Lush Talk: Breaking Down the ‘That’s My Michelle’ Cocktail and Getting to Know the Hosts

Welcome back to another episode of Lush Talk, where the drinks are cold, the takes are hot, and the conversation is always flowing. Before we dive into the neon-colored depths of today’s cocktail, we want to remind our community that while we love to have fun, we always advocate for safe and responsible drinking. Settle in, make sure you’re safe, and let’s get into the mix.

### The Viral Inspiration: That’s My Michelle
Today’s episode centers around a drink that carries a lot of cultural weight—and a bit of notoriety. If you were anywhere near social media in 2024, you likely heard about Shannon Sharpe (the face of Club Shay Shay) and his ‘accidental’ Instagram Live moment. The internet was set ablaze when a recording surfaced involving a woman named Michelle, leading to the catchphrase ‘That’s My Michelle.’ Naturally, the mixology world did what it does best: it turned a viral moment into a drink recipe.

When we looked up the recipe, most sources suggested using any VSOP cognac. However, given the context, we felt there was only one real choice. We opted for Le Portier, a smooth, high-quality cognac that brings the right level of sophistication to an otherwise wild concoction. The drink is essentially a remix of the classic ‘Incredible Hulk’ (Hypnotiq and Hennessy), but with a 2024 twist that involves vodka and a very specific soda choice: Taco Bell’s Baja Blast.

### The Tasting: An Incredible Hulk on Steroids?
The ‘That’s My Michelle’ is a visual trip. Combining the blue of the Hypnotiq and the neon teal of the Baja Blast creates a color profile that screams early 2000s club scene. Upon the first sip, the consensus was… mixed. It’s essentially a high-octane version of a drink many of us remember from 2007 or 2008. While the Le Portier cognac is undeniably smooth, the combination of vodka, Hypnotiq, and Mountain Dew-based soda creates a sweetness and potency that might be a bit too much for the modern palate.

Ratings were tough today. We landed between a 2 and a 3.5 out of 5. For those who have emotional scars from getting ‘drunk as a skunk’ on Hypnotiq back in the day, this drink might be a literal trigger. It’s the kind of drink that feels like it belongs in a different era, or perhaps at a party where you aren’t planning on remembering much the next morning. It’s wild work, but that’s the reality of viral cocktails!

### Beyond the Glass: Getting to Know the Lush Talk Hosts
After three years of sharing drinks with you all, we realized we haven’t spent enough time sharing who we are as individuals. We decided to pivot from the cocktail review to a more personal ‘hobbies and passions’ segment.

**Breezy: Cars and Crowns**
For those who know her as Breezy, her first love will always be anything with a motor and wheels. A true car enthusiast, she’s a fan of the ‘vroom vroom’ life, currently owning two Lexus vehicles. But her interests aren’t just under the hood. Breezy is also deeply involved in the world of pageantry. As your current Miss American World, she is preparing for a massive journey to Kenya in May 2026. Pageantry is an expensive and demanding hobby, but it’s a passion that allows her to represent her community on an international stage.

**Natasha: Fitness, Fashion, and the Beyhive**
On the other side of the mic, Natasha balances her love for a good sip with a dedication to fitness. Working out five times a week isn’t just about losing weight; it’s about ‘me time’ and clearing the mind for the day ahead. Growing up athletic—playing soccer and tennis—fitness has always been a staple in her life.

Then there’s the ‘bougie’ side. Natasha is a self-proclaimed lover of designer purses, specifically mentioning her love for Telfar bags. While she has a wish list of high-end items, she’s a responsible mom first, ensuring that ‘edmification’ (education) and her child’s future come before a luxury shopping spree. And of course, no mention of Natasha is complete without acknowledging her status as a top-tier Beyoncé fan. With a dedicated ‘Beyoncé fund’ ready for whenever the Queen decides to tour, her passion for music and the culture surrounding the Carters is unmatched.

### The Reality of Modern Living
As we wrapped up our drinks and stories, the conversation took a turn toward the relatable struggles of living in today’s economy. From the sky-high electric bills that seem to target our tax returns to the frustration of political promises that don’t quite hit the mark (like a $150 annual credit on a $1,000 bill), we’re feeling the squeeze just like everyone else.

Whether we’re discussing the ‘Incredible Hulk remix’ or the cost of living, Lush Talk is about keeping it real. We might throw out a bad drink, but we never throw out a good conversation. Stay tuned for more field trips, more lives, and more honest reviews. Until next time, drink responsibly and stay lush!