How to Uncork Champagne

The sound of a cork popping from a champagne bottle signals the start of the festivities.

The sound of a cork popping from a bottle of champagne is usually a cue that a special occasion is about to begin. Uncorking the bottle is part of the fun, and it's surprisingly easy. Removing the cork from a bottle of champagne can be intimidating if you have never done it, though. Go slowly the first time you uncork the champagne bottle. The cork will remain safely in your hand if uncorked properly, but just in case, point the bottle away from anyone, including yourself.

Instructions

1. Chill the champagne. The champagne must be cold so that you don't lose a lot of foam when you open it. Put the bottle in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before you open it.

2. Remove the foil from the bottle and loosen the wire that surrounds the cork. Twist the wire until it loosens and then remove it. Carefully hold the cork in case it accidentally pops out of the bottle.

3. Place a kitchen washcloth over the cork and hold the bottle tight. Aim the bottle so that it is not facing anybody, including yourself.

4. Turn the bottle slowly while you are holding the cork until the cork loosens. Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle while you are doing this.

5. Pull the bottle down slowly, and continue holding the cork as you do this. You release pressure by pulling the bottle down, and the cork will gently pop.

Tips & Warnings

• Pour the champagne slowly when you are filling a glass because there will be a lot of bubbles, and you'll waste champagne if the bubbles run over the top of the glass.

• Don't forget to face the bottle away from breakable objects when you are uncorking it.

References

• "Good Housekeeping": How to Uncork Champagne
• "Good Housekeeping: Uncorking Champagne
• "Reader's Digest Version": How to Uncork Champagne