We all know that dreaded situation. Somebody’s brought a really nice bottle of wine to the dinner party, everyone’s super excited to try it, and then the worst happens. You thought it was a screw cap. It’s not a screw cap. Frantically you race around the kitchen, hoping a corkscrew will have magically appeared in your drawer - but alas, it’s nowhere to be found. What now? You can’t let everyone down! Google in one hand, tentative knife in the other - you begin the search.
Well congratulations, you’ve hit the jackpot! Here are 6 super easy ways to open a bottle without a corkscrew - otherwise known as how to save a life. Forewarning: these tips, while incredible - are not 100% foolproof (and can be a bit messy). If this bottle of wine is dear to your heart, or wildly expensive, please wait until you have a corkscrew on hand. Delayed wine is better than no wine.
Push The Cork In
Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and accept your fate, you’ll have a cork in the bottle. The key to this trick, and all of the others, is to be careful rather than frantic - stay calm and things should go your way. Also, don’t do this by a white wall or in nice clothes!
Grab a blunt object like the end of a wooden spoon and a towel/drying up cloth.
Holding the bottle at the neck with the cloth, carefully but with force push down on the cork with the end of the wooden spoon.
Keep the pressure until the cork pops into the bottle (it might splash up a bit).
If the cork is a little broken, feel free to filter and decant the wine.
Use A Screw To Pull The Cork Out
While this might require a trip to the toolbox, this method does work. All you need is a thick screw, a screwdriver and a hammer.
Screw the screw into the cork until about 10% of the screw is showing.
With the back of a hammer (or a VERY sturdy spoon) slowly but forcefully pull the cork out of the bottle.
Use A Serrated Knife To Twist The Cork Out
This method can also be done with a key, but that variation takes a bit more practice at an already quite difficult trick. You’ll just need a serrated knife (like a steak knife) for this.
Push the serrated knife into the cork at a 50-60 degree angle, careful not to cut all the way through.
With one hand putting firm pressure on the knife, turn the bottle until the cork comes out. It’s safest to do this on a flat surface and please watch your fingers!!
Pull The Cork Out With A Screw Hook
An easier variation of the hammer and screw method, but requiring quite a specific tool - the screw hook method is one of the easier options available. Use a good sized screw for this, one where you can fit at least two fingers in the hook.
With your hands, screw the screw hook into the cork until just the hook is showing.
With a firm grip on the bottle, pull the hook until the cork comes out.
Pull The Cork Out With A Shoelace
Choose whoever has the least grimy shoes and thickest shoelaces to be the martyr for this method. You’ll need a thick shoelace, a nail and a hammer. This can be quite impressive when pulled off effectively.
Tie knots on top of each other at one end of the shoelace to create a monster knot.
Lay the knot in the centre of the cork and position the nail on top.
Carefully hit the nail with the hammer until the knot has successfully made its way through the cork
Wrap the rest of the shoelace around your hand and pull hard until the cork is removed.
Smack It Against The Wall In A Shoe (CAREFULLY)
This method is a bit scary, we won’t lie - but feel free to give it a go if you’re that kind of daredevil. You’re going to need a sturdy shoe (not a high heel) and a hard, flat wall.
Place the bottle in the shoe and make sure it is firmly secured.
Grip the shoe with one hand and the bottle in the other.
Making sure the bottle is at a 90 degree angle, hit it firmly against the wall. You might have to do this a few times.
Stop when the cork is most of the way out to avoid an accident. Gently remove the rest of the cork and enjoy!
Feeling in the mood for wine now? Then, make sure to check out this delicious selection of wine!