Shotgunning Beer: How To Chug Instantly

Shotgunning a beer is a simple process that allows you to finish a can of beer in the least amount of time. It involves punching a hole in the bottom of the can, placing your mouth over the hole, opening the tab, and letting the beer drain into your mouth. The technique relies on basic physics: liquids drain faster if there's a hole in the bottom of the container because it allows air to enter and replace the liquid. This means that when you add a hole to a beer can, gravity can help push the beer down more quickly.

How to make a hole in the can

To make a hole in the can for shotgunning beer, follow these steps:

Firstly, hold the beer can horizontally. Lay the can on a table or hold it in your hand so it's sideways. This will move the air bubble inside the can to the side, rather than sitting at the top, and will waste less beer as you puncture the hole. If you're right-handed, make the hole to the left of the tab so you can easily open it later. For left-handed people, punch the hole to the right of the tab.

Next, tilt the can until you feel an air bubble under your thumb. Press on the can until you feel a pocket of air inside, then push a slight dent in the can so you know exactly where to punch the hole. Position the hole about one inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom of the can. The aluminium here is softer, and you'll be able to puncture the can more easily. The metal closer to the bottom of the can is harder to punch due to its shape.

Now, use a sharp object to puncture the can. A key, bottle opener, pen, or knife can be used to make the hole. Hold the sharp object over the dent you've made and, in one swift motion, push down to pop a hole in the side of the can. Some beer and foam will likely shoot out of the hole once it's punctured, so be prepared for this. Be careful not to poke all the way through the can and avoid letting the sharp object go through the other side and into your hand.

Finally, make the hole the size of a dime. Use the edge of the object you used to puncture the can to resize the hole, bending the metal so that any sharp edges are inside the can. The larger the hole, the easier it will be to drink the beer, but make sure your mouth can fit around it.

How to position the can

To shotgun a beer, you need to start by holding the can horizontally. This will move the air bubble inside the can to the side, rather than at the top, and will prevent too much beer from spilling out when you make the hole.

If you're right-handed, it's recommended to position the can so that the tab is on your left-hand side. This will make it easier to open the tab later. Left-handed people should do the opposite, placing the tab on their right-hand side.

You should then tilt the can until you feel an air bubble under your thumb. Push a slight dent in the can at this point so that you know exactly where to punch the hole.

The hole should be positioned about one inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom of the can. The aluminium here is softer, so it will be easier to puncture.

Now you're ready to puncture the can. Use a sharp object like a key, bottle opener, knife, or pen to make a hole. Alternatively, if you're feeling brave, you can use your thumb to pierce the can. Whichever method you choose, be careful not to poke all the way through the can.

Once the hole is made, you can move on to the drinking part of the process. But that's a topic for another paragraph...

How to open the can

To open a can for shotgunning, you must first lay the unopened beer can on its side, either on a table or in your hand. This will move the air bubble inside the can to the side, rather than the top, and will result in less beer being wasted when you make the hole.

The next step is to locate the right spot to puncture the can. The perfect location for the hole is about one inch (2.5 cm) up from the bottom of the can. The aluminium is softer in this area, so it will be easier to pierce.

Now it's time to puncture the can. You can use a sharp object like a key, a knife, or even your thumb to make the hole. If using a key or knife, hold it over the dent you made with your finger and push down swiftly. If using your thumb, brace the other side of the can with your palm and fingers, then push your thumb towards the bottom of the can, being careful not to scrape it on the aluminium.

Once the hole is made, you can adjust its size. Use your sharp object or your finger to push and bend the aluminium, making the hole about the size of a dime. Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges of the hole.

Now your can is ready for shotgunning!

How to drink the beer

Shotgunning a beer is a way to drink a can of beer very quickly. It is often done as a party trick or drinking game.

Prepare the Can

Hold the beer can horizontally. This will move the air bubble inside the can to the side, rather than the top, and will result in less beer being lost when you make the hole.

Make a Hole

Use a sharp object such as a key, knife, or bottle opener to puncture a hole in the side of the can. The ideal spot is about one inch from the bottom of the can, where the aluminium is softer and easier to pierce. Make the hole the size of a dime, bending any sharp edges inside the can to avoid cuts.

Position the Mouth

Place your mouth over the hole, ensuring a solid seal. Keep the can horizontal and tilt your head to the side to make it easier.

Turn the Can Vertical

In one fluid motion, tilt the can to a vertical position and open the tab at the top. This will allow air to flow through the can, facilitating the smooth flow of beer.

Drink the Beer

The beer will now flow out of the hole. Drink the beer as fast as you can. Take a deep breath before you start to help you chug, and tilt your head back to aid the flow.

Important Notes:

• Choose a light beer with low alcohol content (no more than 5% ABV) for shotgunning.
• Always drink responsibly and be aware of how your body reacts.
• Perform shotgunning in a safe location, preferably outdoors, to avoid spills and messes.
• Be extremely cautious when using sharp objects to puncture the can, and when handling the sharp edges of the hole.

Where to shotgun a beer

Shotgunning a beer is a simple, competition-oriented way of drinking a can of beer very quickly. It is often done at parties, in dormitory rooms, or in parents' basements. The process involves punching a hole in the bottom of the can, opening the tab, and letting the beer smoothly pour into your mouth.

• At a party: Shotgunning a beer can be a fun party trick to show off to your friends. It is a great way to get the party started and engage in some friendly competition. Just be sure to have some light beer on hand, as it will be easier to drink quickly.
• In a dormitory room: If you are in college and want to relive your high school glory days, grab a can of beer and some friends, and head to your dormitory room. Just be sure to clean up any spills and dispose of the empty cans responsibly.
• In your parents' basement: If you are feeling nostalgic, head down to your parents' basement and relive your teenage years. Just be sure to ask your parents beforehand and respect their house rules.
• At a sporting event: If your favourite team just won a sporting competition, why not celebrate by shotgunning a beer? It will definitely add to the excitement and make for a memorable celebration.
• At a bachelor party: Shotgunning a beer can be a fun and memorable addition to a bachelor party. Just be sure to drink responsibly and have a designated driver if needed.

Remember to always drink responsibly and legally, and do not operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol.

Frequently asked questions