The true bromance/girlfriends date

Photo: Chris Strong

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Start the girls and guys off together with something embraced equally by both genders—booze. Couples can school themselves on mixing cocktails, studying the nuances of various wines, beers or fine liquors, or just sit down for a tasting at Drinks Over Dearborn (650 N Dearborn St, second floor; 312-337-9463). Since the beverage shop recently stepped up its educational offerings as part of its Save DOD campaign (the store has hit tough times thanks to the sagging economy and, we surmise, its second-story location), a few well-known mixologists, sommeliers such as Alpana Singh (pictured, right) and other experts have offered to help by leading classes ($15–$40). DOD also just launched nightly individual tasting classes in its intimate seating area. Couples or small groups can bring their own food to pair up with wine or beer flights of their choosing and learn about the history and process behind what they’re drinking (prices vary depending on samples served).

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The first date | The meet-the-parents date | The get-me-out-of-the-doghouse date | The cheap weekday date | The under-the-radar, underground date | The solo date | The true bromance/girlfriends date | The special-occasion date