How To Open A Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew – 10 Different Methods
We’ve all been there. You’re salivating in anticipation of that first sip of wine, but you can’t find your corkscrew. Maybe you lost it, maybe it got thrown away accidentally, maybe your boyfriend broke it and meant to replace it before you noticed, but he wasn’t quick enough. Whatever the reason, you need a fix and you need it quick. Before you snap the top off the bottle, try a few of these ideas.
1. Pull out the Cork with a Hammer, a Screw, and a Screwdriver
Seriously, this works. I feel like this is such a guy’s way of opening a bottle of wine. Maybe you’ll always use this approach and won’t even buy another corkscrew. So, how do you do it ?
Step 1: Take off the protective foil or seal from the top of the bottle so that the cork is exposed.
Step 2: Place a screw in the center of the cork.
Step 3: Use the screwdriver to push the screw about ¾ of the way in.
Step 4. Use the back of the hammer to hook the screw and pull it out. If you don’t have a hammer you can also use a fork.
2. How to Open a Wine Bottle with a Shoe
If you are really hard up, take off your shoe and give it a whirl. I actually made my boyfriend try this one, and even though it didn’t work for us, you can find many testaments online that it does by other corkscrew-less saps. Plus, we had already had a few cocktails before our attempt. Woops. Anyway, here are the steps:
Step 1: Take off the protective foil or seal from the top of the bottle so that the cork is exposed.
Step 2: Get a shoe, preferably one with a back and thick sole. If you don’t have a shoe, you can use a book or even a thick towel wrapped around the bottom.
Step 3: While holding the neck of the bottle with one hand and the toe of the shoe with the other start banging the bottle in the shoe against a solid wall.
Step 4: After about 10 good hits, the cork should start to pop out. At this point you can pull the cork out the rest of the way.
3. How to Get the Cork out of a Bottle with a Key
Everyone has keys. If you don’t, then get out of wherever you are reading this because you probably broke in. Hehe. Okay so, here is another easy hack to open your bottle without an opener:
Step 1: Take off the protective foil or seal from the top of the bottle so that the cork is exposed.
Step 2: Push a key into the cork at a sideways angle until only the handle is sticking out.
Step 3: Twist the key as if you are trying to spin it around the rim of the bottle while pulling it upward. Twist and pull, twist and pull. You should eventually start seeing it slide out of the bottle. At this point you can pull it out with your hand.
4. How to Remove a Wine Cork with Scissors
If you have a pair of scissors, you have a wine opener. Tip: the blunter the better. We don’t want ya to cut yourself!
Step 1: Take off the protective foil or seal from the top of the bottle so that the cork is exposed.
Step 2: Open the scissors and drive one blade into the cork.
Step 3: While holding the other blade and handle, start twisting while pulling upward.
5. Open a Wine Bottle with a Wooden Spoon
Pushing a cork down into a wine bottle is usually referred to as a party foul, but hey! This trick works! If it’s a pricey bottle of wine then you probably don’t want to pollute it with the cork. I get it, but if that’s not a worry for you then this strategy just might solve your problem.
Step 1: Take off the protective foil or seal from the top of the bottle so that the cork is exposed.
Step 2: Use something thin, long, and smooth like a wooden spoon and push the cork down into the bottle. With a little elbow grease, the cork should pop down into the bottle without any cork bits coming off.
Step 3: Pour yourself a glass and enjoy, and try to fish the cork out. Or, finish the bottle quickly:)
6. Heat up your Wine to Remove the Cork
Now, this one won’t work for all cases because no one likes boiling hot Chardonnay, but if you have a red wine that you wouldn’t mind drinking mulled, try this approach:
Step 1: Take off the protective foil or seal from the top of the bottle so that the cork is exposed.
Step 2: Place bottle in a pot or pan large enough to submerge a good portion of the bottle.
Step 3: Boil the water and pay attention to the bottle. The cork should slowly slide out on its own.
Step 4: Add some spices to your wine such as nutmeg, allspice, or cinnamon to enjoy a festive treat!
7. String the Cork out of a Wine Bottle
All you need for this little maneuver is a screwdriver (or something long and sharp) and a piece of string or shoelace.
Step 1: Take off the protective foil or seal from the top of the bottle so that the cork is exposed.
Step 2: Make a small hole that goes all the way through the center of the cork.
Step 3: Take the piece of string and tie a knot at one end.
Step 4: Push that knot through the hole. You will need the screwdriver to help you get it through.
Step 5: Yank that string as hard as you can, and hopefully the cork will come with it.
8. Wedge the Cork out with a Serrated Knife
If you get frustrated enough, you might just take a knife and start jabbing at the cork, but stop! You can actually use that knife to get that sucker out.
Step 1: Take off the protective foil or seal from the top of the bottle so that the cork is exposed.
Step 2: Get a serrated knife, a smooth edge won’t grip as well, and plunge it through the cork.
Step 3: Twist the blade and pull up until the cork creeps out.
Step 4: Pull the cork out the rest of the way with your hand.
9. Pump the Cork Out
Okay, so you should probably save this one as a last resort, but it works. If you have a bike pump available and you haven’t had too much to drink yet, give this one a try. Though we know a Coravin would be easier….
Step 1: Take off the protective foil or seal from the top of the bottle so that the cork is exposed.
Step 2: Poke a hole in the center of a cork with a sharp object.
Step 3: Feed the needle of the pump into the hole and start pumping.
Step 4: The cork should come out in no time from the pressure.
10. Open your Bottle with a Coat Hanger
Alright, Mommie Dearest, you ready to break open this bottle? Put the kids in their rooms and grab a wire hanger and prepare yourself for some delicious vino.
Step 1: Take off the protective foil or seal from the top of the bottle so that the cork is exposed.
Step 2: Bend the hook part of the hanger back about 30 degrees so it resembles a fish hook.
Step 3: Slide the wire down the side of the cork and rotate it so that it gets to the cork’s bottom..
Step 4: Pull the wire up! You can use gloves or a towel to protect yourself.
I hope you never really have to use any of these tips or techniques, however if you do – I’d stick to the shoe method. It’s the easiest. Of course it would be far simpler to just buy yourself the best wine opener for you.