Short drinks · Cognac

Incredible Hulk

Pour the blue liqueur first, then the golden Cognac, and watch the glass turn from two layers into vivid green as you stir. Tropical fruit meets oak and dried fruit in a smooth, sweet sipper.

2.9Editors’ rating
Taste3
Balance2.9
Easy to make4.7
Popularity20
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  • GlassDouble rocks glass
  • TechniqueBuilt in the glass
  • DifficultyEasy
  • Time2 min
  • StrengthMedium (approx. 24 % ABV)
  • OriginUnited States, 2000s
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Incredible Hulk cocktail

Ingredients

1

Garnish: None · Ice: Ice cubes

Method

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
  2. Pour in the Hpnotiq.
  3. Slowly add the Cognac on top so it forms a layer.
  4. Stir in front of your guest until the drink turns green.

Watch it made

Incredible Hulk

Taste

Sweet and fruity with tropical notes, balanced by the warmth of Cognac. Smooth, but strong.

History and origin

The Incredible Hulk became popular in the early 2000s, shortly after the launch of Hpnotiq, a pale blue liqueur made from fruit juices, vodka and Cognac that arrived on the US market in 2001. The combination of the blue liqueur with Cognac produces a green color, and the drink was named after the Marvel comic hero.

A widely told story credits a bartender at Justin's, a New York restaurant owned by Sean Combs, with inventing it. The drink spread through clubs and hip-hop culture, where both Hpnotiq and Hennessy were strongly featured at the time.

Bartender tips

  • Serve it layered and stir at the table; the color change is the show.
  • A VS Cognac is ideal; older expressions are wasted here.
  • If it is too sweet or strong, lengthen it with a splash of lemon-lime soda.

Variations

Incredible Hulk long
Easy twist: top with lemon-lime soda in a highball glass for a lighter drink.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the Incredible Hulk turn green?

Blue Hpnotiq and golden-brown Cognac mix to a green color.

What is Hpnotiq?

A pale blue liqueur from fruit juices, vodka and Cognac, launched in 2001.

Can I use brandy instead of Cognac?

Yes. Any smooth brandy creates the same green color and similar flavor.

The perfect sound

2000s hip hop

Bold, bright green and ready for the dance floor.

  1. Get Ur Freak OnMissy Elliott Spotify YouTube
  2. Hey Ya!OutKast Spotify YouTube
  3. Hot in HerreNelly Spotify YouTube

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