business Insider Official Recipe on AllRecipes Photo: Horizontal image from Food & Wine 2. Match Point Spritz Where to Find It: Featured at Mister Charles, NYC View the drink on Instagram About the Drink: A summer-friendly mix of Pimm's, aloe liqueur, and ginger ale. It's light, fizzy, and cleverly named after a key tennis term. 3. Grand Slam Cocktail (DIY or Event Menu Idea) Where to Find It: Not widely served at restaurants — but a great custom cocktail idea for tennis viewing parties or pop-up bars. About the Drink: A bold combination of bourbon, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, and lemon sparkling water. Perfect for a "power shot" theme. Recipe & Source: shaunmyrick.com - Grand Slam Cocktail
I've found the most shareable drinks are those that weave the sport's language into the recipe. Beyond the Honey Deuce, an easy crowd pleaser is a Grand Slam Spritz—prosecco, elderflower and grapefruit served in a glass rimmed with dehydrated citrus and a melon ball shaped like a tennis ball. NYC's Overlook Bar near the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center often creates a Match Point Mojito with basil and strawberry puree to celebrate the tournament, while the Park Hyatt's Living Room bar riffs with a Love-Love Lemonade of vodka, mint and club soda. Outside New York, Scottsdale's Westin bar offers an Ace Serve vodka lemonade with a tennis ball-shaped ice sphere. A playful name and photogenic garnish go a long way.
When it comes to tennis-themed cocktails, the Honey Deuce is definitely a must as it's the signature drink of the US Open. Besides that, one spot in NYC that truly embraces the tennis vibe with their drinks is The Grand Slam Shake at the U.S. Open's Food Village. They don't only stop at names; the shake is actually served with a little tennis-themed twist on the presentation that makes the whole experience a bit unique. Another interesting place I stumbled upon during a previous US Open was a bar that had a drink called "Match Point Mojito." Each drink blended traditional mojito elements with a splash of local flair, integrating fresh mint leaves sourced right in NYC. Now, I don't recall the exact location, but the concept seemed to be catching on in several bars around the area each year around the tournament time. Checking out popular sports bars or hotel lounges in Queens, especially near the National Tennis Center, might reveal similar themed cocktails. It's all about getting that tennis atmosphere--whether it's through a refreshing cocktail or the exciting game buzz around. So, good luck finding your perfect serve, both on and off the court!
Having covered countless galas and high-society events across Manhattan, I've noticed tennis-themed cocktails becoming the sophisticated choice at upscale venues during tournament season. The sport's elegance translates beautifully to cocktail culture. Beyond the classic Honey Deuce, I've seen "Ace" martinis served at members-only clubs on the Upper East Side - typically a clean gin martini with a tennis ball olive garnish. The Rainbow Room recently featured a "Match Point" cocktail during their summer series, combining champagne with elderflower and a lime twist that mimics a tennis ball's curve. From my connections in the hospitality world, I know several Midtown hotels create pop-up tennis bars during the US Open. The Peninsula typically does a stunning "Deuce" cocktail with white rum and lime that photographs beautifully against their marble bar backdrop. These venues understand that presentation matters as much as taste when you're targeting the tennis crowd. The key is finding spots that cater to the same demographic attending the matches - places where networking and style intersect. Tennis-themed drinks work because they combine athletic energy with cocktail sophistication, which perfectly captures the US Open's social atmosphere.