Harvey Wallbanger
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Harvey Wallbanger

Appearing in the 1960s, there are a few stories of how the Harvey Wallbanger cocktail came to be. My favorite is that it was named after a surfer called Harvey who drank so much he’d bump into the walls.

3 min
easy
highball glass

Ingredients

  • 2 shots vodka
  • Top with  orange juice
  • 1/4 shot Galliano
  • 1 cherry
Garnish: 1 cherry

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add the vodka and orange  juice to an ice-filled highball glass. 

  2. 2

    Stir briefly. 

  3. 3

    Float the Galliano on top. 

  4. 4

    Add the garnish.

Pro Tip

For a perfect Harvey Wallbanger, make sure to use freshly squeezed orange juice. It elevates the drink's flavor and gives it a refreshing zing that bottled juice just can't match.

The Story Behind the Harvey Wallbanger

The Harvey Wallbanger cocktail burst onto the scene in the 1960s, embodying the vibrant and carefree spirit of the era. Legend has it that the drink was named after a Californian surfer named Harvey, who, after indulging in a few too many of these delightful concoctions, would find himself literally 'banging' into walls. Whether fact or fiction, this story adds a whimsical touch to this classic cocktail's lore.

What Pairs Well

Food Pairings

  • 🍽️
    Shrimp Cocktail

    The light and refreshing taste of shrimp cocktail complements the fruity and sweet flavors of the Harvey Wallbanger.

  • 🍽️
    Caprese Salad

    The fresh and tangy flavors of a Caprese salad pair beautifully with the citrusy notes of the cocktail.

  • 🍽️
    Cheese Platter

    A variety of cheeses can enhance the complex flavors of the Galliano and vodka in the drink.

Perfect For

  • Beach Bonfire

    The fruity and refreshing nature of the Harvey Wallbanger makes it perfect for sipping by a beach bonfire.

  • Retro 60s Party

    This cocktail is a nostalgic nod to the 1960s, making it a fitting choice for a retro-themed party.

  • Sunday Brunch

    Its light and fruity profile makes it an ideal companion for a leisurely Sunday brunch.

  • Celebrating a Promotion

    Raise a glass of this vibrant cocktail to toast a well-deserved promotion.

Fun Facts

  • The Harvey Wallbanger is essentially a Screwdriver with a splash of Galliano, an Italian herbal liqueur.

  • Galliano, the key ingredient, is known for its unique blend of vanilla and anise flavors, giving the cocktail its distinctive taste.

  • The drink's popularity soared in the 1970s, thanks in part to a successful marketing campaign featuring the cartoon character 'Harvey Wallbanger.'

Make This Drink with Tom or Tina

Watch our bartenders mix it up with fun animations!