It’s hot outside. Β I don’t really need to tell you this though as we are all experiencing it, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Β Here in Colorado, we have had mid 90 degree temperatures all week, and that lead me to thinking I needed to put down the darker liquors and find a cocktail perfect for a refreshing afternoon on the patio. Β And while it is national mojito day, I felt it was time for something different than a rum based drink. Β So after heading out to grab some Crystal Head Vodka and Galliano liqueur, I decided to perfect my Harvey Wallbanger recipe, a drink invented in the 1950’s and at one time gave the Bloody Mary a run for its money at brunch. Β The mixture of citrus and sweet notes, highlighting the crispness of the vodka, was exactly what I have been in the mood for on the patio. Β While you could give some of the other vodkas a try, I actually enjoyed Crystal Head the most, which says a lot as the clear liquor and I have a very storied, difficult history from my college days. Β It really does have a clean finish that I feel is necessary for this drink to work well. Β Plus, it becomes a piece of art on the shelf next to all the standard bottles. Β So give it a shot, tell me what you think, and enjoy those hot days with me.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Crystal Head Vodka
- 4 ounces orange juice
- 1/2 ounce Galliano
- 1 orange slice for garnish
- 1 Collins glass
In a mixer milled with ice cubes, combine the vodka and orange juice and shake for about 15 seconds. Β Pour through a strainer into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Β Gently float the Galliano on top and garnish with orange slice. Β Sit back, enjoy, and take in the summer warmth.
Now, if this all seems a bit bland to you, then you might enjoy the Peppered Harvey Wallbanger, which brings a kick of peppercorn into the drink. Β In this case, we recommend making your own peppered vodka (Alton Brown’s recipe is best) and splitting the vodka into 1 ounce clear vodka, 1 ounce peppered vodka. Β You could pick up pre-made, but we think the homemade peppered vodka would look perfect in the Crystal Head bottle and you also have the pride in knowing you made that flavor profile.