This event take place at the Lodge in one of the Suites not far from the front Lobby. It’s an intimate event with a small class size. Ours consisted of fifteen couples. This would be a great event to attend with friends, but even if you don’t know anyone, the nature of the class lends itself to meeting new people. Large rounds tables are set for between six to eight people.
Our table was set for three couples. Each place setting consisted of four small martini glasses, a shaker and jigger, bottle of water and recipe cards. The center of the table had all the alcohol needed to make the first drink as well as the garnishes for each of the evening's martinis. An ice bucket and dump bucket completed the table setting.
This was definitely a hands-on experience! No lecture-style class here! Each drink was made one at a time by the participants, with staff swapping out liquors between drinks and providing tips and suggestions as we went. The decorative chocolate swirl on the inside of your glass? Tip it to the side and turn slowly as you slowly squeeze the chocolate syrup. The cocoa powder garnish on the rim of the glass? Use hot chocolate mix for a sweeter experience!
If you’ve never tried each of Hershey’s signature martinis, this is your chance! If you have, this is the time to pick your favorite! We made four drinks including Hershey’s Chocolate Caramel Martini, Hershey’s Special Dark Martini, Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolate Signature Martini, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Martini. I’ve always liked the Caramel Martini, but after tasting them side-by-side, my new favorite is the Special Dark. This was pretty much the consensus of our table, with Peanut Butter Cup a close second.
The martinis you’ll make aren’t quite full size, but drinking four of them together is more than enough! Be sure to have a snack before coming, or plan on making an evening of it and having dinner at the Lodge after. We each received a 20% off coupon to be used at the The Forebay, The Bears Den or The Hershey Grill. Our class lasted just under 1½ hours, so plan any reservations accordingly! Attendees each received a goody bag on our way out with a Hershey Lodge martini glass and a Hershey Lodge shaker. Recipe cards were ours to keep as well!
The next and final Chocolate Martini Mixology Class for this year’s Chocolate Covered February will take place on February 26th at 5pm at the Hershey Lodge. The cost is $45/person plus tax and gratuity. Participants must be 21 or older. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Lodge Concierge at 717-534-8601. For more information, visit www.chocolatecoveredfebruary.com.
