No corkscrew? No stress. These party-saving wine hacks are weirdly effective and totally real

This is the safest solution if you have a minimum of equipment.

✔️ A simple wood screw, a screwdriver and, ideally, a pair of pliers are all you need.

How to do it :

1. Use the screwdriver to drive the screw into the plug (center), leaving about 0.7 inch/2 cm protruding.
2. Slide the head of the screw into a pair of pliers or the back of a sturdy fork.
3. Pull gently with a gentle rocking motion.

➡️ The cork rises gradually, just like a real corkscrew.

Advantage: the wine stays intact, and you feel as if you've tinkered with a masterpiece.

Tip: if the screw is too short, screw two side by side for a better grip.

No screws? No problem. A sturdy wrench or thin-bladed knife can do the trick.

❌ Warning: this isn't the easiest technique, but it works with a little patience.

How to do it:

1. Stick the wrench (or knife blade) into the cork, at an angle, for about half its length.
2. Turn the cork slowly, while pulling upwards.
3. Continue until the cork comes away from the neck.

✔️ Tip: if the cork is old or crumbly, proceed very gently to prevent it from crumbling.

And if a few crumbs fall into the wine, don't panic: a small filter (or even a clean handkerchief) will be enough to remove them.

It's the star of viral videos and improv parties. And for good reason: it works!

✔️ All you need is a thick-soled shoe (sneaker, dress shoe, or even a folded tea towel).

How to use:

1. Remove the cap from around the stopper.
2. Place the bottom of the bottle in the shoe (or wrap it in a tea towel).
3. Hold the bottle firmly and tap the heel of the shoe against a solid wall, gently and evenly.
4. The repeated tapping will cause the cork to rise slowly.
5. When it protrudes a centimetre, pull it out with your hand.

➡️ The principle is simple: the liquid exerts upward pressure, pushing the cork out of the neck.

Be careful : go about it gradually. If you tap too hard, the bottle may break. Ideally, choose a wall covered with fabric or carpet, or use a towel for cushioning.

If nothing else really works, this radical method will at least let you... taste the wine!

How to do it:

Take the handle of a wooden spoon, butter knife or other cylindrical object.

Press the cork firmly into the bottle.

✔️ Advantage: it's quick and guaranteed tool-free.

❌ Disadvantage: the cork floats in the wine, which can complicate serving (and aesthetics).

Tip: once the cork has fallen out, serve gently to prevent it from blocking the neck.

Some multi-purpose bottle-openers have a small hook which can be used to catch the edge of the cork.

Failing that, an old metal coat hanger bent into a hook can serve as a makeshift tool.

How to do it:

1. Slide the hook between the cork and the neck.
2. Twist to anchor the hook in the cork.
3. Pull gently, rather like an inverted corkscrew.

✔️ This method requires a bit of skill, but it can save a dinner party.

➡️ Always stabilize the bottle: accidents can happen, especially with improvised tools.

➡️ Never heat the neck of the bottle (some people do this to "expand the glass"): there is a real risk of explosion.

➡️ Avoid sharp or fragile objects: thin knives, scissors, sharp-tipped screwdrivers... injuries happen faster than you think.

And above all: if the cork breaks in two, don't panic. Gently push the remaining part into the bottle and filter the wine in a carafe.