Corkscrew
A corkscrew draws the cork from a bottle of wine, port or anything else sealed with a full-length cork. For most people the one to own is a waiter's friend: a folding steel lever, about 11 to 13cm long when closed in the ones we use, with an open spiral worm, a small foil knife and a two-step hinge that lifts the cork straight. Behind a cocktail bar it opens the wine for punches, Sangria and mulled wine.
About the Corkscrew
The Waiter's Friend Is the One to Own
A waiter's friend folds like a pocket knife. It holds a small serrated blade for the foil, an open spiral worm and a lever that braces on the lip of the bottle.
Choose one with a two-step lever. The first step lifts the cork halfway, the second brings it clear, and both pulls stay straight, which keeps a long or dry cork in one piece.
Foil, Worm, Two Lifts
Cut the foil under the lower lip, turning the bottle against the blade, and wipe the top of the cork.
Set the point just off centre and straighten the worm as it bites, so the spiral runs down the middle of the cork. Stop with one turn still showing; going right through drops crumbs into the wine. Lift on the first step, then the second.
Our Sangria starts from a 750ml bottle of red wine, and so does our mulled wine.
Corkscrews compared
Waiter's friend
- Size
- Strengths
- Light; lifts in two straight pulls
- Drawbacks
- Takes a little practice
Winged
- Size
- Hand-sized
- Strengths
- Easy to learn
- Drawbacks
- Often a solid screw that tears corks
Lever puller
- Size
- Large
- Strengths
- Little effort; helps a weak grip
- Drawbacks
- Bulky and dearer
Twin-prong puller
- Size
- Strengths
- Very old, crumbly corks
- Drawbacks
- Slow to master
| Type | Size | Strengths | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter's friend | Light; lifts in two straight pulls | Takes a little practice | |
| Winged | Hand-sized | Easy to learn | Often a solid screw that tears corks |
| Lever puller | Large | Little effort; helps a weak grip | Bulky and dearer |
| Twin-prong puller | Very old, crumbly corks | Slow to master |
A Broken Cork Is Not a Lost Bottle
Put the worm back in at a shallow angle and catch the broken piece against the neck. If it crumbles, push it in and decant the wine into a jug through a fine mesh strainer.
Fold the knife away before the corkscrew goes back in a drawer. Its blade is small and sharp, and easy to forget about.
Using the Corkscrew
Usage
Opening wine for punches, Sangria and mulled wine, and the occasional bottle of port, sherry or vermouth closed with a full cork. Many vermouths and sherries close with a screw cap or a stopper pulled by hand, so behind a cocktail bar the corkscrew is mainly a wine tool.
Pro Tip
Turn the bottle, not the knife, when cutting the foil. The blade stays still against the glass, the cut comes out cleaner, and the edge never travels towards your fingers.
Professional Tips
- Cut the foil under the lower lip of the bottle.
- Start the point just off centre, then straighten so the worm runs down the middle.
- Stop with one turn of the worm still showing.
- Lift on the first step, then the second, keeping the cork straight.
Alternatives
Budget Alternative
A plain double-hinged waiter's friend in steel. It does everything a dearer one does.
Premium Option
A heavier waiter's friend with a smooth hinge and a well-shaped worm. It feels better in the hand and lasts longer; the cork comes out the same.
Specifications
Material
Stainless steel, with wood, plastic or metal sides
Capacity
Not applicable
Details
A folding body about 11 to 13cm long when closed in the ones we use, an open spiral worm, a serrated foil knife and a lever with one or two steps
More to explore
Common Questions
Should I buy a waiter's friend or a winged corkscrew?
How do you use a double-hinged corkscrew?
How do you get a broken cork out?
Does a home bar need a corkscrew?
How do you open wine without a corkscrew?
How do you open an old, crumbly cork?
How should wine be stored so the cork stays sound?
Sources.
Correct as of 20 October 2026.
- Gastronomica, “The Corkscrew (Stephen J. Gendzier, 2001)” (journal article: 1681 the first mention of a “corkscrue”; Henshall’s patent of 1795, the first; Karl Wienke’s single-lever corkscrew, Germany 1882).
- Popular Science, “The corkscrew began as a tool for muskets, not merlot (Andrew Coletti)” (named-author science magazine: the gun worm since the 1630s; an English source of 1681 the first written reference; Henshall 1795; Wienke 1882).
Made with the Corkscrew
Used In These Cocktails
Related Equipment
Related Ingredients
Guide by Jerry Can Spirits · Updated 20 October 2026