How to Open a Champagne Bottle Like a Boss
Champagne is a trendy but dangerous way to celebrate the New Year. Opening the bottle invigorates. It’s like trying to pop a balloon: you know it’s going to happen, but you’re still shocked when it actually explodes. A bottle of champagne can handle pressures of up to 90 psi , which is more than the average car tire. Champagne cork can go up to 55 mph and can cause serious eye injuries and even death . So how is it safe to open a bottle of champagne while still being the boss?
Open up while it’s cold
Make sure the bottle is cool. The pressure in the bottle may increase if the champagne is warm inside. (Who even needs warm champagne?) If you’ve chilled bottles on ice, be sure to dry them before opening so you can hold the bottle securely. You should not try to open it while it is slippery, and at the same time risk getting someone out of sight and smashing the bottle on the floor. Important note: When removing the wiring around the plug, do it very slowly. I cannot say how many bottles I opened ahead of time, removing the wire casing.
Use a cloth and twist
In my first real job, I worked as a waiter at banquets at a local hotel. I have served at least two weddings every weekend for three years. Suffice it to say; I opened my fair share of champagne bottles. If you want to open a bottle without pomp and solemnity, take a cold bottle of champagne and a kitchen rag with you. Rotate the bottle at a 45 degree angle (as well as away from guests, windows, and technology). Wrap a rag around the cork and twist slowly, either in a full circle or a little to the right and left until you hear a pop. Remove the plug, watch a nice bubbly smoke come out, and get ready to pour it out.
Use a spoon to fill the bottle
You may have seen the video of someone chopping off a bottle of champagne . Don’t Try: Cutting a bottle with a sword or knife is probably the most dangerous way to uncork a carbonated drink. Not because of the traffic jam, mind you; wielding a sword without proper experience at any time is risky. A common misconception is that you simply chop off the top of the bottle. Sabering requires a bottle at a 45 degree angle and a 40 degree cut of the sword. You can buff the champagne with safer items like abar spoon orbutter knife . The video below How to Drink with Greg on YouTube tells the story and science behind sabertooth. He even cut a few bottles with a stem from a champagne glass, although I wouldn’t recommend that.
Don’t be afraid to make a mess
It is important not to shake the bottle before opening, but shaking it later does not hurt. If you don’t care too much about your floors (and want to celebrate like it’s 1999), open the cork and shake. First, tilt the bottle away from yourself and others (again, 45 degrees). Wrap a small rag around the cork and press your thumb against the edge of the bottle and cork to pop the cork (it will fly, so make sure everyone and everything is safe). After you hear a popping sound, place your thumb on the neck of the bottle and shake it to spray like a spray. Most of the drink will fall to the floor. It’s not the most efficient way to enjoy champagne, but it can make a good show.