7 US Open Cocktails to Sip Courtside (or Couchside!)
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Game, set, sip! The US Open isn’t just a tennis tournament; it’s a whole late-summer mood. Friends gather, the matches heat up, and the drinks deserve a courtside seat. That’s where our lineup of US Open cocktails comes in. We’re talking easy-to-make serves that bring style to your living room, balcony, or backyard watch party.
Think spritzes with golden-hour sparkle, citrus hits that keep things lively, and slow-sip classics with a luxe edge. With base liquors like Aperol and Campari in the mix, you’re set for quality clinkers that taste as good as they look. Scroll down for the drinks you’ll want on your match day menu.
What makes a great US Open cocktail?
The best US Open tennis cocktails are the ones that fit the pace of the match—light enough to keep sipping, flavorful enough to feel like a treat. We’re talking low-ABV spritzes, tall sparkling coolers, and easy batches you can pour between serves without missing a point.
Seasonality is key. Citrus brings a burst of sunshine, and herbaceous notes keep things fresh and interesting. Add bubbles like Prosecco, soda water, or tonic for a crisp lift that works from the first volley to the final set.
Looks matter, too. Tennis watch parties are social occasions, and a cocktail with vibrant color and a garnish that pops is half the fun. Aperol’s iconic orange hue, Campari’s deep red, or a jewel-bright berry syrup can make your glass just as Instagram-ready as the stadium shots from Queens.
Above all, keep it effortless. These aren’t fiddly, hard-to-source recipes. They’re built for mixing ahead or assembling on the spot so you can stay in the game and still enjoy a standout sip.
Top 7 US Open cocktails to try
1. Honey Deuce
The Honey Deuce cocktail is the US Open official cocktail, and with good reason. This pretty combo of lemonade and raspberry liqueur is an ideal summertime treat.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz SKYY vodka
- 0.5 oz Raspberry liqueur
- 3 oz Lemonade (fresh if possible)
- Three melon balls
Method
- Add the vodka and raspberry liqueur to an ice-filled cocktail shaker
- Shake until frosty
- Fine strain into a chilled serving glass
- Top off with lemonade
- Garnish with the melon balls on a skewer to serve
Slam dunk! 7 Smashing Wimbledon Cocktails to Sip Couchside
2. Aperol Spritz
US Open spritz vibes? Don’t mind if we do! The OG Aperol Spritz is enjoying a lingering moment in the limelight, and we’re here for it. Serve up this Aperol clinker with a variety of easy alfresco eats to set the scene for a day of laid-back lushness.
Cheers, dears! Check out this fabulous Aperol gift guide!
3. Grand Margarita
Keen on summer cocktails for sports that are low-key luxurious, but super easy to prep? The Grand Margarita is where it’s at. Shake it up with Grand Marnier and Espolòn Tequila Blanco for a bright and beautiful tennis cocktail moment.
Read next: The Best Ginger Beer Cocktails to Enjoy
4. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep became the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby in 1939 and has been synonymous with the iconic horse race ever since. In short, this Wild Turkey-based icon is serving exactly the classy-sports-day energy you want at your US Open watch party.
Classy sips: 20 Irresistible Coupe Glass Cocktails for Elegant Entertaining
5. Campari Spritz
Like serving up cocktails to watch tennis with la dolce vita flair? Try a Campari Spritz, bestie. It’s got that singular Campari bitterness, balanced with beautiful effervescence and all sorts of low-ABV YAY.
6. Cynar Negroni
If you really want to ace the US Open cocktail game by serving up something completely unexpected, we highly recommend a Cynar Negroni. Featuring Bulldog Gin, Cynar liqueur, and Bottega Cinzano 1757 G.I. Rosso in the lineup, it’s a multi-faceted sipper that leaves a lasting impression.
Also see: 28 Must-Try Aperitif Cocktails for Every Occasion
7. Bourbon Peach Schnapps
Sometimes all you want on a late-summer day is a fruity cocktail with plenty of personality. This is when we like to pour a Bourbon Peach Schnapps. Easy to batch, and even simpler to enjoy, it comes together in a flash, and pairs well with everything from BBQ classics to fresh salads.
Fruity delights: 14 Peach Cocktails to Try in 2025
Make it a match: Pairing snacks with cocktails
A gorgeous cocktail deserves a winning wingman, and when you’re hosting a US Open watch party, food is just as important as the serve. The trick? Keep it easy to prep, delicious to eat, and full of festive flavor. Here’s how to make your spread work with the drinks on our list:
Olives & marinated bites: A bowl of mixed green and black olives, jazzed up with lemon zest, garlic, and rosemary pairs perfectly with a spritz. Add artichoke hearts or sundried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean energy.
Crostini station: Toast slices of baguette and set out toppings like whipped goat cheese with honey drizzle, smashed avocado with chili flakes, or hummus with roasted red peppers. Guests can layer up their favorites between sets.
Shrimp skewers: Quick-grill shrimp brushed with garlic-lime butter is a crowd-pleaser that plays nicely with citrusy Margaritas or a cooling Mint Julep. For a plant-based twist, swap in marinated tofu cubes or mushrooms.
Chips & dip upgrade: Serve kettle chips with a homemade dip like caramelized onion sour cream, beetroot hummus, or guacamole topped with pomegranate seeds. Add fresh veggie sticks for crunch and color.
Tennis-themed flair: Use a melon baller to make “tennis balls” from honeydew melon or cantaloupe. Thread them on skewers for garnish or toss them into a fruit salad with mint.
Keen on the zero-stress route? Order takeout – no judgment! Think sushi rolls, mezze platters, or sliders, plated on your own serving ware. Add fresh herbs, edible flowers, or citrus wedges for a homemade feel without lifting a spatula. The goal here isn’t a formal dinner; it’s laid-back abundance. Your cocktails will shine even brighter matched with the right snacks, and your guests will thank you for keeping things fun, flavorful, and easy to snack between volleys.
Raise a glass to the US Open
The US Open is the perfect excuse to blend a little sport with a whole lot of style. You can go all-out with themed touches (think green table runners for “court” vibes, bowls of melon-ball “tennis balls,” and scorecard-style menu signs) or keep it classic with crisp glassware and fresh flowers.
In the end, the key is to make it feel special. Shake, stir, or spritz your way through our list, find your match-day favorite, and serve it up with pride. Snap a pic, share it with your crew, and let every sip be part of the summer’s grand slam.
There you go, honey! With these recipes and occasion curation tips up your sleeve, you’re all set for taking the hosting cup. Visit the Aperol, Campari, Bulldog Gin, and Wild Turkey websites to stock up on US Open cocktail bases and sign up for our tasty newsletter to stay in the mix. Happy pouring!
