The Harvey Wallbanger is one of those throwback cocktails from the disco era that has lost a little of its pizzazz. A simple vodka orange juice cocktail with a float of Galliano liqueur on top, it’s not complicated, and not at all bad. Very refreshing as a matter of fact.

Myself, not one to leave well enough alone, started playing with the ingredients of the Harvey Wallbanger a few weeks ago. I have since made a variety of Wallbangers, each with varying levels of success. Playing with the main ingredients, trying the drink with vodka, gin, tequila, etc. then varying the orange component, orange juice, Grand Marnier, Aperol, etc.

I found that the Gin, and Grand Marnier to be particularly delicious, and most importantly that they are light and rise to the surface of the drink. This is important because the Galliano float is heavier than all the other ingredients and sinks to the bottom of the glass. This results in a very interesting change in the flavor profile with every sip. The further into the drink you go the more it changes, by the time you are at the bottom of the glass, it is a completely different cocktail than what you started with. Something I found particularly excellent. I switched from vodka to gin because the Galliano is very herbaceous and works better with a herbaceous gin. I hope you try my Grand Marnier Wallbanger, it’s my current favorite.

Here is my Grand Marnier Wallbanger Cocktail recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Ounce Gin
• 1 Ounce Grand Marnier
• ¾ Ounce Galliano Liqueur
• ¼ Orange, juice

PROCESS:

-Combine gin, Grand Marnier and fresh orange juice in a cocktail shaker over ice, stir until ice cold

-In and Old Fashioned Glass, place a single orange slice over the top of the ice, add the gin mixture

-Gently pour the Galliano over the top of the orange slice