Jojo Martinez is one of the only competitive female flair bartenders in Texas.
Flair bartending, often referred to as “extreme bartending” or “flairtending,” entails skilled bartenders expertly and fluidly maneuvering bar tools to entertain patrons and audiences. Flair bartenders juggle, flip, and toss bottles to creatively navigate liquor pours, some even incorporate fire into their routine behind the bar.
Martinez, a San Antonio native, received her bartending license 15 years ago, but mixing cocktails was a passion that started years before.
“I was a little trouble maker in high school,” Martinez said. “At high school parties I saw liquor and juices and (became) curious. So I started making things.”
Today, Martinez runs her own flair bartending event business, J. Martini Bartender Services. She has worked at a variety of bars and clubs across Texas and regularly competes in flair and cocktail competitions.
Watch the video to see more of her story.
Top image: Jojo Martinez is a local flair bartender. Screenshot from video by Kathryn Boyd-Batstone.
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