Incredible Hulk Drink

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Smash your thirst with this vibrant and punchy elixir.

I grew up loving comic books. In fact, I still read them. Old back issues, new storylines… I still get a kick out of going to my local comic shop and perusing the shelves, picking up whatever grabs my eye. Whenever a new comic book movie or television series is released, I’m sitting on the couch with a pizza and some popcorn, ready to spend that evening enjoying some outlandish adventures.

As a kid, I was all about Marvel Comics. And one of my all-time favorites was the big green guy, Bruce Banner himself, The Incredible Hulk. I followed his travails through the first two Secret Wars and beyond, all the way to stories such as World War Hulk. My summer mornings during my youth were filled with reruns of the classic television show starring Bill Bixby. You know the one, sad piano music and all. “Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.”

Tonight’s drink takes its name from the legendary superhero, mainly due to its green hue. Created in 2003 at Justin’s Restaurant in New York City, the Incredible Hulk cocktail became fairly popular over the next five years. Originally invented as a promotional drink for one of its ingredients, Hpnotiq Liqueur, the Hulk combined the fruity-flavored blue spirit with a cognac, resulting in an emerald-looking concoction that packs quite a punch.

The Incredible Hulk won’t make you angry as you sip it this evening. Quite the opposite in fact. Just don’t mention puny Banner. The big guy doesn’t like that.

What is Hpnotiq?

Created in 2001 by Raphael Yakoby, Hpnotiq (probably pronounced “hypnotic”), is a blue-colored sweet liqueur made from vodka, cognac and fruit juices, featuring notes of passionfruit and mango. Super trendy in the early 2000s, Hpnotiq is still enjoyed today and mixes up nicely in tropical-flavored cocktails.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use in an Incredible Hulk?

If you can’t seem to find a bottle of Hpnotiq at your local grocery or liquor store, fear not. You can still grab a cognac, like Hennessy or Rémy Martin, and substitute the Hpnotiq with a blue curaçao to achieve a similar fruity flavor while maintaining the green look. Excelsior!

What type of glassware and garnish is used?

A rocks glass filled with ice and garnished with a lemon or lime wheel is a fantastic way to enjoy an Incredible Hulk.

What was your favorite Incredible Hulk comic book?

Around the time of the second Secret Wars, I remember an issue that had Bruce Banner crawling through a cramped underground tunnel that kept getting smaller and smaller as he went on. With water rushing in and air running out, he turned into the Hulk and burst through the ground. Cool stuff.

Similar Cocktails to the Incredible Hulk

Throwing a superhero soirée? Excited for the latest MCU movie? Planning on hosting an X-Men comics reading party? You’ll need some themed, and delicious, libations to serve. Even if you’re just sitting at home alone with a few classic issues of the Silver Surfer, an adult beverage will make the evening more relaxing and memorable.

• Superhero – Rum, amaro, mango, pineapple and sour mix combine to create a super-powered cocktail.
• Web Slinger – Inspired by Spider-Man and served during the Broadway run of the musical Turn Off The Dark, this drink is made with vodka, apple schnapps, cranberry juice, ginger ale and topped with blue curaçao.
• Fantastic 4 Fizz – The next time you’re in Hollywood, make sure to visit the Scum and Villainy Cantina and order this champagne and vodka treat. Don’t forget to proclaim “Flame On!” as they light the sprig of rosemary garnish on fire.
• Wakanda Forever – Another Scum and Villainy concoction, made with African rye, Chambord and lime juice. Raise a glass for King T’Challa, the Black Panther.