Each time we gather during happy hour to share Harvey Wallbangers, we can’t help but reminisce on the fun story behind the drink. It was said that a certain customer named Harvey was found banging his head on a wall while drinking the cocktail.
Although there are many variations of the cocktail’s origin, we choose to accept the part where a bartender named it after a regular, Tom Harvey. And thanks to George Bednar and his ad campaign, the drink became a household name during the disco era.
Keep reading to learn more and for tips on making the Harvey Wallbanger cocktail recipe the way you like it.
Harvey Wallbanger Recipe Info and Ingredients
The Harvey Wallbanger is a mixture of herbs caught up in a glass of vodka and orange juice (also known as a Screwdriver). It was first made in the 50s by Donato Duke Antone, a California bartender, but became popular in the 70s. The cocktail is easy to whip up and is a great way for new bartenders to showcase their skills.
To prepare your Harvey Wallbanger cocktail, top up a Screwdriver with a Galliano liqueur and garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice. A Galliano is an herbal Italian liqueur that’s made with vanilla, herbs, and spices like cinnamon, lavender, star anise, and juniper.
Here’s our ingredients list for this golden Disco-era cocktail:
Serving: 1
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
- ½ ounce Galliano L’Autentico
- 3 ounces fresh squeezed orange juice
- Garnish: 1 orange wheel and 1 maraschino cherry
Mixing Instructions
You should follow these steps to make your Harvey Wallbanger:
- Pour vodka and orange juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake vigorously until ice cold.
- Double-strain the drink into an ice-filled Collins glass.
- Use a bar spoon to slowly layer the top of the drink with Galliano L’Autentico.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange wheel.
Harvey Wallbanger Calories and Nutritional Facts
| Calories | 149.55 kcal |
| Carbs | 13.01 g |
| Protein | 0.74 g |
| Total Fat | 0.19 g |
| Sodium | 1.28 mg |
| Sugars | 10.94 g |
Alcohol Content
The alcohol content of our Harvey Wallbanger recipe is 16.23% (32 proof), which is about the strength of an unfortified bottle of wine. However, yours may vary depending on the amount of vodka, orange juice, and Galliano you use. The more non-alcoholic mixers and the taller your glass, the lighter your drink.
When to Serve Harvey Wallbanger Cocktails
The Harvey Wallbanger recipe is befitting for several occasions, such as:
- Retro-Themed Party: The 1970s were dedicated to groovy music and disco dancing. But it could be much better with a Harvey Wallbanger cocktail.
- Summer Party: The Harvey Wallbanger has a delicious citrus element that’s ideal for a refreshing summer drink.
- Brunch: The cocktail is light and pairs well with various mid-morning or early-afternoon recipes.
Tips and Recipe Variations
If you’re preparing the drink for the first time, here are some tips to help you fix it like a pro:
- Layering the Galliano is key to creating the “wallbanger” effect. So, ensure you do it with a steady hand.
- Homemade orange juice is best used for this recipe. But if you can’t make it, a pack of store-bought juice would serve.
- You can build the cocktail in a glass in the absence of a cocktail shaker. Give it a good stir to blend in the vodka.
A popular variation of Harvey Wallbanger is the Freddy Fuddpucker. It swaps vodka with tequila and is also referred to as the cactus banger; other variations of the drink include Angostura bitters or lemon juice to balance the sweet taste of the cocktail.
Possible Ingredient Substitutions
The Galliano L’Autentico is the defining factor in the Harvey Wallbanger recipe. However, some people substitute it with Yellow Chartreuse, a French herbal liqueur.
Food Pairing Ideas
Harvey Wallbanger pairs well with light and fresh meals that won’t overpower its citrusy and herbal flavors. They include brunch meals, desserts, light salads, appetizers, seafood, and citrus-glazed chicken.
Conclusion
Do you have a bottle of Galliano L’Autentico on the back shelf? Now is the time to put it to good use. Grab your ingredients and whip up our refreshing Harvey Wallbanger. You should also check out our other vodka recipes so you can show off your bartending skills to friends and family.
