How To Open Champagne: 3 Unique Ways To Pop The Cork (VIDEOS)

We've got three ridiculously impressive methods to open a bottle of Champagne. Warning: These are not for the klutzes out there.

The correct method for opening a bottle is not what you may initially think -- the cork shouldn't go flying in the air. You should actually rock the cork slowly while twisting to ease it out so the bottle releases a small sigh. This way the pressure is taken off and you keep the sparkling wine from spilling everywhere.

But there are other methods of opening a bottle that purposely make a show of spraying Champagne everywhere.

If you really want to make a show of it, then you'll want to saber your Champagne. The method of sabering (officially known as sabrage) is one that was made popular in France during the time of Napolean, who celebrated his victories by having his bottles of Champagne sabered. Sabering involves swinging a specialized sword (but any regular sword that you might have at home works too!) over the lip of the bottle -- in effect removing the glass tip along with the cork.

If you prefer a quirkier method for opening sparkling wine, try a spoon! It works much like the sabering method -- but you might need stronger force.

Just one warning before you open a bottle of sparkling wine: be sure you point the bottle away from people!

Watch the videos below to learn the three methods for opening Champagne, along with tips for serving and a cocktail idea.

Loading Slideshow

• A Guide To Opening Champagne

• How To Open Champagne With A Sword

• How To Open Champagne With A Spoon

• A Guide To Serving Champagne

• How To Prepare A Champagne Cocktail

Comments

[JHammack]

05:03 PM on 01/10/2012

What if you vigorously shake the champagne before opening it?
http://winefolly.com/tutorial/how-to-open-champagne/

[rissa49]

09:42 PM on 12/31/2011

has a person that works in er trama , lets put the sabre down and use a cork screw. Before ur new nickname is Lefty.

[JHammack]

05:04 PM on 01/10/2012

You might lose your arm using a cork screw on a champagne bottle.

[rissa49]

09:10 PM on 12/31/2011

Does Boones Farm make champagne? that about everyones budget this year!

[Reality always bites]

06:07 PM on 12/31/2011

IMO the best way to 'Open' a bottle of champagne is to smash it on the side of a ship during the launch! Fizzy, nasty drink that has been vastly overrated for years. OR open the bottle and spray the contents over your'Friends' following your F1 victory. Either way there is no need to drink the stuff!

[kingofthenet]

02:52 PM on 12/31/2011

'Sabering' it sounds like a good way to ring in the New Year at your local Hospital sewing up the cuts or picking glass from your skin.

[jm26dream]

02:32 PM on 12/31/2011

I simply smash apart the bottle over a baby's head

[kingofthenet]

03:01 PM on 12/31/2011

I know, they won't let me in Church anymore, after that 'little' mishap, How was I supposed to know you don't Christen Babies like ships?

[jm26dream]

03:08 PM on 12/31/2011

They really should come with instructions or something

[NewLiberals]

02:00 PM on 12/31/2011

One of the more amusing bits of advice on opening a bottle of Champagne came from a tour guide for the Kornell Champagne Cellars in Calistoga, CA.

"When opening a bottle of Champagne it should make no more sound than a Nun passing gas during Mass"

Kind of hard to forget that one.

[Front Row Joe]

01:40 PM on 12/31/2011

I can open a beer bottle with a folded crisp dollar bill.

[ZenCrusader]

12:40 PM on 12/31/2011

The fourth video is entirely correct while the first video is not. Temperature is hugely important and pour down the side of the glass. The first video does not even mention temperature, he turned the cork not the bottle and he poured entirely wrong and lost too many bubbles too quickly.
Wish I could afford Cristal for this evening but Viva Champagne anyway.

[Katina Cooper]

12:22 PM on 12/31/2011

The best way to pop the cork is for you and the one you're with to open that bottle in private so that you don't have to share it with anyone else. Then, you can both drink from the same bottle and you don't need glasses, or anything else. Happy New Year, moderators.

[AquaBuddha]

12:14 PM on 12/31/2011

Since a notorious champagne fountain catastrophe I have been unwelcome in Zurich.

[larrykat]

12:10 PM on 12/31/2011

Who was "Napolean"? Sounds like a new diet plan.

[Hardyman1966]

11:13 AM on 12/31/2011

Anything more than a slight gasp from the bottle or the audience means you should probably let someone else handle it.  Unless, of course, you have money running down your leg.  :)

[kevinbr38]

11:19 AM on 12/31/2011

Indeed. A gentle whoosh, not a pop.
Whenever I open a bottle of champagne and achieve this, people are always impressed.
Happy Bubbly to all Huffposters..

[Hardyman1966]

11:22 AM on 12/31/2011

I did launch a cork into the next yard once, but it was domestic, so it doesn't really count.  :)

[Darryl Ehlers]

01:40 PM on 12/30/2011

Hi Folks
To take this to the lighter side. I was at a senoir citizen new years party, I was having trouble opening the bottle and a senoir citizen says shake it. So I did and it poped off and I cover the whole music band with champaine and the senoir citzens had the greatest laugh
Thanks Darryl Ehlers

[kevinbr38]

11:21 AM on 12/31/2011

Great story Sad for the champagne though.
#8.

[brrycohen]

01:38 PM on 12/30/2011

Smashing it over someone's head or dedicating a ship with a bottle of Dom are two of the preferred ways to get to the bubbly...