Flair Bartending Lesson #64: Double Over Shoulder
The Bottle Double Over the Shoulder is a great beginner’s exhibition flair bartending move that you should be able to pick up with just a bit of practice. This is when flair starts to get exciting!
My suggestions for this flair move:
1) Your grip on the bottle: pour spout should be in the center of your palm with your fingers wrapped around the neck of the bottle. Your index finger should be pressed against the bottle and extend straight down the neck.
2) Think of this move as less of a throw and more of a lift and pull. Build some momentum with the bottle as it swings from in front of you to behind you. As your arm extends behind you, three things happen simultaneously: 1) your elbow comes up and points out to the side, 2) your wrist bends and comes up toward your armpit, and 3) your index finger gives the bottle a push/flick as it releases the bottle, adding rotation to it. You should be getting a double (2x) rotation – not a single or a triple.
3) The catch. The catch should be nice and easy since your left hand is free. Focus on getting a consistent throw and catching the bottle comfortably around the body of the bottle with your left hand in front of you a foot or two.
4) For a variation on the move, try giving just a little extra oomph to your throw (get it a little higher) and get an extra half spin, catching the bottle in your right (throwing) hand around the neck with the pour spout facing down. This can be a fun way to pour into a tin or go straight into pouring a drink into a glass.
5) Be ambidextrous! This flairtending move lends itself nicely to drilling back and forth from left to right. Work both hands – you’ll be glad you did.
6) For some variety, set down the bottle and try this with a tin! The move is exactly the same with a Cocktail Shaker. If you’re struggling with the bottle – or if you’ve mastered it and want a new challenge – pick up your cocktail tin and see if it’s easier for you.
The Discussion...
One Response to “Flair Bartending Lesson #64: Double Over Shoulder”
thanks for lesson