Incredible Hulk Cocktail

Name: Incredible Hulk Cocktail
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Hpnotiq Liqueur; 60 ml / 2 oz Cognac

Ingredients Instructions

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 oz
A blue liqueur made from fruit juices, vodka, and a touch of cognac.
Cognac60 ml / 2 oz
Hennessy 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.