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Harvey Wallbanger

Legions of pop-culture enthusiasts and cocktail lovers have pondered the origins of the Harvey Wallbanger. Read on and see what you think.

Harvey Wallbanger cocktail

Like so many well known drinks there are a couple of theories about its history and origins.

Version 1

Bartender Bill Doner created it while a bartender at The Office in Newport Beach, California. Simple and believable.

Version 2 (and much more fun to tell):

In California a surfer named Harvey liked his screwdrivers spiked with Galliano. After a bad day, having lost an important surfing competition, he had one too many. Trying to leave the bar, Harvey stumbled into both furniture and the wall. Being a regular at this bar, and despite his performance, he returned and simply became known as "the Wallbanger."

Harvey Wallbanger recipe

1-1/2 oz. vodka
4 oz. orange juice
1/2 oz. Galliano

Pour vodka and orange juice into a chilled Collins glass with several ice cubes and stir well. Top with Galliano float.

Full printer-friendly recipe for the Harvey Wallbanger here.

Recipes featuring Galliano

Although it contains many ingredients, vanilla is the most pronounced and important flavour in Galliano, a liqueur created by Arturo Vaccari in 1896. Its versatility as a "marrying" ingredient, hundreds of recipes involving Galliano are enjoyed around the world. Here are a few for you to enjoy:

The infamous Harvey Wallbanger cake

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 small box vanilla instant pudding
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1/4 cup Galliano liqueur
  • 3/4 cup orange juice

When finished, you will end up topping the cake with either powdered sugar or a glaze made thusly:

  • 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon vodka
  • 1 tablespoon Galliano

Mix cake mix, pudding, oil, eggs, vodka, Galliano, orange juice and beat for 4 minutes. Pour batter into greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until tested done.

Either dust with powdered sugar or frost with the glaze.

(Thanks to Bedford McIntosh.)

Bar tip

  • Galiano is the key ingredient of a Harvey Wallabanger. This vanilla-flavoured liqueur comes from Italy and is easily recognized by its unique long-necked clear bottle which allows its yellow color to shine through.
    More about Galliano »

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