Drinks with Reads—FLAMINGO BINGO

Our guest today on Drinks with Reads is Terrie Farley Moran. Terrie is the recipient of both the Agatha and the Derringer awards, Terrie Farley Moran is the author of the beachside Read 'Em and Eat cozy mystery series; co-author of Laura Childs’ New Orleans scrapbooking mystery series; and has published numerous short stories in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine and numerous anthologies. You can also find Terrie on Facebook. 

“Flamingo Bingo” featured in the May/June issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, tells us what danger can lurk when a daughter decides to make a birthday visit to her mother who lives in a trendy Florida retirement community, complete with swimming, bike riding, and even a game called Pickleball. There are always events and parties in the community clubhouse, and naturally, alcohol is often served. Since The Sunshine State is famous for lush oranges, highballs and cocktails that include oranges are extremely popular.

There is a lot of confusion about exactly when the Harvey Wallbanger was invented and whether or not it was named after a surfer named Tom Harvey, who may or may not have started running into walls after he’d drunk a few of them.

Still, no matter the origin of the drink, the vanilla/anise taste of the yellow Galliano mixes sweetly with vodka and orange juice, turning an ordinary Screwdriver into a refreshing patio drink on a Florida summer evening.

Harvey Wallbanger

Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz Vodka, 3 oz  Fresh orange juice, 1/2 oz  Galliano

Preparation: Stir the vodka and orange juice with ice in the glass, then float the Galliano on top. 

Served: On the rocks; poured over ice

Garnish: with an orange slice if preferred

Don’t wait until you visit Florida to try a Wallbanger. They are delicious whenever you may be. And if you are not familiar with Galliano, every liquor store carries it. Look for a pretty yellow liquid in a clear tall bottle.