Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger is an alcoholic drink or cocktail made with vodka, Galliano, and orange juice.
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Creation Myth
According to legend, Harvey was a California surfer. After losing an important contest, he consoled himself in Duke's Blackwatch bar with one of his 'special' screwdriver cocktails, (a screwdriver with a dash of Galliano liqueur). After several drinks, he tried to leave the bar, but unfortunately kept bumping into the furniture and walls. Harvey 'the Wallbanger' became his nickname and the famous drink was named.
However, this story was apparently the basis of a joke that was popular at the bar of Arlberg Chalet in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. The drink was reportedly invented by the bartender, Robert Pratt, in the 1950s, and the cocktail was named after the character of the joke.
Historical References
Oshkosh Northwestern, 2nd October 1962
"Harvey Wall-banger"
Los Angeles Times, 22nd August 1968
"Instead of champagne or even beer, which also went undrunk, the chili clansmen decided they preferred Harvey Wallbangers."
"A 'Harvey Wallbanger,' Doner explained, 'consists of two shots of vodka, one shot of Galliano (an Italian liqueur) ice and orange juice.'
"As to its origin, there was supposed to be a guy in Laguna Beach who ran out of everything at a party except vodka, Galliano and orange juice. When everybody left, Harvey was banging his head against the wall."
Post Crescent, 19th October 1969
"Late the next morning (all right, it was about being well on my way to recovering from the effects of a concoction called a "Wall-banger"
Chicago Tribune, 23rd October 1969
The "Now" Mixed Drink
- 8 oz. O.J.
- 1 oz. Vodka
- Stir with ice
- Splash in
- 1/2 oz. Galliano
Lima News, 30th August 1974
"Correction: G. Wall-banger phoned that I made a terrible mistake referring to a new tequila drink, favored by the youth, as a "Freddy Fud-Pucker."
