Incredible Hulk Cocktail
The Incredible Hulk is a vibrant green drink known for its simple two-ingredient recipe and surprising potency. It combines the fruity, tropical notes of Hpnotiq with the rich, oaky character of Cognac. The name is derived from its color, which transforms from Hpnotiq's blue to a bright green when the golden-brown Cognac is added, resembling the famous comic book character. It's a sweet, strong drink that is popular in clubs and for parties.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Incredible Hulk is classified as a modern cocktail, specifically a type of highball or built-in-glass drink. It falls into a category of simple, potent drinks popular in club and party scenes rather than classic cocktail bars. Its two-ingredient formula makes it easy to categorize and prepare.
Serving
The Incredible Hulk is a cold drink served over ice in a standard rocks or Old Fashioned glass. It is quite potent, with an ABV around 25-30%, depending on the specific cognac used.
Serving size
Approx. 120 ml / 4 oz (before ice)
Alcohol content
Approx. 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The drink was created in 2003 at a launch party for Hpnotiq at the New York restaurant Justin, owned by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. A bartender named Victor Alvarez was tasked with making the blue liqueur more appealing to men. He mixed it with Hennessy cognac, and the resulting green color and powerful taste were an instant hit, quickly gaining the nickname "Incredible Hulk."
Origin
New York City, USA, 2003.
Incredible Hulk Cocktail
The drink is most commonly known as the "Incredible Hulk" due to its green color. It is sometimes called "Hip and Hen" as a shorthand for its ingredients, Hpnotiq and Hennessy. Less common nicknames like "Green Eyed Monster" or "Shrek" also reference its distinctive appearance.
Original name
Incredible Hulk
Alternative names
- Green Eyed Monster
- Hip and Hen
- Shrek
Characteristics overview
This drink is defined by its vibrant green color and intensely sweet, fruity flavor profile from the Hpnotiq, balanced by the warming depth of the cognac. Its aroma is tropical, and it has a smooth, slightly thick texture with a potent alcoholic warmth.
Flavor
Sweet, Fruity, Tropical, Passion fruit, Mango, Oaky, Grape
Aroma
Fruity, Tropical, Vinous
Taste balance
Sweet, Potent
Aftertaste
Warming, Sweet, Fruity
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Bright Green, Opaque
Texture
Smooth, Slightly Syrupy
Seasonality
Year-round, Party drink
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Incredible Hulk is a flavor-forward drink, dominated by high levels of fruitiness and sweetness. It is not carbonated and has a notable alcohol strength that balances the sugar-rich liqueur.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires just two core ingredients: Hpnotiq Liqueur for its tropical fruit flavor and blue color, and Cognac for its strength and oaky depth. Typically, equal parts of each are used.
- Hpnotiq Liqueur60 ml / 2 ozA blue liqueur made from fruit juices, vodka, and a touch of cognac.
- Cognac60 ml / 2 ozHennessy V.S. is traditionally used, but any V.S. or V.S.O.P. cognac works well.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special mixing equipment is needed as the drink is built directly in the serving glass. A jigger is recommended to ensure the correct 1:1 ratio of ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pours
Instructions
The preparation is straightforward: fill a glass with ice, add the Hpnotiq, and then top with cognac to create the signature color change. The drink is built directly in the glass for maximum simplicity.
1. Fill a rocks or Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes.
2. Measure and pour the Hpnotiq Liqueur into the glass over the ice.
3. Slowly pour the Cognac over the Hpnotiq. The drink will magically transform from blue to green.
4. Serve immediately as is, or give a very brief stir to combine.
Garnishing
The Incredible Hulk is almost always served without a garnish. Its striking green color is considered the main visual appeal, making any additions unnecessary.
- None (typically)
Dietary Information
This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. As it contains only spirits and liqueurs, it is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a relatively high-calorie cocktail due to its high sugar content from the liqueur and alcohol content from both ingredients. Most of its carbohydrates come directly from sugar.
Calories
Averagely 220-260 kcal / 920-1090 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 18-22 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-22 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is best suited for high-energy social settings like parties, clubs, and nights out with friends. Its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing sweet flavor make it a popular choice for large gatherings. It is less common in formal or quiet cocktail lounge settings.
- Party
- Night Out
- Clubbing
- Social Gathering
Pairing suggestions
Due to its sweetness and strength, the Incredible Hulk pairs best with salty and savory snacks that can cut through the sugar. Think party foods like chips, pretzels, spicy chicken wings, or french fries. It is not typically paired with full meals.
- Salty Snacks
- Party Finger Foods
- Spicy Wings
- French Fries
The Incredible Hulk: A Smash Hit Cocktail
The Incredible Hulk is a modern classic known for its brilliant green hue and simple, powerful recipe. Combining equal parts of tropical-flavored Hpnotiq and rich Cognac, it delivers a sweet, fruity, and potent experience. Born from the New York party scene in the early 2000s, it remains a go-to drink for those seeking something fun, visually impressive, and easy to make. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and the magical color change that happens when the ingredients are mixed.