The Dave and Buster’s strawberry hennessy recipe brings the excitement of game night right to your home bar. This sweet cocktail combines smooth cognac with fresh strawberries for a drink that’s both fancy and fun.
I first tried this at my local Dave and Buster’s last summer, and let me tell you, it was love at first sip & it was the best choice for me among the Dave & Busters full menu. The bartender’s secret was using real strawberries instead of just the mix.
You get this perfect balance where the Hennessy doesn’t overpower the fruit, and the strawberry flavor feels natural, not fake.
With just five simple ingredients and about five minutes of your time, you can make this crowd-pleasing drink that costs way less than ordering it at the restaurant.
Trust me, once you nail this recipe, your friends will beg you to make it at every get-together.
Why You’ll Love This D&B Strawberry Hennessy Cocktail?
Here’s what makes this drink so special:
- Perfect Balance – The cognac gives you warmth while strawberries keep it refreshing and light
- Eye-Catching Color – That deep red color makes everyone want to try it immediately
- Simple to Make – No fancy bartending skills needed, just shake and pour
- Customizable Strength – Add more mix for lighter taste or extra Hennessy for stronger kick
- Budget-Friendly – One bottle of Hennessy makes about 12 drinks at home
- Fresh Fruit Boost – Real strawberries make it taste so much better than bar versions
- Party Favorite – Everyone from cocktail newbies to cognac lovers enjoys this one
What Does Strawberry Hennessy Taste Like?
This cocktail hits your taste buds with sweet strawberry flavor first, then you notice the smooth warmth from the cognac sliding through. The grenadine adds this cherry-like sweetness that makes the whole drink feel rich without being too sugary.
Fresh strawberries give it a natural fruit taste that mixes perfect with the vanilla and oak notes in the Hennessy. It’s not harsh like some mixed drinks – instead, it goes down smooth with a slight tingle from the alcohol.
The finish leaves you with a sweet berry flavor that makes you want another sip right away. Think of it like a grown-up strawberry lemonade with a sophisticated twist.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Yield: 1 cocktail | Serving Size: 1 glass (8–10 oz)
Dave and Buster’s Strawberry Hennessy Ingredients
- 2 oz Hennessy Privilege VSOP – This cognac brings smooth vanilla and oak flavors that blend perfectly with fruit, giving your cocktail that signature warmth.
- 3 oz strawberry daiquiri mix – The fruity base that makes this drink sweet and tangy, balancing out the strong cognac taste beautifully.
- 1 oz grenadine – Adds extra sweetness and deepens that gorgeous red color everyone loves in this cocktail.
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced – Fresh berries give natural flavor and make your drink taste way better than using mix alone.
- Ice – Keeps everything cold and helps blend flavors when you shake, plus fills your glass for proper serving.
How To Make Dave and Buster’s Strawberry Hennessy
Step 1: Get Your Shaker Ready
Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Don’t pack it too tight – you need room for the ingredients to move around when shaking. The ice chills everything fast and helps mix the flavors together.
Step 2: Pour in the Hennessy
Measure exactly 2 ounces of Hennessy using a jigger or shot glass. Pour it straight into your ice-filled shaker. This cognac is your main alcohol, so measuring right keeps the drink balanced.
Step 3: Add Your Strawberry Mix
Pour 3 ounces of strawberry daiquiri mix into the shaker. This gives you that sweet strawberry base that makes the cocktail taste like summer. Make sure you shake the mix bottle first if it’s been sitting.
Step 4: Sweeten with Grenadine
Add 1 ounce of grenadine to your shaker. This syrup not only makes the drink sweeter but also gives it that deep red color that looks amazing in the glass.
Step 5: Toss in Fresh Strawberries
Slice your strawberries into thin pieces and drop them in the shaker. These fresh berries release juice when you shake, making the drink taste more natural. Save a few slices for garnish later.
Step 6: Shake It Up
Put the lid on tight and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds. You want to shake until the outside of the shaker feels super cold. This mixes everything perfect and slightly mashes the strawberries.
Step 7: Set Up Your Glass
Fill a tall glass with fresh ice while your drink settles in the shaker. Using fresh ice keeps your cocktail from getting watered down too quick.
Step 8: Pour and Make It Pretty
Strain the mixture from your shaker into the prepared glass. The strainer catches the strawberry pieces and ice from the shaker. Drop a couple fresh strawberry slices on top for that professional look.
Step 9: Time to Enjoy
Your homemade Dave and Buster’s strawberry hennessy is ready! Take a sip and enjoy that perfect mix of cognac and strawberry sweetness.
Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Hennessy Cocktail
- Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the drink for extra coldness
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor – they should smell sweet and look bright red
- Try muddling strawberries in the shaker before adding liquids for stronger berry taste
- Double strain through a fine mesh if you don’t want any strawberry bits in your drink
- Rim your glass with sugar for extra sweetness and fancy presentation
- Use crushed ice instead of cubes for a slushier texture
- Add a splash of lime juice if you like your drinks less sweet
- Make a big batch in a pitcher for parties – just multiply ingredients by number of servings
Best Occasions to Serve Strawberry Hennessy
- Game Night with Friends I always make these when we have game night because they’re fun and keep everyone in good spirits without getting too strong.
- Summer BBQ Parties This fruity cocktail pairs perfect with grilled food and hot weather, plus the red color looks great in outdoor photos.
- Birthday Celebrations It feels special enough for birthdays but isn’t complicated to make when you’re hosting a big group of people.
- Date Night at Home Making fancy cocktails together is super romantic, and this one tastes good enough to impress without much effort needed.
- Girls’ Night In My girlfriends request this every time we get together because it’s sweet, pretty, and goes down easy while we chat.
- Pool Parties The refreshing strawberry flavor is perfect for sipping by the pool, and the cognac gives you that warm feeling even when wet.
- Holiday Gatherings That beautiful red color fits right in with Christmas or Valentine’s Day decorations, making it festive without trying too hard.
Dave and Buster’s Strawberry Hennessy Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular Hennessy instead of VSOP?
Yes, regular Hennessy VS works great in this recipe. The VSOP has a smoother, more complex flavor with hints of vanilla and spice, but VS cognac still makes a delicious cocktail. You might notice VS tastes slightly younger and sharper, so consider adding a touch more grenadine to balance it out.
What can I substitute for strawberry daiquiri mix?
If you can’t find strawberry daiquiri mix, blend 3 ounces of strawberry juice with a tablespoon of simple syrup and a squeeze of lime juice. You could also use strawberry margarita mix or even muddle extra fresh strawberries with simple syrup. The drink might taste slightly different but still delicious.
How do I make this drink less sweet?
Cut the grenadine to half an ounce and add a splash of fresh lime or lemon juice to balance the sweetness. You can also use less daiquiri mix and add club soda for a lighter, more refreshing version. Some people like adding a few drops of bitters for complexity without extra sugar.
Can I make a pitcher for a party?
Absolutely! Multiply all ingredients by the number of servings you need, mix everything except ice in a pitcher, and refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice or serve over ice in glasses. Just remember to stir the pitcher before pouring since ingredients can separate.
What’s the best glass to serve this in?
A tall collins glass or highball glass works perfect for this cocktail since it holds plenty of ice and shows off the beautiful color. You can also use a large wine glass or even a mason jar for a casual vibe. Just make sure your glass holds at least 10-12 ounces with ice.
How strong is this cocktail?
With 2 ounces of Hennessy at 40% alcohol, this drink is medium-strength, similar to a margarita or long island iced tea. The mixer and ice dilute it enough that most people can enjoy one or two without feeling too tipsy. If you want it lighter, use 1.5 ounces of Hennessy instead.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries work best for flavor and garnish, but frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid, or use them frozen for a slushier texture. Just know that frozen berries release more water when they thaw, which might dilute your drink slightly.
How long does leftover mix last?
If you make extra cocktail mixture without ice, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The fresh strawberries might get mushy, so strain them out before storing. Always shake or stir well before serving since ingredients will separate over time.
What food pairs well with this cocktail?
This strawberry hennessy goes great with spicy foods like buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers since the sweetness cools your mouth. It also pairs nice with chocolate desserts, cheese plates, or grilled chicken. The fruity flavors complement both savory and sweet dishes without overpowering them.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
For a mocktail version, replace the Hennessy with 2 ounces of white grape juice mixed with a few drops of vanilla extract. Keep all other ingredients the same. It won’t taste exactly like the original, but you’ll still get that sweet strawberry flavor everyone loves at parties.
Conclusion
Making the Dave and Buster’s strawberry hennessy recipe at home has become my go-to move for impressing guests without spending hours behind the bar.
This cocktail brings together smooth cognac and sweet strawberries in a way that makes everyone feel like they’re at a fancy lounge, even if we’re just hanging in my backyard.
The best part is watching people’s faces light up when they take that first sip and realize how good a homemade cocktail can taste.
