Flairing goes Skyy-high

Marek Posluszny has been names the 2011 SKYY Vodka Global Flair Challenge winner.

The final, held at London’s Electric at Brixton, reunited 11 of the best flair bartenders in the world for the fifth annual SKYY competition.

The Challenge is the result of a partnership between Campari’s SKYY and the World Flair Association, and sets out to identify the best talent in cocktail flairing.

Contestants were required to perform a bartending routine, demonstrating both their cocktail making skills and their flairing expertise, as well as demonstrating creativity and individual style.

Posluszny performed a flawless seven minute routine, scoring top marks with the judges for his sleek performance.

He commented: “I was so delighted when I became Poland’s national champion and didn’t think it could get any better.  Well it just has!  I cannot believe I am the world champion, especially this year when the competition was seriously tough. It’s just amazing.  It’s so great to be recognised for my flair bartending performances and this award is the ultimate accolade and really is the highlight of my career to date.”

Second prize went toUKbartender Tom Dyer, and third place was snapped up by another Pole, Tomasz Malek.

Keen to enter a free cocktail competition? Try your hand at beating the Swizzle Master! Enter you recipe online here.