🥃 Hpnotiq
Brand of blue liqueur made from French vodka, cognac and tropical juices; 17% ABV; producer Heaven Hill; on the market since the early 2000s.
Hpnotiq (pronounced "hip-NOT-ik") is a brand of blue liqueur based on vodka, cognac and tropical fruit juices. Its strength is 17% ABV. According to Difford's Guide, it is made in France and the producer is Heaven Hill. The bright aqua-blue colour comes from colourings, not from the fruit, and the brand has been on the market since the early 2000s.
History. The brand appeared at the turn of 2001–2002: the official website says 2001, while Difford's Guide says 2002. The origin is described in different ways: the company is based in the USA, but the drink is said to be produced and bottled in France. Difford's Guide names Heaven Hill as the producer; the brand's website lists an American importer as the rights holder, so we give the ownership structure "according to available data".
Composition. According to Difford's Guide, the base is vodka triple distilled in a pot still and charcoal filtered, to which cognac and pineapple, grape, passion fruit and orange juices are added. The producer says there are no added flavourings, sweeteners or preservatives, but there are colourings. The drink is not aged in casks: it is neither whisky nor cognac, but a mixed liqueur.
Range. Besides the original Hpnotiq there were Tropical, Harmonie, Sparkle and other versions; Harmonie, according to Difford's Guide, is no longer produced.
Why this matters to you. This is a liqueur, not vodka or cognac: in the EU a liqueur has at least 15% ABV. A fruity taste does not mean a weak drink, and 17% ABV still contains alcohol. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| Year founded | 2001–2002 (producer's website — 2001; Difford's Guide — 2002) |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | liqueur, Reg. (EU) 2019/787, Annex I (category 33) |
| EU category | 33 — liqueur |
| Raw material | vodka, cognac, pineapple, grape, passion fruit and orange juices |
| Distillation method | vodka triple distilled in a pot still and charcoal filtered; produced in France |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 17% ABV (34 proof) |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Hpnotiq → kind of → 🍸 Liqueurs → kind of → 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Previous step
- 🥃 Heaven Hill Brands
- Made from
- 🍸 Vodka, 🥃 Cognac
- What it contains
- 🍷 Ethanol
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🍸 Liqueurs
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Hpnotiq is blue because of fruit?
No. The aqua-blue colour comes from colourings, which Difford's Guide states directly; the juices (pineapple, grape, passion fruit, orange) provide the flavour.
Where is Hpnotiq made?
According to its description, in France; the producer is Heaven Hill. Reference books give the country of origin differently — the USA and France.
How strong is Hpnotiq?
17% ABV (34 proof).
What is Hpnotiq made from?
From vodka, cognac and fruit juices: pineapple, grape, passion fruit and orange.
When did Hpnotiq appear?
The official website says 2001, Difford's Guide says 2002.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🍷 Ethanol — The alcohol formed during fermentation that makes you drunk.
- 🥃 Heaven Hill Brands — American family-owned spirits company from Kentucky, founded in 1935 by the Shapira brothers and investors from the Bardstown area; Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Christian Brothers, Hpnotiq.
- 🍷 Drunk driving — Never drive after drinking wine: alcohol slows your reactions.
Similar
🥃 Salmiakki Koskenkorva · 🥃 Pisang Ambon · 🥃 Goldschläger · 🥃 Killepitsch · 🥃 Chambord · 🥃 Passoã
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Difford's Guide: Hpnotiq Tropical Liqueur (Heaven Hill; triple pot still vodka and cognac with pineapple, grape, passion fruit and orange juices; 17 %; made in France; launched 2002)
- Hpnotiq: official site (tropical fruit juices, French vodka and a touch of cognac; 17 % ABV; debuted 2001)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787 on spirit drinks (OJ L 130, 17.5.2019), Annex I (liqueur: category 33)
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)