Tending Bar With Flare

 

Just about everyone's familiar with the movie 'Cocktail' starring Tom Cruise and Bryan Brown. The way they mixed and served drinks is called flare bartending. They learned their moves from the original flare bartending competition winner, John 'JB' Brady.

Flare bartending is all about showmanship. But it also includes the necessity of economy of movement and a definite 'no spill' policy. The purpose is to entertain the customers and make the bartender more unforgettable. Applause is certainly appreciated, but the extra tips the flare bartenders earn probably mean more to them.

Flare bartending techniques quite possibly originated in the 1800's with Jerry 'The Professor' Thomas. He traveled around the country, flipping, spinning and tossing bottles and his silver bar tools to the delight of bar patrons everywhere.

Today, flare bartenders can be seen juggling liquor bottles before and after pouring the correct amount in the glass with no spillage. Throwing the bottles around, flipping them back into place, tossing garnishes before they land in the glass are all part of the show. Straws and napkins, along with bar tools play their parts in entertaining the customers.

Some companies now make shatterproof bottles that match the real ones in weight and balance. These are used in the hours of practice that are required for an accomplished flare bartender. It takes a lot of time and practice to be able to juggle anywhere from 2 to 6 bottles, tossing them around behind your back, between your legs or even just up in the air. Tossing in the air usually includes a few flips of the bottle. Some flare bartenders are even able to throw the bottle up from behind their back and catch it on their head.

Shakers are also used to dazzle the enthralled crowds. Tossing them up in the air, throwing garnishes and ice up in the air and catching them in the shaker while it's held behind the bartenders back is a move that always delights the onlookers.

As more and more bartenders practice and improve their flare bartending techniques, greater feats will be perfected.
 

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