How to Properly Enjoy Champagne

From chilling tips to opening it in just the perfect way, here's how to ensure a perfectly delicious glass of the bubbly every time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Champagne
• Refrigerator
• Bowl (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• Dish towel
• Champagne flutes

1. Lay the unopened bottle in a refrigerator - on its side - for at least one hour before serving. If you haven't got an hour, place the bottle on its side for 20 minutes in a large bowl of ice and four teaspoons of salt (it speeds chilling).

2. Wrap the neck of the bottle in a dish towel.

3. Tear off the foil around the cork, then untwist the wire that holds in the cork.

4. While holding the bottle away from your face (and from the faces of others), grip the cork through the dish towel. Sloooooowly twist the cork, easing it up and out.

5. Pour into champagne flutes. They are tall and narrow, which will make the bubbles last longer. As you pour with one hand, tip the glasses slightly to the flow of liquid.

[tagmanny]

on 10/13/2009 Unless you really want the plastic cork to pop (or take the risk of doing so) the best way to open a champagne bottle is to hold the cork stable/still - preferably with a towel or napkin, and twist the bottle from the bottom. It is much safer and feels more stable - opening it this way makes you look like a real pro with a very steady hand, whatever the occasion or situation.