Flair Guide

Flair bartending guide

Flair bartending combines bartending with technique, precision and performance. It ranges from small functional movements during service to more advanced routines for shows and competitions.

Working flair and exhibition flair

• Working flair – controlled tricks and movements that can be used during normal bar service.
• Exhibition flair – more advanced routines and tricks used mainly for shows and competitions.

Both require practice, control and attention to safety.

Getting started

Start with simple movements and practise them slowly before increasing speed and difficulty. Practice bottles can be useful when learning technique and grip.

Equipment for flair practice

• Flair practice bottles
• Shaker tins
• Pourers
• Bar mats and standard bar tools

Competitions and development

Flair bartending has an international competition and training community. Organisations such as the World Flair Association publish information about skills development and competition formats.

Practise safely

Practise away from guests, colleagues, glassware and fixtures. Learn new movements in a controlled setting and use appropriate practice equipment where relevant.