Shotgunning a beer is one of the fastest ways to drink a can. No funnel needed — just the can, something sharp, and a technique that takes about 30 seconds to learn but a lifetime to perfect. Here's everything you need to know about how to shotgun a beer, what tools work best, and how it compares to the classic beer bong.
What Does It Mean to Shotgun a Beer?
Shotgunning a beer means puncturing the side of a closed can near the bottom, placing your mouth over the hole, then opening the tab on top. Opening the tab creates pressure that forces the beer out through the hole at the bottom — dramatically faster than drinking from the opening alone. A skilled shotgunner can finish a 12 oz. can in 2–4 seconds.
How to Shotgun a Beer — Step by Step
Step 1 — Choose a can (not a bottle)
Shotgunning only works with cans. Bottles don't have the right pressure dynamics. Use a standard 12 oz. or 16 oz. can — any brand works, but light lagers are easiest. The less carbonation, the smoother the shotgun.
Step 2 — Hold the can horizontally
Turn the can on its side. This positions the air pocket inside the can at the puncture point — which is critical. If you puncture a vertical can, beer immediately starts pouring out. A horizontal can keeps beer on the far side of the hole until you're ready.
Step 3 — Puncture the can near the bottom
Using your chosen tool (see options below), make a clean hole about 1 inch from the bottom of the can, on the side. The hole should be about the diameter of your thumb — large enough to get a solid seal with your lips. Push through firmly in one clean motion rather than sawing back and forth.
Step 4 — Seal the hole with your mouth
Keep your thumb over the hole while you position the can. Place your mouth over the hole and seal it completely. Any air gap means beer sprays when you open the tab.
Step 5 — Open the tab and drink
Tilt the can upright and crack the tab open. The pressure change forces beer out through the hole at the bottom — directly into your mouth. Keep swallowing in a steady rhythm and the whole can empties in seconds.
Best Tools for Shotgunning a Beer
A Key
The most accessible tool — almost everyone has one in their pocket. A house key with a pointed tip works well. Position the tip against the can, apply steady pressure, and rock it through with a firm push. Clean, fast, and no risk of injury when done carefully.
A Dedicated Shotgun Tool
Designed specifically for the job — a sharp puncture tip that creates a clean, consistent hole every time. Our shotgun key collection includes options that clip to a keychain and work flawlessly. The clean hole means a better seal and a faster chug.
A Pocketknife
A small pocketknife blade works if used carefully. Always point away from yourself and others. Use the tip only — you need a hole, not a cut. Exercise more caution with a knife than with a key or dedicated tool.
Thumb/Fingernail (Advanced Only)
Experienced shotgunners can crack a hole with a strong thumbnail, but this only works reliably with cheap, thin-walled cans and requires significant practice. Not recommended for beginners — inconsistent hole size leads to mess.
Beer Bong vs. Shotgunning — Which Is Faster?
Both methods deliver beer rapidly, but they're different experiences:
| Factor | Beer Bong | Shotgun |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 3–6 seconds | 2–5 seconds |
| Equipment needed | Beer bong | Key or tool |
| Works with bottles | Yes (with adapter) | No — cans only |
| Volume | Up to 40 oz. | 1 can (12–16 oz.) |
| Mess risk | Low (with valve) | Medium (depends on hole) |
| Group use | Yes (multi-hose) | Yes (each needs a can) |
For pure volume and group events, the beer bong wins. For spontaneous single-can situations with no equipment on hand, shotgunning is unbeatable.
Shotgun Beer Tips for a Cleaner, Faster Chug
Keep the can cold
Warm cans have more active carbonation, which means more pressure buildup and a messier pour. Always shotgun straight from the cooler.
Don't shake the can before shotgunning
This seems obvious but excited first-timers sometimes shake the can. Any agitation dramatically increases pressure and turns your shotgun into a foam explosion. Handle the can gently from the moment you pick it up.
Practice the seal
The mouth seal over the hole is the key to a clean shotgun. A perfect seal means all the beer goes into your mouth. Any gap means beer sprays sideways. Practice the seal position before opening the tab.
Coordinate with the group
For group shotguns, have everyone puncture their cans simultaneously on a count of three, then open tabs together. A synchronized group shotgun is one of the most impressive party moments you can create.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you shotgun a beer without a tool?
A house key is the most reliable no-tool option. Position the tip against the can and push firmly with a rocking motion. Most people have a key available. A strong thumbnail works in a pinch but is less reliable.
Is it easier to shotgun a beer or use a beer bong?
Shotgunning has a faster learning curve — the technique is simpler and requires no equipment. Beer bong technique takes slightly more practice but allows for much larger volumes and group use.
What's the best beer to shotgun?
Same rule as beer bongs — light lagers are best. Coors Light, Bud Light, and Busch Light have the lowest carbonation for the smoothest shotgun. See our full beer guide for details.
Where do you put the hole when shotgunning a beer?
About 1 inch from the bottom of the can, on the side. Hold the can horizontal while puncturing so the air pocket inside is at the hole — this prevents premature beer spillage before you're ready to drink.
What is a shotgun key?
A shotgun key is a small, dedicated tool designed to punch a clean, consistent hole in a beer can for shotgunning. It's typically small enough to attach to a keychain. Our shotgun key collection has several options.
Can you shotgun a bottle?
Not safely — glass bottles shouldn't be punctured. The beer bong with an adapter works better for bottle-based fast drinking. Shotgunning is exclusively for cans.
Need a dedicated shotgun tool? Browse our shotgun key collection — and check out our full range of beer bongs for when you want to go bigger than one can.
