How to Shotgun?
Shotgunning, also known as "gunning" or "gunning the beer," is a popular college drinking tradition where a group of friends take turns drinking from a beer bottle or can. The goal is to create a chain reaction of liquid flow from one person’s mouth to the next, without stopping or spilling a drop. In this article, we’ll break down the steps to learn how to shotgun like a pro.
What is Shotgunning?
Before we dive into the instructions, it’s essential to understand the basics of shotgunning. The activity involves a group of people forming a circle and taking turns drinking from a beer bottle or can. The first person in the circle takes a swig of beer, and as they tilt their head back, the beer flows down their throat and into the mouth of the person on their right. This chain reaction continues around the circle, with each person taking a turn drinking from the previous person’s mouth.
The Basic Steps
To shotgun successfully, you’ll need to follow these basic steps:
- Form a circle: Gather a group of friends and form a circle. Make sure everyone is comfortable and able to take a turn drinking from the beer bottle or can.
- Choose the beer: Select a beer that’s easy to drink quickly and won’t spill easily. Lighter-colored beers like lagers or pilsners are usually best for shotgunning.
- Start the chain: The first person in the circle takes a swig of beer and tilts their head back. As they do this, the beer flows down their throat and into the mouth of the person on their right.
- Keep the chain going: The second person in the circle takes a swig of beer from the previous person’s mouth and tilts their head back. The chain reaction continues around the circle, with each person taking a turn drinking from the previous person’s mouth.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you become a shotgunning pro:
- Practice makes perfect: Shotgunning takes practice, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep trying, and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
- Pay attention to the beer: Make sure the beer is at the right temperature and not too foamy. This will make it easier to drink quickly and prevent spills.
- Relax and have fun: Shotgunning is all about having fun with friends. Don’t stress if you make a mistake or spill some beer. Just relax and enjoy the experience.
- Use the right beer bottle or can: Choose a beer bottle or can that’s designed for shotgunning. These types of containers typically have a narrower opening and are easier to drink from quickly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when shotgunning:
- Don’t drink too much: Make sure you’re not drinking too much beer before shotgunning. You’ll want to be able to take a swig and then tilt your head back without feeling too full.
- Don’t be too aggressive: Don’t try to force the beer down your throat or apply too much pressure. This can cause the beer to spill or choke you.
- Don’t swallow too quickly: Take your time when drinking the beer. Swallowing too quickly can cause you to choke or make a mess.
Shotgunning with Different Types of Beer
Shotgunning can be done with a variety of beer types, including:
- Lagers: Lighter-colored lagers like Pilsner Urquell or Budweiser are great for shotgunning. They’re easy to drink quickly and won’t spill easily.
- Pilsners: Pilsners like Coors or Miller Lite are also popular for shotgunning. They’re similar to lagers but have a slightly sweeter taste.
- IPAs: India Pale Ales like Pliny the Elder or Stone IPA are great for shotgunning, but they can be more challenging due to their bitter taste and higher ABV.
- Stouts: Stouts like Guinness or Samuel Adams are popular for shotgunning, but they can be more challenging due to their thicker texture and higher ABV.
Shotgunning with Different Types of Beer Containers
Shotgunning can be done with a variety of beer containers, including:
- Beer bottles: Beer bottles like glass or plastic are popular for shotgunning. They’re easy to drink from quickly and won’t spill easily.
- Beer cans: Beer cans like aluminum or steel are also popular for shotgunning. They’re easy to drink from quickly and won’t spill easily.
- Growlers: Growlers like glass or stainless steel are great for shotgunning. They’re designed for drinking beer on the go and are easy to drink from quickly.
Conclusion
Shotgunning is a fun and social activity that’s perfect for college students and beer lovers alike. By following these basic steps and tips, you’ll be able to shotgun like a pro in no time. Remember to practice makes perfect, relax and have fun, and avoid common mistakes. With a little practice, you’ll be able to shotgun with ease and enjoy the beer with your friends. Cheers!
