Flair Bartender Lesson #69: Tin Around the World
This week’s flair bartender lesson is getting a cocktail tin to go all the way “Around the World” – down one arm, across your chest and down the other arm. Start by making sure you are already comfortable with the Tin Roll Down the Arm. From there, the move is just an extension or a continuation across your chest and other arm.
Quick note about cocktail tins: for a detailed explanation, you should watch my product review of the 28 oz. Weighted Tin, but here’s the basics. Also known as cocktail shakers, tins, Boston shakers, or Mako shakers, the standard cocktail shaker that bartenders use to make drinks (and flair bartenders use to flip) are 28 ounces. You can also find 16 oz.and 18 oz. tins that are used in place of a pint glass to top or cap off a 28 oz. tin when shaking a drink. Those come in handy down the road, but for now make sure you are using a 28 oz. tin. As for whether you should get Weighted or Unweighted – watch the review. The tin I am using in the video is a Neon Shaker – they act and feel just like regular tins but are a little flashier. If you’re not into neon, you can get Candy Coated or Powder Coated tins in a variety of other colors.
Tips for getting the Tin Around the World:
1) Start with the proper grip on the tin. With your arm extended out to the side, hold the tin so the open part is facing behind you. Place your middle finger just above the mid-point of the tin and wrap your hand around it.
2) Practice flicking or spinning your wrist and releasing the tin. What you’re aiming for is to get a nice spin on the tin without it wobbling. Don’t try the “roll down” part yet – practice getting this spin down a few dozen times.
3) Once you can get an easy, stable spin on the tin, try placing your hand underneath it once you release it. Your arm should be extended pretty much straight out – maybe just the very slightest angle up. Let the momentum of the tin do the work as it rolls.
4) Baby steps. Try just getting it to roll to your forearm. Then your elbow. Then your bicep. Work on these baby steps, making sure it falls forward where you can catch it rather than behind you, and eventually you’ll be able to roll this all the way to your neck or chest.
5) Once you can consistently roll the tin to your chest, focus on trying to get it to touch your left bicep. It helps to drop your arm down a little bit – gravity will take effect and your left arm will not be out nearly as straight as your right arm was. By the time I finish the Around the World, my left hand (and the tin) are usually between my chest and my belly button.
The Discussion...
