When did flair bartending begin? No one really knows of course, but the act of juggling and performance has been recorded in many civilizations including China, India, Greece, Mexico, and Polynesia. There was even an Egyptian wall painting showing females juggling in 1700 BC. Jesters, bards, and fools were known to juggle, and the probability of such skills making its way to local village drinking houses are very high. Maybe an inspired tavern owner flipped a flagon or two or slid a goblet down the wood.

 

In the 1600s, the Dutch artist, Jan Steen, painted many tavern scenes. One shows a long-pour with a wine pitcher into a conical shaped glass.

 

What about fire? Well, if 1995 writers can add a fire-breathing character named Xena to Greek mythology then maybe a pub owner somewhere through history sparked up things with their own alcoholic fire show. 

 

Professor Jerry Thomas is considered to be the first known and recorded flair bartender because of his showmanship while serving cocktails. He traveled with a custom made set of solid silver bar tools and was considered a true performer behind the bar. His Blue Blazer drink was lit on fire then poured back and forth creating quite a show. He is also credited with publishing the first known American cocktail recipe book in 1862.