Flairtending Lesson #66: Double Over Shoulder Into Stall
We’re finally starting to get into some more impressive moves on our journey into flairtending. The Double Over the Shoulder into a Stall is a clean, impressive, exhibition flair move that is the perfect addition to our previous moves.
First of all, make sure you are already comfortable with the Double Over the Shoulder as well as the Stall and Flip Stall – this move is really just a combination of those flair moves. Probably doesn’t hurt to make sure you’re good with the previous move, the Double Over Shoulder into Tin, either, since this is just a slight variation of that move.
I’ll say it again: practice those previous moves until you can get them 90% of the time. If you do that, Continue Reading » Flairtending Lesson #66: Double Over Shoulder Into Stall
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 Continue Reading » Flair Bartending Lesson #64: Double Over Shoulder
Flair Bartending Lesson 62: The Helicopter
After the last two weeks of painful Bump moves, we have an easy one this week. The Helicopter is simply a sideways double rotation with a bottle, thrown and caught with the same hand. It’s very basic exhibition flair (less than 1/4 full bottle) but it’s simple, fun, kind of flashy, and a heck of a lot easier than those Bumps!
The Helicopter flair move is also very practical. If you’re in a hurry, you can use it as a simple, quick move to add one second of flair before pouring the drink. I like to use it as a the first move to kick off a longer routine, like in the video: Helicopter straight into Swipe Thru into Inverse, etc.
The only other pointer tip I have is to make sure you get a double. Not only is a double rotation flashier, you’ll also find it’s easier than a single AND it’s easier to keep from spilling. If you do find that you’re having trouble spilling, try not spinning it completely sideways (horizontally). Instead, try angling the pour spout slightly up and leaving the bottom of the bottle slightly lower. And, of course, practice, practice.
Flair Bartending Lesson #59: Double From Behind Back
Our second exhibition flair move is another relatively easy one. Again, exhibition flair means that you’re using less than a 1/4 full bottle. If you try this with a bottle more than 1/4 full you WILL be spraying everywhere.
For starters, it helps if you can do a Flat From Behind Back – this is essentially just an exhibition version of that move. Focus on getting a double rotation rather than a single. Not only does the double look flashier but it will also buy you more time and even help to keep from spilling.
For a little variety, practice catching with either hand. Also, toy around with where you’re catching the bottle – out to the side or more in front of you.
Flair Bartending Lesson #58: Double Behind the Back
We start our adventure into exhibition flair with a pretty simple move here. If you’ve been following along with the previous lessons, this one should be pretty simple. It’s real similar to our Flat Behind the Back except we’re adding a spin to the bottle. Most importantly, focus on getting a double spin. I promise you: a single rotation looks a little weird and is a bit too slow, a triple spin can be a little too difficult to control and a bit unnecessary.
Focus on getting a consistent throw. Remember Continue Reading » Flair Bartending Lesson #58: Double Behind the Back