How to pop a bottle of bubbly

For many, the festive season is a time to celebrate with friends and family and pop open a bottle of bubbly, but for others it could mean a trip to A&E, experts warn.

As a champagne cork can leave the bottle at up to 50 miles per hour, there is little chance to move out the way or even blink if one heads in your direction.

Every year warm bottles of champagne, coupled with bad cork-removal techniques, are responsible for causing serious eye injuries. The American Academy of Ophthalmologists offers some timely advice on how to avoid taking one in the eye during the party season.

• Make sure sparkling wine is chilled to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit before opening. A warm bottle is more likely to pop unexpectedly.

• Don’t shake the bottle. Shaking increases the speed at which the cork leaves the bottle, increasing your chances of severe eye injury (also a waste of champagne).

• To open the bottle safely, hold down the cork with the palm of your hand while removing the wire hood. Point the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and from others.

• Place a towel over the entire top of the bottle and grasp the cork.

• Keep the bottle at a 45-degree angle as you slowly and firmly twist the bottle while holding the cork to break the seal.

• Continue to hold the cork while twisting the bottle. Continue until the cork is almost out of the neck. Counter the force of the cork using slight downward pressure just as the cork breaks free from the bottle.

• And never use a corkscrew to open a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine!

This article was published on Mon 12 December 2011