It happens more often than you think: the bottle is ready, the guests have arrived, the atmosphere is perfect… but there's no sign of the corkscrew.
Don't panic: there are several alternative methods to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew, some ingenious, others decidedly creative.
Here are 6 useful (and fun) tricks to save the evening.
🍷 1. With a key
One of the simplest methods is to use a sturdy key.
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Insert it into the cork at an angle of about 45°
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Rotate it slowly without forcing it
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The cork will start to rise with the key
👉 Result: "improvised corkscrew" effect.
🪛 2. With a screw
One of the most reliable systems.
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Screw a screw into the center of the cork (almost all the way in)
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Use pliers or a fork as a lever
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Slowly pull out the cork
👉 This is the most "DIY" method.
🔥 3. With a lighter (or heat)
Utilizes air pressure.
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Heat the neck of the bottle with a lighter
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The air inside expands and pushes the cork outwards
👉 Works best with natural corks.
⚠️ Not recommended with synthetic materials.
👟 4. With a shoe
The most "spectacular" method.
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Wrap the bottle in a cloth
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Insert it into a sturdy shoe
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Gently tap a wall with the heel
👉 The cork will gradually rise until it can be pulled out.
🥄 5. With a spoon
The most direct method… but less elegant.
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Push the cork into the bottle with the handle of a spoon
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The cork will fall into the wine
👉 It works, but it can slightly alter the tasting experience.
🚲 6. With a bicycle pump
The most ingenious method.
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Insert the pump needle into the cork
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Pump air into the bottle
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The pressure will push the cork out on its own
👉 "Wow" effect guaranteed.
🧠 Conclusion
Even without a corkscrew, a bottle of wine is not lost.
These alternative methods can save an evening and, in some cases, even become a fun moment to share with guests.
That said, the best advice remains the same… always have a corkscrew handy!
