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.

First up, the Pomegranate Perfection, a light sweet drink with hefty dose of vodka. Perfect for a beach blend or summer sipper, not to mention the cocktail itself (taste/composition/color/potency) becomes an easy conversation piece for a troublesome date. Each bartender tutors 7 people, and provides amiable chat and mixology advice. In the blink of an eye, it was time for the second drink and your date can't demure it down since it's part of the package. Following the 2nd cocktail, the magnificent-looking Purple Craze, each boozehound received an individual tapas plate. Just enough food to soak up the booze, but not enough to kill the buzz. The conversation, thanks to two potent potions, was relaxed, and if I do say so myself slyly sexy. I knew the night was a success when my date gave me the wink during the making of cocktail #3, the Red Velvet. At this point, all involved were flirty and friendly (thanks Stoli!) and the evening was a success. As dates go, it went by smoothly, we stayed for a few more drinks and dinner and then we went...well...that's another review entirely.

Gigi's Cocktail Crush was a winner. Without getting too much into my personal life, it worked its magic for me. But even if you're not looking for a sex slam-dunk, it's an excellent option for a group of friends or familiars. The drinks are top-notch, and even if you can only remember how to make the first, you'll have a brew to serve at your next intimate home-affair. For those of you sinking in the dating pool, this is a Tuesday to bank on.

Pomegranate Perfection
1oz each of Stoli Raz, Stoli O and Stoli Vanilla
1oz 100% Pomegranate Juice
1/4oz Rose's Lime Juice
1oz Sour Mix
1/2oz Cranberry Juice
Garnish with Lime Wheel

Purple Craze aka Grateful Dead
1/2oz each of Stoli and Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
1/2oz each of Tanqueray and Bacardi
Build over ice, add sour mix to fill. Finish by drizzling 1/2oz Chambord on top and letting it slowly sink down.

Red Velvet
2oz Stoli Strawberry
1oz Strawberry Schnapps
3/4oz Pureed Strawberries
1oz Sour Mix

Shake above ingredients together over ice, pour into martini glass. Finish with 1/2oz dry champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a fresh strawberry with the leaves still attached or a lime wheel.