National Harvey Wallbanger Day
A citrusy, laid-back drink with a mysterious backstory that's all about good vibes and enjoying the moment.
Celebrate retro cocktail culture and drive bar traffic with a nostalgic Harvey Wallbanger mixology campaign tied to November's laid-back vibe.
- DIY Harvey Wallbanger recipe video with bartender tips
- Retro 1970s cocktail throwback content featuring the drink's mysterious origin story
- Bartender challenge: creative Harvey Wallbanger twists and variations
- November happy hour promotions featuring the classic citrus cocktail
The origin of National Harvey Wallbanger Day is in dispute, with some people saying that it was first created as early as 1971 from literary references, and others saying that it was created in the Los Angeles Blackwatch Bar in 1952. The drink is said to be named after a famous surfer who spent time in the bar and was created by one Donato “Duke” Antone who was a three-time world champion mixologist. There’s only one problem with that theory, culinary historian Robert Simonson said there’s no evidence that the Blackwatch Bar ever existed, nor that Duke was working in Los Angeles at the time, two very problematic points in the story indeed.
One must admit that it makes a nice story, but as there doesn’t seem to be any truth in it, let’s look at something that’s a bit more certain. George Bednar was an executive in charge of the McKesson Imports Company, and as part of his marketing technique, he developed the character “Harvey Wallbanger” to help promote the drink. Both the character and the tagline he developed were resoundingly successful in promoting the drink.
How To Make A Harvey Wallbanger
1 oz VodkaOrange JuiceIceGallianoOrange Slice To make this drink, you simply take the vodka and pour it into a highball glass with ice, and add orange juice until it’s almost full. Pour a measure of Galliano over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the drink and garnish it with an orange slice.