National Harvey Wallbanger Day

Every year on November 8, National Harvey Wallbanger Day celebrates the iconic cocktail made with vodka, orange juice, and Galliano liqueur—a blend that soared in popularity during the 1970s and remains a fun touchstone in cocktail culture.

History of National Harvey Wallbanger Day

The cocktail known as the Harvey Wallbanger is commonly credited to bartending legend Donato “Duke” Antone, who is said to have created a version of it in the 1950s under the name “Duke’s Screwdriver.”
In the late 1960s, marketing executive George Bednar of McKesson Imports spearheaded a campaign to promote the cocktail and the Galliano liqueur behind it—commissioning a cartoon surfer mascot and building the name “Harvey Wallbanger” into pop-culture awareness.
The “day” dedicated to this drink appears to have emerged later, largely as a fun observance among bars, cocktail enthusiasts, and social media groups rather than as an official national holiday.

Why is National Harvey Wallbanger Day important?

This observance brings attention to the creativity and history behind a cocktail—highlighting how a simple mix of ingredients can tie into broader trends in design, marketing, taste, and social rituals.
It also offers an opportunity for friends, hosts, and bartenders to gather, experiment with mixology, and revisit classic drinks, blending nostalgia with modern taste-making.

• It honors a classic cocktail and its mid-century cultural moment.
• It encourages exploration of mixology and flavor combinations.
• It offers a light-hearted reason to gather and toast together.
• It supports hospitality and bar culture by giving themed occasions to celebrate.
• It sparks conversations about how marketing and branding shape what becomes “classic.”

How to Celebrate (or Observe) National Harvey Wallbanger Day

To mark the day, you might head to your favourite bar and ask for a Harvey Wallbanger—or channel the spirit at home by mixing one using fresh orange juice, quality vodka and a float of Galliano liqueur.
You could also host a small “retro cocktail night,” exploring 1970s-style drinks, playing music of the era, and perhaps comparing modern variations of the drink or non-alcoholic versions for those preferring them.

• Mix the classic recipe: vodka + orange juice + Galliano, served over ice in a highball glass.
• Use fresh-squeezed orange juice to elevate the drink’s flavour.
• Create a twist: try a non-alcoholic version (“mocktail”) or substitute vodka for another spirit for experimentation.
• Invite friends for a taste test of variations—discuss what you like and why.
• Share your creation on social media with a nod to the day and maybe a retro aesthetic.

National Harvey Wallbanger Day Dates Table