And in top singles' gathering places like Los Angeles, Montreal and Miami -- our picks for the first installment of our groovy new series, Sexy Drinks, a boozier complement to our Sexy Eats restaurant series -- the options are endless, diverse and fantastic. It's a Choose Your Own Adventure, but we've picked some sure bets.

Los Angeles

Dark 'n Sexy: L'Scorpion

Vaguely sinister name, intimate mood lighting, upscale bordello accoutrements (iron wall sconces, a gleaming hardwood back bar), funky little wood tables... and the nicest, most down-to-earth staff in the city. It all adds up to a local go-to that's perfectly suited to any date or occasion. The friendly, buzzed, vaguely anonymous vibe lends itself well to getting-to-know-you chat.

Unlike a certain ill-advised OC nightlife venture from a few years back, which actually had -- ugh! -- live scorpions in terrarium tanks, L'Scorpion's sole sting potential comes from the 160-plus bottles of tequila and mescal on offer in the bar. Remember: sip, don't shoot... and if you're feeling a little light-headed, Latin-inspired snacks are served late-night.

Look at Me, Look at Me, Look at Me: Viceroy

The bar at the Viceroy is so quintessentially, shamelessly L.A., you almost expect to see camera crews working the four corners. But no, it's just Santa Monica, off-camera and as unscripted as it can be. Clusters of exquisitely tailored and waxed men stand around sipping Makers Mark 'rocks,' scoping out the acres of tanned, boosted cleavage and designer skirtage on display. Silver-haired business types relax poolside, surrounded by nubile young things who so obviously are not their daughters.

Nonetheless, this isn't nearly as sleazy as the equivalent scenes over in Hollywood, probably because the average age is mid-30s instead of barely legal. Also, many of the patrons only moonlight as "beautiful people." In the daytime, the cleavage-baring clothes give way to biz-casual.

The Anti-Date Spot: Bottle Rock

This newbie typifies the blossoming Culver City scene: hip, not too expensive and intentionally at odds with Los Angeles stereotypes. Thus, while most L.A. wine bars (and perhaps most wine bars in general) are oh-so-sophis, precious and pricey, Bottle Rock is loud, stripped-down quasi-industrial and value-oriented. While some older patrons deplore the noise and crowded feeling, younger oenophiles will love the informal attitude and diverse wine offerings. Spend your evening debating "the bouquet" and nibbling at gourmet appetizers -- you can categorize it as a 'cultural experience' rather than another night out at the bars.

Miami

The Classic Pickup: Delano

This sophisticated South Beach icon has been disproving the whole "white = innocent" theory for more than a decade. The cutting-edge factor is gone, if it ever existed, but the place still looks like something out of a Nip/Tuck fantasy, which is exactly what we want from SoBe. Whether you're cocktailing by the now-legendary pool or snuggling with a model-type in the glowing, peach-lit Rose Room, you'll be surrounded by Miami's most glossy, plus the best in South American, Euro and NYC expats. All that reflected glory should make you feel twice as glamorous as when you were inspecting yourself in the bathroom mirror an hour ago.

Second Date (See How Hip I Am?): Love Hate

Recommended by true nightlife insiders like our posh, GQ-styled friends over at Bombay Sapphire HQ, this newly opened watering hole backed by the Miami Ink crew is just edgy enough: a modern biker bar complete with stripper pole, exposed brick walls and curvy, shiny vinyl banquettes. Deep blue and maroon lighting casts a sultry hue over the crowd, which consists of everything from "exotic dancers" to Manhattan hipsters on vaca to Tony Hawk types. It's a comfortable crush, made more so by the eclectic music offerings and anything-goes dress code. Bring a date here when you've gotten past the initial handshake-and-cocktail once-over, and are ready to see whether a spark ignites in close proximity.

Get Off the Beach: Christabelle's Quarter

It can't always be about South Beach, particularly if you're not in the mood to ogle and be ogled. Kidnap your date and go over the bridge and far away... all the way to Coconut Grove. Here, you'll find a little bit of New Orleans -- Cajun/Creole cuisine, jazz music, bayou soul -- in a luxurious three-story setting. Sip a mint julep at the bar or have cracked crab claws at the raw bar. Nibble on grilled oysters and crawfish etouffee in the dining room, then move to the third-floor lounge for music, dancing and champagne in a Moulin Rouge-inspired ambiance.