Harvey Wallbanger Cocktail Recipe

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Harvey Wallbanger Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0.5g

Carbohydrates:17g

Alcohol:13%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Harvey Wallbanger is a classic cocktail that gained popularity in the 1970s. It is said to have been created by a California bartender named Donato 'Duke' Antone, who named it after a surfer named Tom Harvey. The story goes that Tom would often come into the bar after a long day of surfing and order this cocktail, eventually earning the nickname 'Harvey Wallbanger' due to his habit of stumbling into walls after a few too many drinks.

  • The Harvey Wallbanger is a variation of the classic Screwdriver cocktail
  • It became a symbol of the 1970s cocktail culture
  • The cocktail experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years

How Harvey Wallbanger Tastes?

The Harvey Wallbanger has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of herbal bitterness from the Galliano. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and subtle kick.

Interesting facts about Harvey Wallbanger

  • The Harvey Wallbanger is often associated with the 'Fern Bar' era of the 1970s, when cocktails with colorful names and fruity flavors were popular
  • Galliano, the key ingredient in a Harvey Wallbanger, is a sweet Italian liqueur with a unique blend of herbs, spices, and vanilla
  • The cocktail has inspired various spin-offs, such as the 'Freddy Fudpucker' which replaces the vodka with tequila

Ingredients

A few good options for Harvey Wallbanger are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

  • The 1.5 oz of vodka is the cocktail's backbone, providing a clean, crisp spirit base that doesn't overwhelm the other flavors. Too much vodka, and you'd overpower the subtle sweetness of the Galliano; too little, and the drink loses its punch. If you skip the vodka, you're basically left with a fancy orange juice.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Juice

  • At 4 oz, orange juice brings a refreshing acidity and sweetness to harmonize with the vodka. It's the heart of the cocktail that adds fruitiness and makes it especially pleasant during brunch. Not enough OJ, and the drink becomes too boozy and sharp; too much, and it turns into a children's breakfast.

Alex Green

Galliano

  • The 0.5 oz Galliano gives the Harvey Wallbanger its signature herbal and vanilla hints, creating a distinctive flavor profile. If omitted, you'd lose the essence of what makes this drink unique. Too much could make it taste like a bottle of perfume crashed into your glass.

Emma Rose

Ice

  • Ice is essential for chilling the drink and adding a slight dilution, which balances the flavors. No ice, and you've got a room-temperature mess. It's also a great excuse to show off those fancy ice cubes you've been freezing.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Slice and Maraschino Cherry

  • The garnishes add visual appeal and a hint of complementary sweetness. Without them, the drink is like a joke without a punchline – it just falls flat.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Harvey Wallbanger Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice
  2. Pour in the vodka and orange juice
  3. Stir gently to combine
  4. Float the Galliano on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon
  5. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh orange juice for a more refreshing taste
  • Chill the vodka before using it to keep the cocktail cold longer
  • Pour the Galliano slowly to ensure it floats on top

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Fried Calamari: The light citrus from the orange juice and the herbal touch of Galliano pair nicely with the crispness of fried seafood.
  • Cheese Boards: A selection of cheeses, especially those that are mild and creamy, will complement the smoothness of the vodka.

Brunch Dishes

  • Eggs Benedict: The acidity of the orange juice cuts through the richness of hollandaise sauce, making for a delightful combination.
  • Chicken and Waffles: The sweet and savory elements of this dish echo the sweet herbal flavor of the Galliano.

Desserts

  • Fruit Tarts: The fresh fruit flavors of the cocktail will be enhanced when paired with a similarly fruit-forward dessert.
  • Vanilla Gelato: A simple creamy dessert like gelato will balance the punchy flavors of the Harvey Wallbanger.

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What you could change in Harvey Wallbanger

  • Vodka: Can be replaced with gin or tequila
  • Orange Juice: Can be replaced with grapefruit juice
  • Galliano: Can be replaced with yellow Chartreuse

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Wallbanger

  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the standard recipe. The heat will play against the sweet vanilla notes of Galliano, providing an exciting contrast that adventurous drinkers will enjoy.

Wallbanger Margarita

  • Swap the vodka for tequila and add a splash of lime juice. This twist gives a nod to the classic Margarita, introducing a Mexican touch that's perfect for fans of agave spirits.

Wallberry Delight

  • Muddle a few fresh strawberries with the orange juice before adding the other ingredients. The strawberries will create a Berry Wallbanger, giving it a summery, fruity kick that makes it even more refreshing.

In case you forgot basics how to make Harvey Wallbanger

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Harvey Wallbanger

What type of occasions is the Harvey Wallbanger best suited for?

Given its sweet and fruity flavor, the Harvey Wallbanger is often served at parties and social gatherings. It's perfect for brunches, pool parties, and summer picnics.

Is there a difference between using freshly squeezed and store-bought orange juice in the cocktail?

While both can be used, freshly squeezed orange juice often provides a fresher, more vibrant flavor to the cocktail.

What is the alcohol content of Galliano?

Galliano has an alcohol content of around 30%, making it a moderately strong liqueur.

What are some cocktails similar to the Harvey Wallbanger?

Cocktails such as the Screwdriver, the Tequila Sunrise, and the Sea Breeze have similar profiles, being citrusy, fruity, and refreshing.

Why is the drink served in a highball glass?

A highball glass is usually used for cocktails that contain a high proportion of non-alcoholic mixer, and are served with ice. It is tall, allowing for a better display of the beverage's aesthetic.

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