Why We Saber
By Casie Caldwell
What started as a fun way to celebrate every 1,000 new Instagram followers has quietly become something much bigger.
Sure, sabering a bottle of champagne is dramatic, a little ridiculous, and undeniably fun. But somewhere along the way, it stopped being about the number on a screen.
The memories have become part of the tradition. We first sabered on the sugar-white sands of Santa Rosa Beach with our team captain. We celebrated in Santa hats one Christmas, with the bottle coming just a little too close to taking Lauren's head off. Then there was the legendary "pre-mature champalation" in Dallas, when the humidity popped the cork before we ever touched it, and the opposing team joined the celebration anyway. Somehow, every milestone has come with a story we'll laugh about for years.
This time, we celebrated surrounded by members of our pickleball community. When the cork rocketed straight into the camera, everyone erupted in laughter; and honestly, it couldn't have been more fitting. The moment wasn't polished or perfect. It was real.
That's why we saber.
Not because another thousand people clicked "Follow," but because every milestone represents a growing community we're grateful to be part of. The champagne is just the excuse. The people are the reason.
Learn to Saber a Champagne Bottle
Want to celebrate like we do? Sabering a bottle of champagne is surprisingly easy when you do it correctly—and with the proper precautions.
Before You Start
Use real Champagne or sparkling wine with a traditional cork and wire cage. (This won't work with screw-top bottles.)
Chill the bottle well. Cold bottles work best (around 38–42°F).
Make sure you're in an open outdoor space, away from people, pets, windows, and anything breakable.
Consider wearhing eye protection if you're new to sabering.
Step 1: Remove the Foil & Cage
Take off the foil and loosen the wire cage. Many people remove the cage completely, but beginners may feel more comfortable leaving it loosely over the cork while learning.
Step 2: Find the Seam
Every champagne bottle has two vertical seams running from the base to the lip. Pick one seam and follow it all the way to the top of the bottle.
Step 3: Hold the Bottle Correctly
Hold the bottle at about a 30–45° angle, pointing safely away from everyone. Grip the base firmly.
Step 4: The Saber
Using the back (dull edge) of a champagne saber, or even the spine of a sturdy chef's knife, slide firmly and confidently up the seam toward the lip of the bottle. Don't chop. Don't swing. Think of it as a smooth, committed follow-through.
When the blade strikes the lip, the pressure inside the bottle causes the entire collar and cork to separate cleanly.
Step 5: Celebrate Responsibly
The first splash of champagne helps rinse away any tiny glass fragments that may be present at the break. Pour a little out, inspect the opening, then toast with friends.
A Few Important Tips
Confidence beats force. A smooth, committed motion works better than trying to "hack" at the bottle.
Never point the bottle at a person.
Never attempt to catch the flying cork.
If it doesn't work the first time, don't panic. Reset your grip and try another smooth pass along the seam.
Save this tradition for special occasions, it makes the milestone even sweeter.
And Finally...
Our favorite part isn't the flying cork.
It's the people standing around the bottle.
Whether you're celebrating a tournament win, a birthday, or your own milestone, sabering is just an excuse to gather, laugh, and make another story you'll tell for years.
Cheers! 🥂