History & Heritage
“Though folklore credits a California surfer named Tom Harvey, the Harvey Wallbanger owes its fame to a 1969 marketing campaign by Galliano importer McKesson. Cartoon ads of a sandal-wearing "Harvey" and the catchphrase "Harvey Wallbanger is the name and I can be made!" propelled the vodka–orange–Galliano combo into bars, airplanes, and home parties throughout the 1970s. Its popularity faded with the disco era but resurged as cocktail historians embraced its kitschy charm.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Fill a highball glass with ice
Add vodka and orange juice and stir
Float Galliano on top
Garnish with an orange slice
Glassware
Served over ice in a highball glass
Garnish
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for vibrancy
Pour the Galliano gently over a spoon to preserve the float
Chill the glass and ingredients for a crisp result
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Harvey Wallbanger.
Extra Herbal
Increases Galliano for a stronger anise-vanilla note.
Changes
Less Sweet
Cuts back on Galliano for a drier profile.
Changes
Freddie Fuddpucker
Substitutes tequila for vodka, adding an agave bite.
Changes
Hardly Wallbanger
Modern twist incorporating additional bitters and spices.
Changes
Spiked Wallbanger Coffee
Adds coffee to the classic trio for a brunch-friendly pick-me-up.
Changes
Julius Wallbanger
Clarified milk punch rendition evoking an orange creamsicle.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Screwdriver
Vodka and orange juice built over ice for a simple, refreshing highball.
Sex on the Beach
Vodka and peach schnapps collide with orange and cranberry juices for a neon-hued crowd-pleaser born of 1980s beach culture.
Black Russian
A minimalist mix of vodka and coffee liqueur that delivers bold, roasty sweetness—essentially a White Russian without the cream.