Do not remove the wire cage until you are about to open the bottle! Otherwise, you may risk the bottle uncorking before you are ready. The cage is there to protect the cork.
Support the base of the bottle against your hip. If you’re holding the bottle in your right hand, use your right hip or the right side of your torso. [4] X Research source Consider holding the cork with a kitchen towel. This can help you apply friction, making it easier to catch and contain the cork as it pops out of the bottle. The towel may also protect against a spill. [5] X Research source
Opening gently: Slow down your twisting toward the end, once the cork is almost out. Grasp the cork firmly. Press your thumb up from beneath the lip of the cork until it slides smoothly out of the bottle. Keep your grip on the cork, and “catch it” so that it doesn’t fly away. Try to do it so gently that the cork doesn’t make a popping sound. [6] X Research source Popping dramatically: Use your thumb to push the cork out from beneath the lip. Shake the bottle to stir up the carbonation, if you want a bit of a mess and a lot of added effect. Aim the bottle away from yourself, your friends, and any breakable items in the near vicinity. Avoid trying this method until you’re comfortable opening a champagne bottle gently!
If you are serving champagne as a waiter or a caterer, it is usually considered proper etiquette to open the bottle as unobtrusively as possible. Do not spray, and do not let the cork fly. Practice until you can do it without so much as a “pop. "
If you do accidentally shake the bottle, let it sit still for an hour or two so that the contents have time to settle. The CO2 will absorb back into the drink more quickly if the champagne is cold. [11] X Research source
Hold the glass upright. Do not slant it to pour. Fill a third of each glass with champagne. Then, top up the servings once you’ve poured a bit for everybody. [13] X Research source Do not touch the spout onto the rim of anyone’s glass. Champagne is often stored in cellars, and in some circles it is considered poor etiquette to risk dirtying someone’s glass.
