Meet Harvey Wallbanger
With so many spirits under the sun and even more ways to enjoy them, it seems like there is always something new to try when it comes to the world of cocktails. And if you're a classic cocktail fan, then chances are you've enjoyed your fair share of the delicious Harvey Wallbanger. But do you know where this popular drink first got its name? In honor of National Harvey Wallbanger Day celebrated each year on November 8th, we thought we'd tell you a bit more about this quirky cocktail.
History of Harvey
The Harvey Wallbanger is a brightly-colored mixed drink crafted with vodka, orange juice and Galliano liqueur. While this cocktail didn't appear in literature until 1971, it is believed to have been invented in 1952 by the famous mixologist Donato "Duke" Antone, who served the drink (vodka, orange juice, Galliano) under the name, Duke's Screwdriver. Thus, leaving the Wallbanger name—and legend—to emerge years later.
There are many stories as to how the Harvey Wallbanger first came to be. One of them took place back in 1968 at a chili tasting in San Diego, California, in which the hosts served up Harvey Wallbangers and a story. The hosts claimed that the drink first emerged after a Laguna Beach party ended with only vodka, Galliano, and orange juice remaining. When the party-goers left, a man named Harvey was the last man standing, who was found banging his head against the wall. A similar origin story was told by mixologist Antone, who claims that a famous surfer named Tom Harvey inspired the cocktail by consoling himself with so many Galliano-spiked screwdrivers that he walked into walls. However, the inspirational surfer has never been found.
It wasn't until 1969 when the Harvey Wallbanger finally rose to fame when the marketing director for McKesson Imports Company (the maker of Galliano), George Bednar, partnered with graphic artist Bill Young to create the iconic cartoon character. Galliano introduced the mascot Harvey Wallbanger to help market the drink in 1969 and sold a variety of Harvey swag, including t-shirts, pins and other memorabilia featuring his popular catchphrase: "My name is Harvey, and I can be made." The marketing strategy seemed to work wonders, with Galliano sales tripling and becoming the number one imported liqueur in America. Over the years, Harvey Wallbanger became a national sensation and was the drink of choice in various bars, flights and even on Amtrak. Harvey even wound up as a write-in candidate during the 1972 presidential election and remained the cocktail of choice well into the late 1990s.
Harvey Wallbanger Variations
The Hardly Wallbanger
Crafted by bartenders at the ‘70s-styled bar in San Diego, named Sycamore Den, the Hardly Wallbanger is known as Harvey with a twist. The cocktail includes the original drink's main components of vodka, OJ and Galliano accompanied by new flavors of fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract and soda water to help brighten it up.
The Wally Harbanger
The Wally Harbanger cocktail brings the attention from vodka to bourbon and swaps the OJ for lemon juice in a refreshingly light cocktail. It may not be a traditional Harvey Wallbanger, but the intention was there.
Wallbanger Sunset
Perhaps the simplest variation, the Wallbanger Sunset is a classic Harvey Wallbanger with a touch of grenadine, adding the perfect hint of sweetness and making it an ideal choice for a cocktail best enjoyed on the beach.
National Harvey Wallbanger Day
While the classic orange juice-infused cocktail is not as popular as it was 50 years ago, a sense of nostalgia comes when you take a sip of the iconic drink. Celebrated each year on November 8th to help reignite the cocktail's popularity, the best way to celebrate Harvey Wallbanger Day is simple, order yourself a Harvey Wallbanger or make one at home. Of course, we ask that you enjoy a Harvey Wallbanger with Northside Vodka. Crafted with 100% Midwest-grown corn, Northside Vodka is double-carbon filtered and distilled six times to give an ultra-smooth finish.
Classic Harvey Wallbanger Recipe
Ingredients:
1 oz Northside Vodka
6 oz orange juice
½ oz Galliano, to float
Garnish: orange slice and maraschino cherry
Instructions: Fill a rocks glass with ice, add vodka and orange juice. Stir to combine. Float Galliano on top, and enjoy!
