The real way is you pull it off after a melee has attacked the thing with something.
But crazy catapult shenanigans is more fun. Also, the 2nd method to get them bleeding. with the acid vials is absolutely RAW.
1.Free action to place a vial, or bundle of vials on the ground.
2. Use catapult on it.
3. Catapult does damage to the thing it hits and to the thing doing the hitting, which destroys the vial(s), releasing the acid for that damage.
Use the Catapult spell to throw one of the following: A javelin at a target 3d8 bludgeoning plus, if you can try to get the DM to let you roll a d20 to see if the pointy end stuck in for an extra d6 piercing. At level 3, upcast this and launch a greatsword instead for an extra 2d6 and likely destroying the sword.
If the DM is being a stickler: Get someone in the group to roll 2 levels of Artificer(potentially you as the wizard) get the alchemy jug infusion at level 2. Every day, provided the gang doesn’t find out it can make a lot of wine or beer, you can make two vials of acid. Sell one per day to recoup cost of empty vials. Catapult vial at target, 3d8 bludgeoning and 2d6 acid on hit.
If you can change water into air:
I’m so sorry that you lost your creativity. I hooe you find it again in the future.