How To Open Champagne and NOT shoot your eye out

By:  Mark  Adams

Every time I open a bottle of Champagne, I can’t help but think of the movie “The Christmas Story”.

BTW, if you haven’t seen it, it’s a great movie and I put it in my top 10 of all time funniest movies.

But anyway, in the movie all the young boy and main character “Ralphie” wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun.

But much to his disappointment everyone from his teacher to the mall Santa to his parents constantly tell him that if he gets the BB gun all he will do is “shoot your eye out”.

Well, I guess I’ll give the ending away if you haven’t seen it, but his father gives in and gets him the gun and guess what, the first thing he does is almost shoot is eye out.

OK, sounds harsh, but it’s a comedy and its really funny. OK, how does that relate to Champagne?

Here’s how and remember you can “shoot your eye out”.

We’ve all seen on TV or been at a party where someone opens a bottle of champagne and the cork goes flying through the room. It’s actually kind of funny if it doesn’t hit anyone or break anything.

OK, it’s even funnier if it hits somebody as long as they don’t get hurt. But in reality the cork is a flying projectile that can cause serious damage or even “shoot your eye out”.

But don’t fear, there is a better and much safer way…

Step 1:

Chill the Champagne.

Unlike traditional white wines that are best at about 55 degrees, our friend champagne is actually best at about 45 degrees.

It not only tastes best at 45 degrees, but the colder temperature also keeps the carbon dioxide from expanding as much so there is not as much pressure in the bottle.

Step 2:

Remove the wiring:

Put the bottle on a flat surface. Place your hand firmly over the cork. Keeping you hand on the cork, untwist the metal wiring with your other hand.

Step 3:

Tilt the bottle to 45 degrees.

Keeping your hand over the cork, pick the bottle up and tilt it to 45 degrees. By tilting the bottle the pressure will not be as much.

OK, I’m not a scientist and I can’t tell you why that works, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. So that information has to be good…

Step 4:

Twist the bottle:

Still keeping your hand firmly on the cork, use the other hand to twist the bottle (not the cork) until the cork comes out.

If you have been successful, the cork will gently pop out and very little if any champagne will spew out.

Opening a bottle this way is not very dramatic, but you will you be safe and more importantly, you won’t lose any wine!

On the other hand is you really want to be dramatic and see the wine spew all over you or you have aspirations of being in a baseball clubhouse after the world series then by all means, shake the bottle, open it and have at it!

If you would like to learn more tips on wine, click this link or the video below