It’s been a minute since I’ve posted anything, let alone a cocktail! I figured it was about time to get back on the saddle and try something new. Enter in the Harvey Wallbanger; an American cocktail shrouded in controversy!
Once thought to be invented on the shores of California by a bartender that was well known among beach bums and surfers in the 1950s, more recent research has indicated that maybe it was, in fact, first served in Hartford, CT! Despite recent findings, I’m choosing to believe the West coast variation of the story (even though Harvey Wallbanger sounds much more like an East coast name and not the name of a surfer).
How to Make a Harvey Wallbanger
At it’s core, it’s a simple spin off of a Screwdriver. Take a tall cocktail glass and fill it halfway with ice. If you enjoy refreshing cocktails to be as chilled as possible you could put the glass in the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to mixing your drink.
Pour 2 1/2 ounces of vodka and 7 ounces of orange juice over the ice. Like the glass, you could keep your vodka in the freezer for a finished product that would be near the freezing point.
Top with the 2 teaspoons of Galliano floating on the top. Galliano is an Italian herbal liquor that has tastes of vanilla and star anise. Think of a vanilla flavored piece of licorice in liquid form and you get Galliano.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and orange slice, find a spot in the sun, and enjoy your cocktail!
Music Recommendation
Remember like a minute ago when I said I was choosing to believe the West coast origins of the Harvey Wallbanger? Well, that’s mainly because my music recommendation is classic West coast surfer culture. While you’re sitting in the sun and enjoying your Harvey Wallbanger, turn on The Beach Boys – Surfin’ Safari and imagine your toes are buried in the sand.
Ingredients
- Ice crushed
- 2.5 oz Vodka
- 7 oz Orange juice
- 2 tsp Galliano
- Maraschino cherry and orange slide for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall cocktail glass halfway with ice
- Pour the vodka and orange juice over the ice
- Float the Galliano on top
- Garnish with maraschino cherry and an orange slice
Great dinner pairings
- Smoked Whole Chicken – perfect for that winner winner chicken dinner
- Smoky Cheeseburger – hold the pickles hold the lettuce
- Smokey Lime and Cilantro Pork Tenderloin – for your South of the border cravings
One response to “Harvey Wallbanger”
I like Screwdrivers so I should try this drink. Seems to me I drank Harvey back years ago living in southern CA and doing the beach ocean scene. Like the idea of listening to Beach Boys again. Good memories. Thx.