Flair Bartending Lesson #42: Double Glass Split Behind Back
This is a much trickier Prop Flair move than we have previously been doing but it’s also a bit more fun and flashy. It helps if you are already comfortable with The Stall.
Much like the Glassware Lift-Off, start with 2 stackable glasses. This time, however, we are going to balance them on the back of our hand before tossing them through the air, catching one behind our back and one in front of us. Anytime we are learning a flair bartending move that involves two objects it is helpful to practice each item (or each hand) one at a time so we can focus on each item separately. To practice:
1) Be safe, be smart. You will break a few glasses while learning this move. Minimize the risk from broken glass by practicing safely over a floor mat. Also, make sure you are not close enough to anyone or anything that could get hurt or broken if you lose control of the glasses.
2) Start with just one lowball glass stalled on the back of your right hand. To “throw” this glass, lift your hand up and back towards you while you slightly flick your wrist. Practice this motion until you can consistently and comfortably get the glass to spin 1 1/2 – 2 times as it travels through the air and you catch it with your left hand by the small of your back. Make it easier on yourself and start with your left hand already here, ready to catch. Keep your eyes on the glass – watch it all the way into your catch.
3) Once you can consistently get the one lowball to spin twice and catch it comfortably behind your back, it’s time to bring the second glass into play – sort of. We’re not actually adding the second glass just yet. Instead, practice mimicking what the right hand will do throughout the entire move. Practice flicking the glass off the back of your palm and – as it flies toward your left hand – focus on bringing your right hand forward and “catching” the imaginary glass that will be there. Do this at least a dozen times, no matter how goofy you feel catching an imaginary glass. Then do it a dozen more.
4) Now we’re going to actually add the second glass. Place the 2 stacked glasses on the back of your hand. The throw/motion is exactly like we’ve been practicing it, though it’s going to be more difficult now because there are two glasses involved. If you’ve been practicing the previous steps, you should be able to pick it up with a good handful of tries. The top glass should spin forward, doing one rotation, as you comfortably grab it right-side up with your right hand.
The Discussion...
4 Responses to “Flair Bartending Lesson #42: Double Glass Split Behind Back”
Im so happy i found this sight! Im new to flair bartending… Extremely addicted and ur helping so much. THANK YOU!
Great site!
Hi Bridget and Jennifer – glad you are happy with the new site. I built most of this over the summer, was abroad for most of this Fall, but I'm back now and working nearly full-time on this. Give it another two weeks and you'll start seeing lots of new stuff. Always love to hear feedback about what you like and especially what you dislike. Drop me an email or friend me up on facebook anytime!
I'm glad I found this site, your tips definitely help out a lot. I've just started flair bartending a few months ago and our bar manager encourages us to get better and this site really helps. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and skills! :)