It's Getting Hot In Here.

I’ve received a few emails in the last couple weeks from readers asking me for tips on how to use fire in their flair routines. I reluctantly offered some advice, if only so that they wouldn’t have to learn by trial and error and burn themselves - or someone else - in the process. Then a friend of mine sent me a news story about two bartenders in Virginia who were arrested for performing a little show during which they breathe fire. Another bartender in New York was arrested earlier this summer for performing a trick in which he lights the bar on fire. Yet two more reasons I discourage anyone from using fire in their flair routine. Truth is, being arrested for for a couple felonies and misdemeanors are the least of my worries; burning the face off your guests ranks a little higher on the list. I can understand the Virginia bar owner's confusion - they had been doing this stunt for years. But like they say, if you play with fire...

I’ve written about it before. Whether you’ve read it before or not, do yourself and your guests a favor and read it again. Nevermind the fact that there are no legitimate competitions in the world that allow you to use fire - it usually means immediate disqualification. I understand the appeal of it, I really do, but I challenge you to be a better bartender and entertain your guests with rockstar service and bad-ass flair rather than a match and some fuel.

And to end on a lighter note, and because it still cracks me up, check out this genius taking a flaming shot at some house party. It’s okay to laugh. He did it to himself.

Final Round in Omaha Flair Competition

This video is my 5-minute Final Round of the Zero Gravity Flair Bartending Competition in Omaha, NE. After qualifying for the finals with my 3-minute routine the first night, I had to expand to fill an extra two minutes here. If you watch the video of my first round, you'll see they are pretty similar, with a few extra moves added to increase the level of difficulty. 

 

Overall, I was pretty happy with the round. As opposed to the first night, where my first 2 minutes were near-perfect and my last minute fell apart, my drops in this round were scattered throughout. I was a little annoyed that I had a drop or two so early and on such easy moves, but I made up for it by hitting nearly all of my big-ticket moves that I wanted. I forgot to throw in my 4-bottle flash at the end, but I was really happy that I landed my chin stack. I ended up taking 10th place, which I was completely happy with. There was some pretty awesome competitors.

 

Zero Gravity Flair Competition in Omaha, NE

I've been so focused on working as a bartender and teaching flair bartending that I haven't competed in a flair bartending competition in almost two years. So when my old friend and coach Martin Janica invited me to the Zero Gravity Flair Competition in Omaha, NE, I knew it was time to dust of my competition bottles and enter the ring.

 

This is a video of the first night, the 3-minute qualifying round. All I really wanted was a clean routine and to advance to the finals. Overall, I was pretty happy with my showcase. The first two minutes are nearly flawless - I missed maybe two moves I wanted to land, but no spills or drops. The last minute, unfortunately, wasn't quite as smooth. After the first drop, I couldn't get my groove back. My juggling just fell apart. According to the judge's score sheet, I had 7 drops and 4 spills, all of them apparently in the last 45 seconds. Bummer. Either way, I took 12th place, which was enough to advance me to the finals the next night.

Home Sweet Home

Just got back home to Madison, WI, after three days in Omaha, NE, for the Zero Gravity Flair Bartender's Competition. Saw some great flair bartenders with some awesome routines, enough to make me completely happy with my 10th place finish (my goal was really just to make it to the finals.) Had a great time, but I'm completely exhausted.

I'll be sure to get the video of my round up over the weekend. Special thanks to my wonderful friend Martin Janica for inviting me, to Luciano Pontirolli for some coaching, to Corrie Jones for letting me crash with him and Martin for three days, to all the guys at Omaha Flair for putting on a great competition, and to all of the other competitors. I love you guys. My liver hates you.

Flair Bartending Lesson #35: Icing a Glass #2

I really like moves that don't involve the usual bottle and tin combo. This is a great way to start a drink, especially since most drinks start with the usual ho-hum scoop of ice into the glass.  Having a bigger scoop makes this move a bit easier. If you don't have one, check out this ice scoop for $4 or this ice scoop for $12. I like the $12 a little more because of the way it is angled, but the $4 one is just as sturdy and big.