If you’re reading this you’re probably in that dreaded situation: a wine bottle but no corkscrew. It’s like being at the door but not on the guest list, like trying to sing along without knowing the words, like you’re about to win the race but stumble at the last second. But that’s no problem, you’re trying to find a solution and there are plenty. Check out the list of unique ways to open a wine bottle without using a bottle opener!
Keys
It turns out keys are good for opening a lot more than locks. Grab your favorite pointed key and push it through the cork at a 45-degree angle. Once lodged firmly in there, pull up and twist it and the bottle around. The cork should pull out in and no time and you’ll be good to go. This same technique can be replicated with serrated knives, screwdrivers, metal spoons, etc.
Smack It Out
Basically, you’ll be wrapping the base of the bottle in a towel and bashing it against a flat surface. A wall works because it’s flat and sturdy, and gravity will help the cause. Make sure your wall is strong enough, you don’t want to start the day without a corkscrew and end it with a hole in your wall. The force and vibrations of each bash should loosen the cork until it pops out. Be ready to tilt it up to avoid the wine spilling out. You can also try putting it in a shock-absorbing shoe if you don’t have a towel lying around. Disclaimer: Be careful doing this method as there’s a slight risk of the glass bottle shattering.
If you don’t want to risk denting the wall or a hard surface, you can squeeze the bottle between your legs, wrap the end in a towel and hit the end with a shoe. This’ll eventually push the pork cork out but can take a while to do. You’ll also have to make sure the bottle doesn’t slip out from between your legs and keep an eye on the movement of the cork. You don’t want it coming out while pointing at the ground.
Push the Cork
Are you planning to consume the whole bottle? Well, you don’t need the cork. Grab a wooden spoon and, with the pointed handle, push the cork back into the bottle. It’ll swim around in there, but it won’t affect the wine itself. This is definitely one of the safer options on the list. However, you might be in a bit of trouble if it’s a vintage bottle. The cork might be worn down and disintegrate with the pressure, but worst-case scenario is you can pour the wine using a sieve.
Bike Pump
If you’ve got a bike up with a needle on the end lying around you’re in look. This is definitely one of the more showy ways to open a bottle, but it gets the job done. Stick the needle through the cork and get pumping. The added air pressure should lift the cork right out to the sound of cheering from your impressed audience.
Hammer & Screw
You just need to have the most basic of tools for this one — a claw hammer and a screw. Push screw or gently hammer the screw into the cork at a slight angle. Then use the claw on the hammer to pull on the screw, using it to lever out the cork. If you screw it in, you should be able to just pull it straight out as long as you’re twisting the bottle at the same time. Wrap the bottle in a towel if you want to improve your grip on it.
Screw Cap Bottle
Screw tops are becoming a lot more common, so check to see if the bottle can be easily opened with a few twists of your hand. It’ll save you time and maybe a brief moment of embarrassment.
If you’re still wondering how to open a wine bottle, you should probably just invest in a bottle opener. Realistically, you don’t want to be struggling to find your hammer or screwdriver every time you want to have a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. If you know anyone who’s tried any of the above or probably will in the future, hand them a custom corkscrew.
With a background in psychology and sociology, love of football, literature, travel and music, Aonghus had always tried to be trendy, but then the trends changed.
