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Writer's pictureMangia McCann

Who the Hell is Harvey Wallbanger?!

Ever heard of Harvey Wallbanger? I had heard this name uttered many-a-time between my father and his friend (my godfather) while they were drinking after dinner. I had no idea what it was, yet knew somehow they were speaking of a drink (as opposed to an individual), but I don’t think they ever drank one in my presence. My dad was more of a Manhattan guy. I, myself, had no idea what was even in it until yesterday. It’s a very simple cocktail to make, assuming you can find Galliano. What’s Galliano? Not exactly sure of that either as I couldn’t get it at my local liquor store! Confused? Let’s dig in.

The Harvey Wallbanger, originally called “Duke’s Screwdriver”, was concocted by a mixologist and cocktail consultant, named Donato “Duke” Antone, in 1969. It came to fame after an associated ad-campaign, solely manifested to bump sales of imported Galliano, was launched using a cartoon-surfing character named "Harvey Wallbanger"…why not then name it a Harvey Wavebanger?! Due to the appeal of the goofy character, as well as a deliciously approachable cocktail, it ended up rising to such great popularity that Harvey Wallbanger himself was the lead write-in candidate in the 1972 Presidential Election! This now makes perfect sense that my father and godfather would murmur this name to each other, because while they always agreed on cocktails, they always argued about politics! Have fun, or drink your despair away, watching the returns tonight with this smooth cocktail.

Harvey Wallbanger

If you can't find Galliano (like me), you should be able to find the similarly flavored Licor 43. If you need more ideas for using Licor 43, try this white sangria.

  • 1.5 oz vodka

  • 3 oz freshly -squeezed orange juice

  • ½ oz Galliano (or Licor 43)

  • Orange wedge

  • Maraschino cherry

Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the vodka and orange juice, giving a stir with a bar spoon.


Invert the par spoon and pour the Galliano on top, allowing it to float atop the cocktail.


Garnish with the orange wedge and cherry and serve.

______________________________ Copyright 2022, Brendan McCann, All Rights Reserved.


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