How to saber champagne ?

Sabring champagne is a festive tradition that involves opening a bottle by striking the neck with a saber, creating a dramatic and impressive opening. This practice, closely linked to celebrations, dates back to the 19th century.

The origins of champagne sabering

In the 19th century, the cavalry regiments of Napoleon’s Imperial Guard celebrated their victories by sabering champagne. Officers, still on horseback, used their sabers to open bottles with a quick, precise motion. This ritual symbolised bravery and the celebration of military success.

Why saber champagne?

Today, sabering champagne is a spectacular gesture that adds a ceremonial touch to celebrations. Though it has no practical purpose, it remains entertaining and perfectly suitable for festive occasions — exam success, personal achievements, milestones and more.

How to saber champagne safely

Follow these steps to saber champagne correctly and safely:

Choose the right bottle

Select a properly chilled bottle (around 6–8 °C). A cold bottle has lower internal pressure, making the sabering smoother.

Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage

Take off the metal foil covering the cork, then loosen the wire cage without removing it completely.

Locate the seam

Every champagne bottle has a seam where the two halves of the glass were fused. This line runs from the base to the neck and is key to successful sabering.

Hold the bottle correctly

Grip the bottle firmly by the base, tilting it at a 30–45° angle, with the neck pointed away from yourself and others.

Saber the bottle

Using the dull edge of a champagne saber (or a sturdy, non-sharp knife if you don’t have one), slide along the seam toward the neck. With a firm, confident motion, strike the lower part of the neck to detach it cleanly.

Serve the champagne

After sabering, pour the champagne into flutes, ensuring there are no glass shards.

Safety precautions

- Make sure no one is standing in the path of the flying bottle neck.
- Use a saber designed for sabering or a robust knife with a non-sharp blade.
- Never saber a bottle that hasn’t been chilled enough.

By following these steps and precautions, you’ll be able to saber champagne in a spectacular and safe way, adding a memorable flourish to your celebrations.