Shotgun a Beer

If James Lipton can shotgun a beer, so can you. Shotgunning is the process of piercing a small hole in the bottom of an aluminum beer can, opening the top, and letting gravity shove a cold mess of fermented fun into your salivating mouth. Although it may appear intimidating at first, after just one try, you'll be able to get the hang of things and shotgun like a pro. Let the shotfun begin!

Steps

Traditional Shotgunning

  1. Hold the beer can horizontally, and make sure you're using an aluminum can. Unfortunately, you can't (yet) shotgun beer out of a bottle; only an aluminum can will work. Tilt the beer can just a little, so that that the bottom is slightly higher than the top.
  2. Puncture a hole on the side of the can, near the bottom. Use a can opener, key, or other sharp object, such as a knife, although you should always be careful with sharp implements. (Obligatory public announcement.) Holding the beer horizontally with the bottom up a bit will mean that there is a small air pocket at the bottom of the can; this means that if you can puncture the hole in the air pocket properly, no beer will shoot out.
    • Be sure to puncture a big enough hole. Shoot for a hole roughly the size of a quarter. Any smaller and your chugging partners will be cracking open the next brew while you're busy daintily drinking your charge. Remember, shotgunning is about speed as well as enjoyment.
    • Just in case you miss the air pocket when puncturing the can, it's recommended that you puncture it outdoors or somewhere that can catch the escaping liquid, as Murphy's Law will ensure that on important occasion, beer-worthy or not, there will be a giant mess.
    • Try to push the sharp edges of the can inside of the can to avoid cuts on your hand and your mouth.
  3. Quickly place your mouth over the hole, so that any precious beer-nectar doesn't spill all over the place. Then turn the can upright, so that the force of gravity begins to work with you.
  4. After you've tilted the beer upright, quickly crack open the beer tab on the top. Once the beer is opened on the top, the beer will start running freely through the hole at the bottom of the can.
    • Why is it that opening the top "forces" the beer down your throat? It's physics! Opening the tab at the top of the can allows air into the top. Increased air means increased pressure forcing the drink down into your welcoming stomach. Any vacuum that might have been created is now less present.[1]
    • Let the beer flow straight down your throat; the more you chug and gulp while shotgunning the beer, the longer it will take.
  5. Drink as fast as you can. Air coming in from the top of the can will allow the beer to gush out of the bottom at a very intense rate. Be prepared and, most of all, enjoy!

Shotgunning with Just Your Thumb

  1. Grab any aluminum can filled with beer and place your thumb about an inch above the bottom of the can. 1" to 1.5" inches from the bottom is where you want to shoot for. The blue line at the bottom of a PBR aluminum can is a good place to start if you happen to be drinking this American classic.[2]
    • Use your dominant thumb for best results and visualize your thumb diving down and almost curving back in towards the wall of the can.
    • What fingernail length should you keep for this exercise? It depends, but neither too long or too short. Too short and you will have more trouble puncturing the can; too long and your nail can bend over when trying to push down (which really hurts). Try keeping about 1/8" nails for best results.
  2. Place the can angled slightly downwards so that an air bubble forms at the bottom of the can, near where your thumb is positioned. Again, the angle is very slight. And even if you happen to hit the air bubble, expect the disruption in pressure to send some beer sparks flying your way. It's only fair.
  3. Create a small dent in the can by applying pressure. Begin pressing down with your dominant hand in order to form a small divot, weakening the aluminum.
  4. Rock your thumb back and forth slightly, applying pressure until the aluminum can breaks. This can take some time to master, but there are a couple things you want to be aware of:
    • If you can't seem to puncture a particular spot, don't be afraid to move your thumb to the left or right, or up or down, and try again! Use the same procedure. Sometimes, it's just a matter of having your thumb a little too high or too low.
    • Follow through when you puncture. Jerking your thumb suddenly back up may cause it to come into contact with the sharp aluminum. Not a good combination.
    • It may take several tries for you to be able to get it and develop the mental fortitude. While it's certainly possible to succeed on the first go, it takes many first-timers days, weeks, or even months to perform the artful thumb shotgun. Stay hungry during this time, like a lion hunting a gazelle. Your patience will pay off, young gun.
  5. Put your mouth over the puncture spot, elevate the can, and pop the top. Drink as usual.
    • Exercise an appropriate amount of caution while performing this trick. Although it should be safe and isn't likely to hurt someone, there's always the possibility of injury here. If you feel uncomfortable or are already inebriated, know that shotgunning with your thumb can end poorly.



Tips

  • Before puncturing the hole, know were the tab is. Place it in a position that won't make it awkward to open when shotgunning begins.
  • Be sure the hole is big enough. One the size of a dime or a nickel works for most people. If you make it too small you'll still be standing there by the time your friends start on their second round.
  • It's a really good idea to do this outside or over a sink. You wouldn't want to ruin someone's carpeting.
  • Dispose of aluminum cans thoughtfully––in your recycling bin.

Warnings

  • Be careful when putting your mouth on the opening you cut in the can. It can be very sharp and cut you if you're not careful.
  • Avoid the use of a knife if possible, a key is best and much safer.
  • Drinking beer quickly will get you intoxicated faster. Drink responsibly.
  • Shotgunning beer can hurt because of the carbonation and can give you a bad stomachache. It can also induce some people to throw it back up so be careful.
  • Drinking beer this way can be extremely dangerous. The beer will be forced into the throat under pressure. If the beer isn't swallowed fast enough it may be aspirated into the lungs resulting in choking or possibly death due to what is known as a dry drowning. Never try this alone.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/212_spring2011.web.dir/Jared_Conrad/the-flow.html
  2. ↑ http://www.instructables.com/id/Shotgun-a-Beer-with-Just-Your-Thumb/
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