Opening champagne might look hard, but it's actually very easy to do. If you need a quick guide on how to open champagne, then you've come to the right place. After following these simple steps, you'll be popping champagne in no time!
How to open a champagne bottle
Step 1: Take off the foil and loosen the metal cage
The first step to opening a champagne bottle is to remove the foil and take off the metal cage. You can remove the foil with a small knife or with your hands. If using a knife, make sure to angle it away from yourself when slicing it. Next, turn the metal cage six half turns, but don’t remove it from off of the cork yet. This is to prevent the cork from popping out before you're ready. Keep your hand over the metal cake and the cork.
Step 2: Angle the bottle
Instead of holding the bottle vertically when you open it, it’s better to hold it at a 45 degree angle so the cork doesn’t accidentally fly straight up into the air and possibly hit you in the face. Remove the metal head from the cork. Hold the body of the bottle in your dominant hand and your other hand over the cork, with the base of the bottle nudged into your hip. You may place a kitchen towel over the cork to help you remove it. The towel works by applying friction and makes it easier to catch the cork when it pops out of the bottle.
Step 3: Twist to remove
Now it’s time to start releasing some of the pressure from inside the bottle. Make sure you have a good grip on the bottle and the cork and twist the body of the champagne bottle. The cork will start to slowly move away from the bottle. Continue this until you feel that most of the cork is sticking out of the bottle.
Step 4: Pop the champagne
Once the cork is almost out of the bottle, make sure you have a steady grip and slowly pop it out. This method will result in an easy open. If you’re going for a more dramatic effect, then shake the bottle before removing the cork. Make sure to hold the cork while shaking the bottle and be sure to aim it away from yourself and any other party guests. Serve the champagne immediately in a champagne glass or champagne flute.
Champagne Pro Tips
1. Make sure the champagne is fully chilled before opening the bottle. Place it in the fridge for at least a few hours to make sure all the liquid is chilled, or put it in an ice and water bath for 15-20 minutes.
2. Don’t place your hands on the lip of the bottle after the cork is removed. This is unsanitary and will leave your guests feeling a bit uncomfortable.
3. When pouring the champagne into a glass, only fill it one third of the way, otherwise the bubbles may overflow from the glass.
4. Hold the champagne glass from the stem rather than the body of the glass. Otherwise the body heat from your hands will warm the champagne too quickly.
5. Any day is an occasion to drink champagne. Life should be a celebration!
What is champagne?
Most people think champagne is anything bubbly that comes in a bottle. However, in order to be classified as champagne, this sparkling wine must come from the Champagne region of France. The soils, vineyard conditions, and method of production all effect the overall product. Sparkling wine that comes from anywhere else in the world can not be classified as champagne.
Check out our other blog posts:
