« Flair »

The term « flair » may not ring a bell at first, but when defined as “the art of juggling bottles, glasses and ice cubes to create cocktails while entertaining customers”, the concept might become clearer.  Believe it or not, the origin of “flair” bartending goes back as far as the late 19th century, when a bartender named Jerry “The Professor” Thomas started filling several glass at a time while flambéing alcohol as he poured it.  His flaming cocktail, the Blue Blazer, made for rather stunning visual effects.In the United States, “flair” started growing in popularity during the late 1980’s, when Cocktail, a movie starring Tom Cruise was released in 1988.  Shortly thereafter, the “Flair Bartenders Association” was born.  Today, this association includes 1100 members in more than 140 countries.  The association even has its own website and holds competitions throughout the world.In Québec, interest in “flair” reared its head in the 1990’s when Simon Fortin, a bartender from Baie-Saint-Paul, signed up for a competition to determine the best “flair bartender”.  With a solid showing, this rather uncommon art (which some even call a sport) made its way through the province.In Québec, Les Productions Vincent Beaulieu is specialized in “flair bartending” and can provide all the necessary information.Every Thursday night, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. until May 14th, the Ginger of the Hotel Plaza Québec is the place to be.  Every week, the team from Productions Vincent Beaulieu will introduce you to three different cocktails.  Ladies and gentlemen… start your drinks!

Cheers !!

Photos : Voilà Québec

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