The Harvey Wallbanger is a classic 1970s cocktail that’s making a comeback thanks to its smooth, refreshing flavor and fun backstory. This drink is essentially a screwdriver with a twist, combining vodka and orange juice with a float of Galliano, an Italian herbal liqueur that adds vanilla and anise notes. Legend has it the drink was named after a California surfer named Harvey who loved this cocktail so much that he’d bounce off walls after a few too many. Whether the story is true or not, this bright yellow drink is absolutely delicious and perfect for brunch, poolside sipping, or anytime you want something light and citrusy with a sophisticated herbal finish. It’s easy enough for beginners but interesting enough for experienced cocktail lovers.
Serving Quantity: 2 cocktails
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
1. Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka
- 8 ounces fresh orange juice
- 2 ounces Galliano liqueur
- Ice cubes
- 2 orange slices for garnish
- 2 maraschino cherries for garnish
- 2 tall glasses
2. Nutrition Information Per Serving
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
3. Choose Your Ingredients
Use good quality vodka for the smoothest taste. It doesn’t need to be top-shelf since the orange juice and Galliano will add plenty of flavor, but avoid the cheapest brands which can taste harsh. Fresh-squeezed orange juice makes a huge difference in this cocktail. If possible, juice fresh oranges right before making your drinks. The bright, natural flavor is incomparable to bottled juice.
4. Chill Your Glasses
Place two tall highball glasses or Collins glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before making your cocktails. Cold glasses keep your drink refreshingly chilled longer and prevent it from getting watery too quickly. If you don’t have time to freeze them, fill them with ice water while you prepare the drinks, then dump it out right before serving.
5. Prepare the Orange Garnish
Cut two nice round slices from a fresh orange, each about a quarter inch thick. Make a small cut from the edge to the center of each slice so you can slide them onto the rim of the glass. Set aside with the maraschino cherries.
6. Fill the Glasses With Ice
Remove your chilled glasses from the freezer or dump out the ice water. Fill each glass to the top with ice cubes. Use large, solid ice cubes if possible as they melt slower and keep your drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
7. Add the Vodka
Pour 2 ounces of vodka into each ice-filled glass. This is the base spirit of your Harvey Wallbanger and provides the clean alcohol backbone that lets the other flavors shine through.
8. Add the Orange Juice
Pour 4 ounces of fresh orange juice into each glass over the vodka and ice. The orange juice is the dominant flavor in this drink, providing sweetness, acidity, and that beautiful bright color. At this point, you essentially have a screwdriver.
9. Stir the Base
Use a bar spoon or regular spoon to give each drink a gentle stir, mixing the vodka and orange juice together. Stir for about 10 seconds to ensure everything is well combined and properly chilled. The drink should be a uniform orange color.
10. Float the Galliano
Here’s the signature step that transforms a screwdriver into a Harvey Wallbanger. Slowly pour 1 ounce of Galliano liqueur over the back of a bar spoon held just above the surface of each drink. Pour very slowly and carefully. This technique allows the Galliano to float on top of the drink rather than mixing in completely, creating a beautiful layered effect. The golden yellow Galliano should sit as a distinct layer on top of the orange drink.
11. Don’t Stir After Adding Galliano
Resist the urge to stir after adding the Galliano. The layered presentation is part of what makes a Harvey Wallbanger special. As you drink, the Galliano gradually mixes in, changing the flavor profile with each sip.
12. Garnish the Drinks
Slide an orange slice onto the rim of each glass. Add a maraschino cherry by dropping it into the drink or placing it on a cocktail pick with the orange slice. The garnish adds visual appeal and gives you something to snack on while you sip.
13. Serve Immediately
Serve the Harvey Wallbangers right away while they’re perfectly cold. Hand each drink to your guest with a straw or a stirring stick. The cocktail should be enjoyed slowly, allowing the Galliano to gradually blend with the other ingredients as you drink.
14. Tips for Success
Galliano is essential to this cocktail. It’s a bright yellow Italian liqueur with flavors of vanilla, anise, and herbs. You can’t really substitute it with anything else and get an authentic Harvey Wallbanger. Look for it at well-stocked liquor stores. The ratio of vodka to orange juice to Galliano is important. The classic ratio is 1 part vodka, 2 parts orange juice, and half a part Galliano. This creates perfect balance where no single ingredient overpowers the others. Fresh orange juice is worth the effort. If you must use bottled, choose a high-quality not-from-concentrate variety. The freshness of the orange juice dramatically affects the final taste. The floating technique takes a little practice. Pour the Galliano very slowly over the back of a spoon to achieve that pretty layered look. If it mixes in completely, the drink will still taste good, it just won’t look as impressive. Some bartenders add a splash of club soda for extra fizz and to make the drink more refreshing. This isn’t traditional but it’s a nice variation for hot days. For a brunch-friendly version, reduce the vodka slightly and add a splash of champagne or prosecco for a sparkling Harvey Wallbanger. Galliano has a distinctive flavor that’s slightly sweet with anise notes similar to licorice. If you’re not a licorice fan, you might want to try a different cocktail. However, the flavor is subtle in the proper proportions. Make sure your ice is fresh and doesn’t have freezer odors. Bad ice can ruin an otherwise perfect cocktail. Use filtered water to make your ice if your tap water has strong flavors. The Harvey Wallbanger is perfect for themed parties, especially 1970s disco nights. The bright color and retro vibe fit the theme perfectly. If making multiple drinks, you can batch the vodka and orange juice together in a pitcher, then float the Galliano individually in each glass as you serve. This cocktail is relatively low in alcohol compared to spirit-forward drinks like martinis, making it great for day drinking or long afternoons by the pool. You can make a virgin version by omitting the vodka and Galliano and adding a splash of vanilla syrup and a tiny drop of anise extract to the orange juice for a similar flavor profile. The Harvey Wallbanger pairs well with brunch foods like eggs benedict, quiche, fruit salad, or pastries. The citrus flavor complements breakfast dishes beautifully. Don’t let the drink sit too long after making it. The ice will melt and dilute the flavors, and the Galliano layer will eventually mix in completely.
