Gigi's Cocktail Crush: Philadelphia Mixology Class Makes the Perfect Matchmaker

If Pat Benatar sang it true, that "love is a battlefield," then dating might as well be downtown Baghdad. Initial dates can be awkward, requiring special circumstances to ensure victory (re: another date or nookie.) Last month, I experienced a triumph, and I owe it to Gigi Restaurant's Cocktail Crush.

Brief date background: He's quiet, artsy, shy, sarcastic, cute and most importantly-not a hard liquor drinker. This was our second date and the deal had not been sealed, so I decided to up the ante with an evening that would end in marriage or disaster.

Gigi's Cocktail Crush happens every first Tuesday, and is ostensibly a fun and informational lesson on creating the perfect cocktail. With only 15 seats available, you will want to make reservations. The hostess greeted us at the door, leading us to stools at the immaculate bar adorned with some of the utensils we would be using during the Crush: shakers, glasswear and shots of gorgeous, delicious booze. During the magical 1 and 1/2 hours, two bartenders take you through the preparations and creation of three unique drinks. Yummy strong drinks. Each drink takes about 5 minutes to explain and another few minutes to make, leaving the rest of the time to leisurely sip and make small talk.