The party trick everyone wants to learn...sabering! Over the past several years in the champagne business, one of the most common topics that comes up is "how to saber a bottle of champagne." I have done loads of research and many trial runs, and want to share my somewhat fool-proof method of sabering champagne!
FIVE EASY STEPS TO SABERING CHAMPAGNE
Always remember, once the wire cage has been removed off the top of the bottle, it is like a loaded gun! Don't take it off until seconds before you are ready to saber.
Never aim the top of an un-caged bottle at a person, yourself, really anything you care about. I know this seems obvious, but it must be said.
And NEVER use cheap sparkling wine or Prosecco. You must use a traditional method sparkling wine or true Champagne for this trick because you need the right amount of pressure.
Step 1 - FREEZE BOTTLE
Place an already cold bottle of bubbles in the freezer 15 minutes before you saber it. Be sure to set a timer, you do not want to forget about it in there! The colder the bottle is the less bubbles you will lose (if any) when you saber it.
Step 2 - FIND THE SEAM
There are 2 seams (one on each side) where the 2 halves of the bottle were fused together. Pick one and this is where you will run your knife along to pop the top (helps to prevent the glass from breaking).
Step 3 - REMOVE FOIL & CAGE
Remove the Foil Wrapper around the neck of the bottle and the Wire Cage (you will need a clean neck for the blade of the knife to slide along so clean off any residue if left behind by the wrapper).
Step 4 - SABER TIME
Ready to let it fly? First and most important, remember to aim the bottle away from people and breakable items. Glide a saber, butcher's knife, or really anything with a solid, sharp edge gently up and down the seam of the bottle's neck at a 45 degree angle practicing the motion a few times. Focus on the edge of the knife hitting the lip of the bottle right in the corner. When ready, commit to hitting it hard and the cork will go flying!
Step 5 - CELEBRATE & SHARE
The wine is completely safe to drink because the pressure from the champagne will shoot any pieces of glass out. Trust me when I say you will be the hit of the party! Film yourself doing it and share with your community. Cheers!
