WHAT IS FLAIR BARTENDING?

Flair Bartending is the skilled practice of entertaining guests, with the throwing and juggling of bar tools (eg; shaker tins and glassware) and liquor bottles in tricky, dazzling ways. Despite common misconception these tricks can be performed behind any bar and using any liquor bottle, no matter how full it is.

Popularity

It has become a sought after talent among venue owners and marketers to help advertise a liquor product or the opening of a bar establishment. Competitions have been organized by liquor brands to attract flair bartenders, and some hospitality training companies hold courses.

Styles

Flair”, or “freestyle bartending”, is divided into two styles; working flair or competition flair. The difference between the two is that the level of risk and complication of the tricks are higher for competitions. If you would like to know more detail as to what is flair bartending, please read below. 

WHAT IS WORKING FLAIR?

Working flair is quick, light, and are realistic moves that can be performed without slowing service. Most working flair involves glassware, one bottle, bottle and tin, garnish, or occasionally, two bottle moves. Working flair is always performed while making a cocktail or drink. Flipping empty bottles is not working flair.

WHAT IS EXHIBITION FLAIR?

Exhibition flair is performed for entertainment and competition purposes, generally involving longer, choreographed routines. This usually requires special preparation and set-up of bottles and is a style that generally does not lend itself to every day bar shifts.

However, there are a growing number of flair bars around the world that showcase exhibition flair as part of their operation’s entertainment. Exhibition flair often involves multi-object flair including 2,3,4 and 5 bottle/tin tricks and routines. Now you know what is flair bartending.