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A flair for drinks

is an art which needs patience, training and practice

RAISING THE BAR Juggling to popularity Photo:M. Moorthy

But for the flair of bartenders, it seems even the best of cocktails wouldn't find any takers in a restaurant.

It's strange that the guests never complain of waiting for a drink. Instead they enjoy it, for they get a chance to see the showmanship of these artists.

And remember, in the midst of these juggles and spins they also prepare a cocktail, which is mixed to perfection.

Bar flair

`Bar flair' is said to have evolved in early 18th Century, when bartenders started serving drinks with just one hand to attract people. But after the Hollywood flick `Cocktail' it has indeed reached new levels.

Bar flair has certainly come of age and with bartenders being paid well, more youngsters are now driven to this profession and most importantly they show great interest in learning the art, if one were to go by Rohan, a national champion in flair bartending, who was in the City recently as an adjudicator for a bar tending competition in a catering college.

When compared to western countries, India, especially the South, still has a long way to go. In fact, there are many who are not even aware of the art.

Las Vegas is the capital of flair bartending. The bartenders are so popular there that the guest prefers a bar based on the barmen.

Mumbai and Delhi too have such popular flair bartenders. Rohan took to bartending seriously some five years ago with Neil Lowrey, one of the fastest bartenders in the world as his master.

"You are not going to throw an empty bottle in the air, but the one filled with alcohol and all eyes will definitely be on the performer. Confidence is the key for any bartender to succeed in work," he says, adding, "even the best in the profession do miss out on the tricks and break glasses. They never panic, but make a joke out of it. "Rohan says bartenders should have good knowledge about the product, the latest trends, the ability to please the guests and also they should dress according to the place and situation. If it is an official party it's better to wear a suit with bow tie. In the clubs, people won't mind a touch of dash.

School on bartending

Rohan also runs a school of flair bartending and says there is a good response from the youngsters. "There are few female bartenders in Mumbai. I feel this profession is not just confined to men," he says.

Bar tenders perform to tune of music. "At times it may be difficult to match the pace of fast numbers and that can be a distraction. I always try to be cool at work and always keep smiling face. After all we do take our profession seriously," he concludes.

G. PRASAD

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