Beer Drinking: Best Before A Workout Or After?

Shotgunning a beer is a simple, competition-oriented way of drinking a can of beer rapidly. The process involves punching a hole in the bottom of the can, opening the tab, and letting the beer smoothly pour into your mouth. It is a fun party trick, often done in college parties, and is also known as the art and craft of stabbing a beer can and sucking back its insides like a vampire.

How to shotgun a beer

Shotgunning a beer is a simple, competition-oriented way of drinking a can of beer rapidly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Can

Hold a can of beer horizontally. Lay the can on a table or hold it in your hand so it’s sideways. This will move the air bubble inside to the side of the can rather than at the top and will waste less beer as you make the hole. Position the hole 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom of the can. The aluminium here is soft, and you’ll be able to puncture the can with ease. If you’re right-handed, place the hole to the left of the tab so you can easily open it later. If you’re left-handed, punch the hole to the right of the tab.

Step 2: Puncture the Can

Tilt the can until you feel an air bubble under your thumb. Press on the can until you feel a pocket of air inside. Push a slight dent in the can so you know exactly where you want to punch the hole. Use a light beer. It will be more difficult to drink a heavy or flavourful beer quickly.

Step 3: Make the Hole

Use a key or knife to puncture the can easily. Hold the end of the key over the dent you’ve made with your finger. In one swift motion, push down so it pops a hole in one side of the can. You can use any sharp object to make the hole, but be careful not to poke all the way through the can. Push confidently with your thumb if you don’t have a tool. Use your palm and your fingers to brace the other side of the can as you push in. Move your thumb towards the bottom of the can to avoid scraping your thumb on the aluminium. Make the hole the size of a dime. Use the edge of the object you used to puncture the can to resize the hole. Bend the metal so the sharp edges are inside the can. The larger the hole, the easier it will be for you to drink the beer; just make sure you can fit your mouth around it.

Step 4: Drink the Beer

Place your mouth over the hole. Keep the beer can horizontal so the hole is facing up and bring it to your mouth. Make sure you cover the entire hole so no beer drips out. Tilt the can to a vertical position. Let gravity do most of the work for you. Make sure you have a hand on the tab so you can open it right as the can is vertical. Pop the tab open with your other hand. Don’t suck any of the beer out until the tab is open. Opening the tab will let air go through the can so it doesn’t create a vacuum and deform the can. Beer will start to flow smoothly from the hole, but if you want to drink faster, you can suck it out with your mouth. Drink the beer as fast as you can. Take a deep breath before you start chugging the beer. Tilt your head back to help pour out the beer. It will come out quickly, so try not to let too much fill your mouth before swallowing it. Once the beer is gone, move the can away from your mouth and dispose of it responsibly.

Why people shotgun beers

Shotgunning a beer is a popular activity among young people, especially at parties and other social events. It is often seen as a fun and harmless activity, but it can also be dangerous if not done responsibly. Here are some reasons why people choose to shotgun beers:

A Social Activity

Shotgunning a beer is often done in groups, with friends or family members, and can be a way to socialise and bond with others. It is a competitive activity that can add excitement to an afternoon with friends.

A Party Trick

Shotgunning a beer can be a way to show off and impress others at a party. It is often seen as a fun party trick, and people may enjoy showing their ability to chug a beer in a single breath.

A Way to Get Drunk Quickly

The process of shotgunning a beer involves drinking a large amount of alcohol very quickly. This can lead to rapid intoxication, and people may choose to shotgun beers as a way to get drunk faster.

A Competition

Shotgunning beers is often done as a competition, with friends racing to see who can finish their beer the fastest. This adds an element of challenge and excitement to the activity.

A Response to Media and Pop Culture

The act of shotgunning a beer has been popularised by media and pop culture, often being depicted in movies, television shows, and music videos. This normalises the activity and may encourage people to try it themselves.

While shotgunning a beer can be enjoyable, it is important to remember to consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation. It can be easy to drink too much, too quickly, and this can lead to negative health consequences and increased risk of alcohol-related harm. It is also important to be mindful of the laws regarding alcohol consumption in your area and to avoid drinking in public or areas where it is not permitted.

What to use to puncture the can

When it comes to puncturing a can of beer, there are a variety of tools and methods you can use. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to help you puncture the can effectively and safely:

Choosing a Tool

You can use a variety of sharp objects to puncture the can. Here are some common options:

• Car keys: Car keys are a popular choice for puncturing beer cans. They are easily accessible and provide a sharp edge that can pierce the aluminium. However, be cautious as the edges of the hole created by keys might be ragged, which could be unpleasant if you're planning on drinking from the can.
• Knives: Knives can also be used to puncture the can. While they provide a sharp edge, similar to keys, be careful not to create ragged edges that could be dangerous.
• Pens: A pen can be used to puncture the can, but like keys and knives, it may create ragged edges.
• Screwdriver: A screwdriver has a sharp tip that can easily puncture the can.

Using Your Thumb

If you don't have any of the above tools readily available, you can even use your thumb to puncture the can. This method requires some practice and strength, but it's definitely possible. Here are some tips for using your thumb:

• Position your dominant thumb around 1 to 1.5 inches from the bottom of the can.
• Hold the can with the mouth facing upwards.
• Use your other hand or your index and middle fingers to support the can from the bottom, so you have something to push against.
• Visualise squeezing the can between your fingers and practice rocking the tip of your thumb so that your fingernail makes a diving motion towards the wall of the can.
• Apply pressure with the tip of your thumb to create a small dent in the can.
• Quickly switch to using your fingertip and apply as much pressure as you can to puncture the can. It may take a few tries, so don't give up!

Safety Precautions

When puncturing a can of beer, it's important to keep the following safety precautions in mind:

• Always be cautious when using sharp objects to puncture the can. Ensure that you don't puncture the other side of the can and accidentally injure your hand.
• Drinking beer directly from a punctured can can be dangerous. Be sure to check for any sharp edges around the hole before placing your mouth on it.
• Only attempt to puncture and drink from a beer can if you are of legal drinking age.
• Always drink responsibly and be aware of your body's limits. Shotgunning a beer can cause you to feel intoxicated very quickly.
• Puncture the can over a sink or outdoors to avoid any spills or messes.

The history of the beer can

Early Experiments

The American Can Company had been experimenting with the idea of packaging beer in cans since 1909. They recognised the potential advantages of canned beer for breweries, including reduced shipping costs due to lightweight packaging, and increased marketing opportunities with more surface area for labelling. However, they faced significant challenges, such as the chemical reaction between beer and many metals, and the difficulty of containing the pressure of carbonated beer.

Prohibition and Its Aftermath

The project was temporarily halted by Prohibition, which banned the sale of beer. However, in the late 1920s, Pabst and Anheuser-Busch, anticipating the end of Prohibition, asked American Can to resume their work. By the early 1930s, they had developed a can that could withstand the pressure of packaged beer and solved the lining problem by using a moldable plastic called Vinylite.

The Richmond Can Test

In June 1934, the American Can Company, in collaboration with the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company, conducted the Richmond Can Test. Four cans of beer were delivered to one thousand homes in the Richmond, Virginia area, along with a questionnaire. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with 91% of participants approving. This successful test paved the way for the commercialisation of canned beer.

Early Adopters and Innovations

In January 1935, Krueger's canned beer was sold throughout Richmond, marking the official birth of the beer can. The 12-ounce beer can was manufactured by the American Can Company, and its success led to a rapid increase in production. Other breweries soon followed suit, including Northampton Brewery with its "Tru Blu Ale" and "Tru Blu White Seal Beer", and Schlitz, which developed a unique "spout top" or "cone top" design.

The first beer cans outside the United States were introduced in late 1935 by the Felinfoel Brewery in the United Kingdom, making their pale ale available in the new cone-top design. By 1936, several breweries in Europe had introduced canned beer, and the trend was spreading.

The Evolution of the Beer Can

Over the years, the design of the beer can continued to evolve. The introduction of pull-tab or self-opening cans in the 1960s revolutionised the industry, but they also created environmental concerns and safety hazards. This led to the development of the fixed-tab or stay-tab beer can, introduced in 1975 by the Falls City Brewing Company, which remains the standard today.

Aluminium Revolution

The search for lightweight options led to the adoption of aluminium cans. In 1958, the Hawaii Brewing Company introduced an 11-ounce all-aluminium can, and in 1959, Coors and Gunther experimented with aluminium for the first time. By the 1960s, steel was being phased out in favour of aluminium, and the focus shifted to reducing weight and improving liners.

Craft Beer Revolution

In the early 1990s, microbreweries and craft breweries began to embrace canning, and today, it is challenging to find a production brewery that does not use cans. The craft beer movement has elevated the status of canned beer, and consumers now expect to find a variety of styles and artistic labels in these containers.

The beer can has come a long way since its inception, and its future remains bright, with ongoing innovations in materials and designs to enhance the drinking experience.

How to avoid drinking someone else's beer

Shotgunning a beer involves drinking from a can that has been punctured on its side—as opposed to drinking from the top of the can, through the opening created by the tab. This method of drinking is often done in competitions or as a party trick.

If you're at a party where people are shotgunning beers, here are some tips to avoid accidentally drinking someone else's beer:

• Mark your can: Before the party, use a permanent marker to write your initials on the top of the can. That way, even if the can gets punctured, you'll know which one is yours.
• Keep your drink in sight: It's easy to get distracted at parties, but if you keep your drink in your hand or within your line of sight, it's less likely that someone will accidentally (or purposefully) pick up your drink.
• Use a koozie: A koozie will not only keep your drink cold but can also serve as a way to identify your drink. Get a koozie in a bright colour or with a unique design, so it stands out from the other beers.
• Drink from a bottle: If you're concerned about beer cans getting mixed up, opt for drinking from a bottle instead. This way, you can keep the bottle with you and avoid any confusion.
• Pour your beer into a cup: If you're worried about people mistaking your beer for theirs, simply pour your beer into a cup and add your name or a unique identifier to the cup.
• Be mindful of your drinking: It's important to always keep track of how much you're drinking and how you're feeling. If you start to feel intoxicated, slow down or switch to a non-alcoholic beverage.

Remember, drinking responsibly is important. Always be aware of your surroundings, drink in moderation, and never feel pressured to drink more than you're comfortable with.

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