How to Open Champagne

Try not to agitate the champagne bottle. By all means, don't shake it, unless you prefer your champagne on the floor rather than in the glass. Champagne corks can get away from you, so always position the bottle away from any breakables or onlookers.

Start by removing the foil cap and untwisting the wire cage covering the cork.

Now remove the cage while keeping your thumb on the cork, just in case the pressure contained in the bottle is urging the cork to fly out. If the cork escapes your grasp you'll hear a terrific pop. Be very careful to send the cork safely away from friends and breakables. Flying champagne corks can cause a variety of injuries.

With one hand on the cork and the other on the bottom of the bottle, slowly twist the bottle, letting the cork ease its way out until you can hear the fizz of gas escaping the bottle.

Now slowly pour down the side of your glass. Cheers!