What is a Harvey Wallbanger Cocktail?

The Harvey Wallbanger cocktail is a classic vodka cocktail that is basically a mix of a Screwdriver (vodka and orange juice) and the sweet, herbal Italian liqueur, Galliano. This classic cocktail was created in the 1950s and became a huge hit in the 70s as the drink of choice.

What is a Harvey Wallbanger Cocktail?

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There are a few stories out there on how The Harvey Wallbanger was created. However, this one is pretty believable and makes for a good story to share. The creation of this cocktail is all thanks to the owner and mixologist of Duke's Blackwatch Bar on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, Donato "Duke" Antone.

In the 1950s, he created and named The Harvey Wallbanger cocktail after a local surfer and bar regular, Tom Harvey. It's said that Tom Harvey lost a surfing competition, came into the bar and drank away with his favorite concoction of orange juice, vodka and Galliano. Supposedly, he then let out his anger by banging his head against the wall, hence the name. Some words of advice, if you ever end up losing a surfing competition and find yourself a few drinks in, we don't recommend letting your frustration out this way! But hey, at least there's a pretty cool story behind the name.

It wasn't until the late 1960s when The Harvey Wallbanger grew in popularity. A man named George Bednar, the marketing director in charge of promoting one of the drinks main components, Galliano came up with a catchy tagline for the cocktail, "Harvey Wallbanger is the name and I can be made!"

By the time the 70s rolled or discoed its way around, The Harvey Wallbanger was the cocktail of choice in everyone's hand. Check out our recipe below and get taken back in time with this classic mixed drink.

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Harvey Wallbanger Cocktail

The Harvey Wallbanger cocktail is a classic vodka cocktail that was wildly popular in the 1970s. Bring it back to life with this recipe.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 oz vodka
  • 4 oz orange juice
  • 1/2 oz Galliano L'Autentico Liqueur
  • Garnish with orange slice and cherry

Instructions
 

  • In a collins glass filled with ice, add the vodka and orange juice.
  • Layer the Galliano on top by pouring the liqour over the back of a spoon and garnish with an orange slice and cherry.