Nas and Hennessy Unveil HenNASsy, a Limited-Edition Cognac to Celebrate 50 Years of Hip-Hop

Hip-hop and Hennessy share a long history. From 2Pac to Snoop Dogg to Drake, many of the genre’s biggest names have repped the Cognac. According to the brand, it has been featured in more hip-hop songs over the years than any other alcohol company. Now, the French brandy is celebrating that relationship by teaming up with Grammy Award-winning rap legend Nas to release a limited-edition Hennessy V.S bottle and celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary.

"Hennessy has been an undeniable mainstay in hip-hop, intricately woven into the fabric of the genre and its global influence for decades," said Jasmin Allen, senior vice president, Hennessy USA. "We're proud to honor hip-hop's 50^th anniversary with a pioneer of the art and culture—hip-hop icon, Nas—as we celebrate the debut of our collaborative limited-edition bottle."

To capture the spirit of hip-hop, Nas narrated a film in partnership with New York photographer Renell Medrano, who grew up in the Bronx. This film is made to serve as Nas' love letter to hip-hop and features imagery of the new Hennessy V.S bottle.

"It means a lot to me to celebrate this legendary moment in hip-hop history with Hennessy, a brand that has supported me for over 10 years," said Nas. "Hennessy is part of our culture and continues to inspire generations of hip-hop fans, so I'm really proud to share our new limited-edition bottle with the world."

Related: 11 Iconic Movie Cocktails You Can Make at Home

To go along with the new bottle, Hennessy's mixologists crafted three unique cocktails to celebrate hip-hop's 50th.

1. The Big Apple

Inspired by Nas, this drink is Hennessy's homage to the birthplace of hip-hop. The fruity notes of Hennessy V.S compliment the cinnamon apple flavors prominent in the cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounce Hennessy V.S

• 1.5 ounce apple juice

• 0.5 ounce maple syrup

• 0.5 ounce lime juice

• 1 cinnamon stick garnish

Directions:

1. Add all liquid to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake until chilled.

3. Pour into rocks glass filled with ice.

4. Garnish with cinnamon stick.

2. Incredible Hennessy

A twist on a classic, this well-balanced and refreshing drink taps into the brand’s legacy within hip-hop and will be immediately recognizable to fans of the brand and the genre.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounce Hennessy V.S

• 0.5 ounce Hpnotiq

• 0.5 ounce Midori

• 0.75 ounce lemon juice

• 0.25 ounce dry vermouth

• 0.5 ounce simple syrup

• 1 lime or lemon twist garnish

Directions:

1. Add all liquid to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake until chilled.

3. Pour into rocks glass filled with ice.

4. Garnish with lime or lemon twist.

Related: Tracy Morgan on Classic Hip-Hop, Shark Tanks, and Old-School Sitcoms

3. HenNASsy Honey

A tribute to Hennessy's partnership with Nas. The Cognac's complexity complements the sweetness of the honey while balancing the tartness of the lemon juice.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounce Hennessy V.S

• 0.75 ounce honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)

• 0.5 ounce fresh lemon juice

• 2.5 ounce coconut water

• 1 lemon wheel garnish

Directions:

1. Add all liquid to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake until chilled.

3. Pour into a collins glass filled with ice.

4. Garnish with lemon wheel.

[$45; caskers.com]

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.