We were fortunate enough to catch up with Scott Young, the president of Bar Smart and creator of the www.ExtremeBartending.com Training series.

COCKTAIL.COM: What is the mission of Extreme Bartending?

YOUNG: Our goal is to spread ideas and open minds to what a great profession bartending is. There is no right or wrong way to be extreme. People sometimes get complacent, just taking an order or serving. It is the bartender's job to change that mood and bring in some excitement. You get to be life of the party; the center of attention and patrons will give you money and thank you for it. Show your customer you care. Your job is to be host. It is your house party and you have guests.

COCKTAIL.COM: What tricks should I do?

YOUNG: Flipping is the most visual, however there are other bar top tricks. You have to make an impression. Word of mouth is so important to getting people into your bar. Get their attention and get them closer to your end of the bar where tips form. You can do it without slowing down, spilling, or getting a big head. You can have all the fun and do all the tricks. Start with foundation of confidence for style. Then add some movement and your watchable. Science first, then move, that's when it becomes art. It's a whole package if you have the confidence to stand up and be a leader behind the bar. People appreciate the effort and you give them a reason to tip.

COCKTAIL.COM: Are you reinventing the job of the bartender?

YOUNG: The job of the bartender hasn't changed. We're just opening minds to the unlimited opportunities. Wouldn't you rather have fun at work?

COCKTAIL.COM: What are some "busy bar" tricks that don't take very long to learn or prepare for?

YOUNG: Never underestimate talking and interacting with your customers: Bartender: "What brings you to the bar?" Patron "Nothing special" Bartender "Give it some time, it's still early." When pouring drafts of darker beers make your mark in the foam. Perhaps the male or female symbol. It doesn't have to be complicated to look good.

COCKTAIL.COM: At the end of the shift we split the tip jar, why should I work harder?

YOUNG: Tip sharing is a poor idea because it builds complacency behind the bar. I like teams of two. Set up areas along the bar and work together.

COCKTAIL.COM: The other bartender complains that I am not working as hard; I'm always showing off for the customers. How can I get him interested?

YOUNG: It starts with management. A big part of what the Extreme Bartending team does is get bartenders and management excited and motivated. It is cool to work and have fun. This starts with a leader, after that positive reinforcement on both the peer and management level.

COCKTAIL.COM: How can I use tricks to determine sobriety of patrons?

YOUNG: Laws are different everywhere. In some cities it is not legal to keep or take their keys. Look for leader of group and use peer pressure positively. We focus on Drinking and Driving in volume seven of our new Extreme Bartending(TM) video seminar series. Also, many establishments fail to offer more than basic pop and juice for designated driver. Put some exciting non-alcoholic drinks on the menu. Make one the special for the night and dress it up like a regular cocktail. This will make the designated driver more comfortable

COCKTAIL.COM: How can management promote their bartenders to the public?

YOUNG: Here the opportunities are endless. You can host extreme or flair bartending competitions, if you use a DJ spotlight your bartenders throughout the night or create a floorshow for your staff to show off or work out a routine. There are many other ideas on our web site www.extremebartending.com These concepts are so easy to get press coverage.

COCKTAIL.COM: Is extreme bartending training expensive/ time consuming?

YOUNG: Performers who take service to the extreme can be a master of two or three tricks in a day or a week. It's simple clean fun. Our Extreme Bartending(TM) Training video breaks each trick into basic steps. Start with an easy bottle toss then build routines by yourself or with other bartenders.

Bar Smart has created a web site, http://www.extremebartending.com/, that is based on the Extreme Bartending(TM) video series, including articles, news and tips to help create flair bartending contests. This video and DVD series is available online.