How To Shotgun Your Beer Like A Boss

Down it! Bottom it! Chug it!

Whether you want to relive your frat row days, prep yourself for an epic Freshers’ week, or be the life of your next bachelor or bachelorette party, shotgunning a beer is a great way to show off your chugging skills. Because just sitting around drinking can get pretty boring and you’re never too mature for silly antics. 

It’s not for the faint of heart. But just act cool; this trick will make you look like a total badass for the next 20 seconds of the party (just ask Aaron Semmel). So move over, funneling. We’re about to take a deep dive into how to shotgun your beer like a pro (and steal the spotlight). 

Warning: This stunt is just for grown-ups!! If you’re under the legal drinking age, click away from this post now and go do the Water Cup Challenge instead.

Shotgunning in a nutshell

Generally speaking, shotgunning a beer isn’t all that difficult. In fact, all you need to do is to puncture a hole in the side of the can, crack open the tab at the top, and drink your beer from the opening. The challenge is to drink your beer fast without losing a single drop. If you want to go from zero to buzzed in no time, then this is for you. 

There’s some science involved in this. By making a hole at the bottom of the can, the content drains much faster due to the pressure of the air that enters the can at the top. Your mouth acts as a vacuum when placed over the hole, giving you seconds to chug the beer out.

What you’ll need

• A can of beer (a sessionable beer like Gilly’s American Lager is preferred)
• A sharp tool like a key or screwdriver

And now, the steps

1. Turn the can of beer sideways in your hands.

Doing so will push the air bubble inside to the side of the can, which will waste less beer when you puncture the hole.

2. Mark the position of the hole. 

Using your thumb, make a slight dent at the bottom of the can (just above the metal closer) so you’ll know where to punch.

3. Quickly create the hole

With your sharp tool, puncture a small opening where you’ve marked the hole.

4. Get in the shotgun position

Put your mouth over the hole while tilting the can upright.

5. Pop open the tab at the top

Crack open the tab like you normally would. Once the can is opened at the top, the beer will quickly drain from the hole.  

6. Drink your beer as quickly as possible

Make sure your throat is open, so you can easily drink it without sucking and gulping. Then bask in the glory of your accomplishment!

There you have it — a crash course on how to master the art of shotgunning a beer. We daresay you’ll be so impressive that all eyes will be on you. Remember to have enough Gilly’s on hand (grab them here) so you can whip them out at a moment’s notice if the party’s vibe begins to diminish.