Harvey Wallbanger

Harvey Wallbanger

The Harvey Wallbanger is a popular cocktail that became a staple of American bar culture in the 1970s. It is a simple mixed drink, consisting of vodka, orange juice, and Galliano, a sweet, herbal Italian liqueur known for its distinctive yellow color and vanilla-anise flavor. The cocktail is typically served in a tall glass, often referred to as a highball glass, over ice.

History

The origins of the Harvey Wallbanger are somewhat disputed, with various stories attributing its creation to different bartenders in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. However, the most widely accepted story credits a Los Angeles bartender named Donato 'Duke' Antone with inventing the drink in 1952. The cocktail's quirky name is said to derive from a Manhattan Beach surfer named Harvey, who, after losing a surfing competition, drowned his sorrows in the drink and subsequently banged into walls as he left the bar.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) Vodka
• 3 oz (90 ml) Orange juice
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) Galliano

Preparation

To prepare a Harvey Wallbanger, fill a highball glass with ice. Add vodka and orange juice, then stir. Float the Galliano on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon to create a layering effect. Garnish with an orange slice or a maraschino cherry.

Popularity

The Harvey Wallbanger gained popularity in the 1970s, partly due to a successful marketing campaign by McKesson Imports Company, the importer of Galliano at the time. The campaign featured a cartoon character named Harvey Wallbanger and the slogan, "Harvey Wallbanger is the name and I can be made!" This marketing effort helped the cocktail to become synonymous with the disco era and 1970s cocktail culture.

In Popular Culture

The Harvey Wallbanger has been referenced in various films, television shows, and books, often evoking a sense of nostalgia for the 1970s. Its easy preparation and distinctive taste continue to make it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

See Also

• Cocktail
• Vodka
• Orange juice
• Galliano (liqueur)
• Highball (drink)