How to Shotgun a Beer

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Shotgunning is an easy way to finish a can of beer in the least amount of time. 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’s a simple process that lets you drink fast, so make sure you enjoy your shotgunned beer responsibly and safely!

Quick Shotgunning Guide

Hold the can horizontally and puncture a hole in its side with a set of keys or another sharp object. Then, hold the hole to your mouth and use your hand to open the tab at the top, and guzzle that beer as fast as you can!

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Making a Hole in the Can

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Shotgun a Beer
    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. [1]
    • Use a light beer. It will be more difficult to drink a heavy or flavorful beer quickly.
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    The aluminum here is soft and you’ll be able to puncture the can with ease. The metal closer to the bottom of the can is more difficult to punch due to its shape. [2]
    • If you’re right-handed, place the hole to the left of the tab so you can easily open in later. If you’re left-handed, punch the hole to the right of the tab.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Shotgun a Beer
    Press on the can until you feel a pocket of air inside the can. Push a slight dent in the can so you know exactly where you want to punch the hole. [3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Shotgun a Beer
    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. Expect some beer and foam to shoot out of the hole once it’s punctured. [4]
    • You can use any sharp object to make the hole, but be careful not to poke all the way through the can.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Shotgun a Beer
    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 aluminum.
    • Don’t be timid when using your thumb. Push hard right from the start and the can will open.
    • Be careful when taking your thumb out from the can. The metal may be sharp and could cut your finger.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Shotgun a Beer
    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 hole you make, the easier it will be for you to drink the beer; just make sure you can fit your mouth around it.
    • If you’ve punched a hole with your thumb, the hole is probably large enough already.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Drinking the Beer

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Shotgun a Beer
    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. [5]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Shotgun a Beer
    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. You may want to tilt your head to the side to make it easier. [6]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Shotgun a Beer
    Don’t suck any of the beer out until the tab is open. Use your dominant hand to pop the tab quickly. Opening the tab will let air go through the can so it doesn’t create a vacuum and deform the can. [7]
    • Beer will start to flow smoothly from the hole, but if you want to drink faster, you can suck it out with your mouth.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Shotgun a Beer
    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. [8]
    • Keep your throat open so you can easily pour it down rather than sucking the can and gulping.
    • Drinking a beer this way will make you feel intoxicated fast. Set a limit for yourself and be aware of how your body reacts.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Will this work with gluten free beer?
    Community Answer
    As long as the beer is in an aluminum can, it will work.
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    Not Helpful 53 Helpful 84
  • Question
    Which side of the can should the hole be made? Directly across from the mouthpiece or the opposite side?
    Community Answer
    It should be made about 45 degrees from the mouthpiece, as shown in the diagram in the first example. Use the side of your dominant hand for easier opening (for instance if you are right handed, it should be 45 degrees to the right and vice versa). Note, this is a fun party trick but basically it is the same as a double shot of 80 proof liquor from a can that has 12 oz of fluid. Like a beer bong, the sheer volume of liquid that you are taking in can cause a lot of problems such as heartburn, vomiting, damage to the stomach due to the acidity/pH change, and underestimating the amount of alcohol entering your system.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Would it work with a soda?
    Community Answer
    Yes. This will work with anything in an aluminum can, including soda. Just watch out for foam, since most sodas are fizzier than most beers.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

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      Things You’ll Need

      • Beer in an aluminum can
      • Keys, knife, or another sharp object

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      References

      1. ↑ https://archive.org/details/bookofbeerawesom0000appl/page/80/mode/2up
      2. ↑ https://archive.org/details/bookofbeerawesom0000appl/page/80/mode/2up
      3. ↑ https://archive.org/details/bookofbeerawesom0000appl/page/80/mode/2up
      4. ↑ https://archive.org/details/bookofbeerawesom0000appl/page/80/mode/2up
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/Wr69bnB86d0?t=59s
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/Wr69bnB86d0?t=1m3s
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/Wr69bnB86d0?t=1m14s
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/Wr69bnB86d0?t=1m15s

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To shotgun a beer, first take an unopened beer can and hold it sideways. Use a key or screwdriver to puncture a hole in the can near the bottom. Be careful to push any sharp edges inside the can, and to hold it horizontally at all times. Take a deep breath and exhale before you start drinking so it’s easier to chug. Then, place your mouth over the hole, tilt the can up, and open the tab in a fluid motion. Drink the beer through the hole until it’s completely empty. Suction your lips to the can and suck in to drink the beer faster, and keep swallowing so the beer isn't sitting in your mouth. Make sure you keep the can upright so the beer doesn’t spill out of the top! For tips on drinking the beer once you pop the tab, scroll down!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Allie Irvin

        Jan 10, 2017

        "The one step that helped me the most was breaking the can with my thumb. It worked the first time! Thanks for the ..." more
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