Against the Wall

Have you noticed the tall, tapered bottle of yellow liqueur hanging out at the bar? It's not just there to look good, it's actually Liquore Galliano L'Autentico, or just Galliano for short. This curious spirit is actually very versatile and a delicious addition to many cocktails.

Galliano was created in 1896 by brandy producer Arturo Vaccari of Tuscany, Italy. Galliano's namesake is Giuseppe Galliano, a hero of the First Italo-Ethiopian war at the end of the 19th century. The bright yellow color of the spirit represents the Gold Rushes of the 1890s.

Galliano is a blend of a whole bunch of different herbs and plants, both local to Italy as well as imported from around the world. Among the ingredients are anise, lavendar, ginger, peppermint and juniper, but when it comes right down to it, it's all about the vanilla.

Vanilla is the most important ingredient in Galliano. To make Galliano, alcohol is infused with all of the herbs, except the vanilla. After distillation, it is then infused with pressed vanilla. The sweet vanilla flavor balances the flavors of all the other ingredients.

The most famous drink made with Galliano is called the Harvey Wallbanger.

-1 oz. Vodka
-1/2 oz. Galliano
-4 oz. Orange juice

Pour the vodka and OJ into a collins glass over ice and stir. Float Galliano on top.

Because of the popularity of the Harvey Wallbanger, the word "wall" became almost synonymous with Galliano. When you order a drink "against the wall," you're asking for a shot of Galliano to be added.

Other drinks made with Galliano include...

Golden Cadillac
-1 oz. Galliano
-2 oz. white creme de cacao
-1 oz. light cream
Blend all ingredients with ice. Pour into a champagne flute and serve.

Yellow Bird
-1 oz. Bacardi 151 Rum
-1/2 oz. Galliano
-1/2 oz. Vodka
-4 oz. sweet and sour mix
Stir ingredients and serve in a highball glass over ice.

Golden Dream
-2 oz. Galliano
-1 oz. white creme de cacao
-1/2 oz. triple sec
-3 oz. orange juice
-3 oz. light cream

Fill shakes 1/3 full of ice cubes.