Learn how to pour liquids without making a mess in this video tutorial

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We'd all like our cups to runneth over. But only in a biblical sense. In everyday life, an overflowing cup is likely to leave water all over the counter.

This often happens when pouring a liquid from one container into another. Instead of going where we intended, the liquid runs along the outside of its current container before dripping off the bottom edge, creating a puddle. 

Funnels and spouts are a simple solution to this problem, however, they aren’t always to hand when we need them. But fear not! There are some surprisingly easy methods to help you make a clean pour using items you already have. Plus, they work with openings of all sizes and on liquids of all temperatures. Remember, always be cautious with hot liquids. 

It's important to note that you have to commit to the pour! Once the water finds the path, the rest will follow. Pouring slowly can give the water or other liquids the chance to find a different path, so pour with confidence. 

Watch this video to see how it's possible to pour water without making a huge mess. 

How to pour liquid without spilling

One easy method to pour water or any other liquid from one container to another is by using a tall kitchen tool, like a spatula or chopsticks. It doesn’t matter if it’s silicone, wood, or metal, however, a rounded utensil works best. 

1. Hold the utensil, centered and upright, in the bowl or cup you’re pouring the liquid into. 
2. Place the bottom edge of the container you’re pouring from to the utensil. 
3. While the two are touching, pour the liquid. 

Chopsticks or spatulas create a channel for the liquid to go down. So it will follow that path and end up where you want it. 

Try it when pouring:

• Hot water into a bowl for ramen. 
• Wine from a glass back into a bottle. 
• Homemade lemonade from a mason jar into a glass. 

This method works as long as the utensil you’re using fits into the opening of the container.

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Pour water with a spoon

The concave part of a spoon can be made into a makeshift spout for pouring liquids. 

1. Lay a spoon face down over the top of a cup, with the rim of the glass about halfway down the concave part of the spoon. 
2. Hold the spoon firmly in place with your finger as you pour.  
3. Pour the glass, letting the water run down the arch of the spoon and into the other container.

Regardless of which method you choose, keep a tight connection between the utensil and the pouring container. Otherwise, a gap can form and spills can happen.