How I Attended an All-Guys Mixer [Season 1 Episode 8]

Episode 8 Review: “How I Attended an All-Guys Mixer” – A Cocktail of Laughter and Heart

If you’re looking for a show that blends absurd humor with unexpected sweetness, How I Attended an All-Guys Mixer has been delivering just that since its premiere in October 2024. Produced by Ashi Productions and based on Nana Aokawa’s manga, this anime follows Tokiwa, a college student who gets tricked into attending an all-male mixer by his classmate Suo—only to discover that the “guys” are actually cross-dressing women. Episode 8, titled That Time I Learned to Make Cocktails, takes a detour from the usual chaotic group dynamics to focus on a quieter, yet equally charming, moment between Fuji and Asagi.

The Plot: A Lesson in Mixology (and Maybe Love?)

The episode opens with a lighthearted scene where Fuji, one of the cross-dressing trio, teaches Asagi how to make cocktails. What starts as a simple tutorial quickly spirals into a series of hilarious failures—Asagi’s attempts at mixing drinks are disastrous at first, but Fuji’s patience (and occasional exasperation) keeps the mood playful. The setting? Fuji’s bathroom, because, as she explains, “minimizing the mess” is key. Fans on MyAnimeList pointed out how this small detail adds to the show’s quirky charm—where else would you learn mixology if not in a bathroom?

The real highlight, though, is the emotional payoff. After multiple failed attempts, Asagi finally succeeds, and his earnest declaration—“I hope I can make drinks for you someday”—hints at deeper feelings. It’s a subtle but effective moment that fans have praised for its sincerity. One commenter noted, “Asagi is so pure, my heart can’t take it!” while another joked, “Fuji treating him like a pet dog is weirdly adorable.”

Fan Reactions: Love, Laughs, and a Few Eyebrows Raised

The episode has sparked mixed but mostly positive reactions. Some viewers, like those on MyAnimeList, loved the shift in focus: “It’s nice to see a quieter episode that develops the characters outside of the usual chaos. Fuji and Asagi’s dynamic is underrated!” Others, however, felt the pacing was a bit slow compared to previous episodes. One critic remarked, “The joke about them being dressed as guys is getting old. Why are they still in wigs on their day off?”

But the majority agree that the show’s strength lies in its ability to balance humor with genuine emotional moments. As one fan put it, “This anime is like a cure for depression—light, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.” Episode 8, in particular, seems to have won over skeptics with its focus on character growth.

Final Thoughts: A Refreshing Sip of Comedy

While How I Attended an All-Guys Mixer might not be breaking new ground in the rom-com genre, Episode 8 proves that it doesn’t need to. The show’s charm comes from its willingness to embrace absurdity while still giving its characters room to grow. Fuji and Asagi’s cocktail lesson is a perfect example—what could have been a throwaway gag turns into a touching moment that hints at future romance.

If you’re a fan of lighthearted comedies with a side of heart, this episode (and the series as a whole) is worth checking out. Just don’t overthink the logic—sometimes, the best cocktails are made in a bathroom.

Rating: 8/10 – A delightful mix of humor and heart, even if the premise is wearing a bit thin for some.

What did you think of Episode 8? Let us know in the comments!