New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour
From$95
2 hours
New Orleans, USA
About this activity
Discover New Orleans' rich cocktail history on a guided walking tour through the French Quarter, visiting historic bars and learning about the origins of iconic drinks.
Highlights
- Explore the historic French Quarter
- Visit iconic New Orleans bars
- Learn about cocktail origins
- Discover Prohibition-era secrets
- Enjoy a guided walking experience
Full description
Step into the vibrant world of New Orleans' cocktail culture with this engaging walking tour through the historic French Quarter. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you'll visit iconic bars and lounges, each with its own unique story and contribution to the city's rich drinking heritage. Along the way, uncover tales of Prohibition-era secrets, the origins of classic cocktails, and the cultural influences that have shaped New Orleans' distinctive drinking scene. This tour offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and, of course, the opportunity to savor the flavors that have made the city a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. Whether you're a history buff, a cocktail connoisseur, or simply looking to experience the charm of the French Quarter, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of New Orleans' spirited past.
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour of the French Quarter
- Visit to historic bars and cocktail lounges
- Insight into New Orleans' cocktail heritage
- Food and additional drinks
Itinerary
1
Meet your guide inside Patrick's Bar Vin, a luxurious wine bar adjacent to a beautiful courtyard, to start your tour. Your local guide presents a fun and fascinating introduction to New Orleans’ and the world's cocktail culture as you sip your first drink. The tour begins with a refreshing, grapefruit spiced Rum Punch inspired by the English sailors working in the 1600's Indian spice trade.
Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Next, turn the corner to visit SoBou, where you sample the official cocktail of New Orleans: the Sazerac, a drink that comes from a 19th-century recipe. Additionally you will be served another pre-Civil War libation known as the Brandy Crusta: a potent concoction of brandy, orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice and bitters.
Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Pass by: Travel along beautiful Royal Street to the hippest new addition to the NOLA drinking scene: Peychaud's Bar in the Maison de Ville Hotel, where you will have a choice between two delicious, historical cocktails.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Pass by: Pass by one of America's oldest active Catholic churches en route to Pirate's Alley.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Then continue to your final destination of the tour: the luxurious Bourbon "O" Jazz Bar, located inside the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Your beverage here is the little-known Roffignac highball cocktail. Made from a 19th-century recipe, the Bourbon "O" Bar makes their refreshing Roffignac with raspberry liqueur and brandy. Expect to walk about one mile during your 3-hour tour in a friendly social atmosphere inspired by your entertaining guide. Four cocktails are included, one at each stop. Your tour ends at the Bourbon "O" Bar, which features nightly live jazz at 8pm as well as a limited food menu. Or you can move on to explore the lively nightlife of nearby Frenchmen Street on your own (or with your new friends!).
Duration: 35 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible; consider this when booking.
- The tour operates rain or shine; cancellations due to weather are rare.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces.
- Bring a valid ID if you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages during the tour.
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Minimum age is 21 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- All cocktails are vegan-friendly
- Walk is approximately 1-mile
- All venues subject to change based on availability
Traveler reviews
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Book it!
Great time with Beth. She was fun and it was enjoyable to learn all about the different cocktail history. She’s a gem!
Jackie_JMay 17, 2026VIATOR
Cocktail tour
Awesome tour. Liked the drinks and Ben was an awesome tour guide. Would recommend this tour to everyone.
Ty_IMay 14, 2026VIATOR
Fun, very informative,...
Fun, very informative, great cocktails. John was very knowledgeable and funny. Had a great time even though it was raining. Met some good people too!
Lucy_DMay 10, 2026VIATOR
Fun. Ight on the town
It was a fun tour. Beth was very informative and patient with a few stragglers in the group. She kept it light and rolled well between large rain drops!!
michaelmZ2324BEMay 1, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great time!
We had a great time on this tour! Drink were delicious and we enjoyed our guide Meg! She was so fun!
A1700MVangelasApr 29, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Minimum age is 21 years
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
All cocktails are vegan-friendly
Walk is approximately 1-mile
All venues subject to change based on availability