Slinging drinks leads to kinks

There's always a whole lot of shaking going on behind the bar on New Year's Eve.

But these days, all the showmanship that's required is giving bartenders stress injuries to their wrists, elbows and shoulders.

With many nightspots pushing pricey, complicated specialty cocktails, the men and women preparing them practically have to perform acrobatic routines to give customers their money's worth. Agitating all that ice often leads to putting their own limbs on ice later.

"I get asked to make a lot more fancy drinks than I used to," said Brian Zachau, who staffs the bar at TGI Friday's in Maple Grove. Take the tropical berry mojito made in a big glass shaker: "You've really got to give it some muscle to break down the flavors."

If anyone should have developed RSI by now, it's Zachau. Named the 2009 TGI Friday's world bartending champion after placing in the finals for several years prior, he is known for his "flair" drink serving, which includes throwing and catching heavy bottles.

"It takes its toll on your joints," he said. "If you don't get a good technique going, you'll get sore."

Zachau likens the training a good bartender goes through to that of athletes, and has petitioned the International Olympics Committee asking that bartending be named an official Olympic sport.

"It's half-serious, half fun, but we really just want to highlight the energy and skill bartending requires," he said.