New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour

Discover the culinary soul of New Orleans on this engaging 4-hour combined Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour. Priced at $105.50 per person, this experience offers a hands-on taste of Louisiana’s signature dishes, plus a lively exploration of the city’s historic bar scene. The tour departs from the New Orleans School of Cooking in the French Quarter, making it an accessible and immersive way to dive into the city’s food and drink culture.

What sets this experience apart is its blend of culinary demonstration, local history, and cocktail tasting, all led by knowledgeable guides. The tour is most suitable for those eager to learn classic recipes like jambalaya and gumbo, and enjoy sampling three iconic New Orleans cocktails. Some reviews highlight the demonstration as mostly a show rather than hands-on, so it appeals best to those interested in watching and learning rather than actively cooking.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $105.50, this tour lasts around 4 hours, combining a cooking demo and cocktail tour.
• Locations Covered: Starts at New Orleans School of Cooking in the French Quarter and includes stops at historic bars and landmarks.
• Cooking Experience: Features a live demonstration of classic Louisiana dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines, with generous tastings.
• Cocktail Tour: Visits several historic bars to sample three classic cocktails, including the famous Sazerac and French 75.
• Guides and Insights: Led by local experts who share stories about New Orleans cuisine, spirits, and history.
• Extras Included: Take home recipes, a custom spice packet, and a discount at the store.

The Venue: New Orleans School of Cooking in the French Quarter

The tour begins at the New Orleans School of Cooking, a well-known spot in the vibrant French Quarter. Here, a professional chef conducts a 2-hour demonstration, explaining traditional Louisiana techniques and the significance of various spices that flavor Cajun and Creole dishes. The setting is lively, with ample space for guests to watch the chef prepare gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines.

Guests enjoy generous samples of each dish, served with complimentary coffee, iced tea, or local beer. While the demonstration is not hands-on — meaning participants do not cook themselves — it offers plenty of practical tips and historical context. The chef also provides a recipe book for guests to replicate the dishes at home.

Authentic Louisiana Flavors and Cooking Tips

During the demonstration, the chef emphasizes the importance of a good roux and the unique spice blends that give Louisiana cuisine its distinctive taste. The dishes prepared showcase Cajun and Creole influences**, with dishes like crawfish étouffée also featured. This segment provides a taste of the city’s culinary diversity and its cultural roots spanning French, Spanish, Native American, and African influences.

Guests often comment on how delicious and filling the samples are, making it a worthwhile culinary introduction. Several reviews describe the presentation as entertaining and educational, with the chef sharing stories that connect the food to local history. The inclusion of beer, coffee, and iced tea further enhances the experience.

Exploring the Historic French Quarter on a Cocktail Tour

After the cooking demo, the tour shifts to a guided walk through the French Quarter. Accompanied by a local cocktail expert, guests visit several historic bars and landmarks. The guide shares stories about the origins of classic cocktails like the Sazerac (created in 1850) and Southern Comfort (invented in 1874).

This 2-hour cocktail tour allows guests to sample three iconic drinks, including Peychaud’s bitters, a key ingredient in the legendary Sazerac. Stops include the Court of Two Sisters, with its lush courtyard and jazz brunch reputation; Peychaud’s original herbal bitters residence; the St. Louis Cathedral, and Fritzel’s European Jazz Bar, where the tour wraps up with live jazz music. The stops are carefully chosen to showcase historic ambiance and local spirits.

Learning About the City’s Drinking Culture

Throughout the walk, the guide provides insights into New Orleans’ diverse cultural influences, including French, Spanish, and Creole traditions, reflected in the architecture and bar history. Guests learn about the city’s pioneering spirit in mixology and the story behind iconic cocktails. The stops also offer photo opportunities of landmarks like the Vieux Carré and the city’s oldest restaurant.

Guests often appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable guides like Val, Robi, and Robert, who combine humor with detailed stories. The cocktail experience is considered informative and fun, offering a genuine taste of local nightlife and spirits.

Stops at Historic Landmarks and Iconic Bars

The tour includes visits to The Court of Two Sisters, renowned for its 130-year-old wisteria vine and jazz brunch; Peychaud’s, birthplace of the herbal bitters; the St. Louis Cathedral, a symbol of New Orleans’ religious and cultural heritage; and Fritzel’s, a jazz bar famous for its lively performances.

Each site offers a unique glimpse into the city’s past, and guests get to view areas often off-limits to casual visitors, such as the wine cellar at the oldest restaurant. The tour’s pace allows for photo opportunities and relaxed exploration, making it suitable for those who enjoy historic ambiance and local flavor.

What’s Included and What to Expect From the Experience

The package includes the guided cocktail walking tour, the cooking demonstration, generous food samples, and three cocktails with taxes and gratuities. Guests also receive a recipe booklet, a custom spice packet, and a discount voucher for the store.

While additional drinks can be purchased during the stops, the experience ensures plenty of tastings within the bundled price. The group size is limited to 18, fostering a more intimate and engaging atmosphere, with guides like Tim and Robert noted for their knowledge and personality.

Practicalities and Booking Details

The tour departs from 524 St Louis St at 2:00 pm, making it a perfect mid-afternoon activity. It starts with the cooking demo and transitions seamlessly into the cocktail walk. The tour closes back at the starting point in early evening, giving guests time to explore more of the French Quarter or enjoy dinner nearby.

Guests are advised that this experience involves walking in the historic neighborhood, and the minimum age is 21 due to alcohol consumption. The tour is designed to be accessible, with most travelers able to participate comfortably.

Honest Review of the Experience

The New Orleans Cooking Class and Cocktail Walking Tour offers a comprehensive taste of the city’s food and drink culture. The cooking demonstration is highly praised for its entertaining storytelling and delicious samples, although some may prefer a more interactive, hands-on class. The cocktail tour is consistently lauded for guides’ knowledge, historic insights, and authentic drink samples.

The tour is well-suited for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys an engaging stroll through historic neighborhoods with a flavorful twist. The inclusion of recipes and souvenirs adds value, allowing guests to recreate dishes at home.

Final Thoughts on the Tour’s Value

For $105.50, this experience provides a well-rounded introduction to New Orleans cuisine and cocktails in a comfortable, friendly setting. The guides’ stories enhance the tasting and cooking elements, making it both educational and fun. While it’s mostly a demonstration rather than a hands-on cooking class, the generous tastings and historic stops make it a memorable way to spend part of a trip to the French Quarter.

This tour is most enjoyed by those eager to learn about Louisiana’s culinary traditions, sample iconic drinks, and explore historic landmarks. It offers a balanced mix of food, drink, and story, making for an authentic introduction to New Orleans’ vibrant culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour focuses on traditional Louisiana dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, which often contain seafood or meat, so vegetarians should inquire beforehand about specific options.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, guests must be 21 years or older to participate due to the alcohol tastings.

Do I get to cook myself during the class?
No, this is a demonstration-style class, not an interactive cooking session. You watch the chef prepare the dishes.

Can I buy more drinks during the tour?
Additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the bars visited.

What is included in the price?
The price includes the cooking demonstration, food samples, three cocktails, recipes, a spice packet, and a discount voucher.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at 2:00 pm and ending in the early evening.

What are the main highlights?
Highlights include learning to make gumbo and jambalaya, tasting local pralines, sampling iconic cocktails like the Sazerac, and exploring historic landmarks like Fritzel’s Jazz Bar and Peychaud’s.

Where does the tour begin and end?
It starts at 524 St Louis St in the French Quarter and ends back in the same area, allowing guests to continue exploring afterward.

Are there any physical demands?
Most guests can participate comfortably, though some walking is involved through the French Quarter.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings can be made through the provider, Gray Line New Orleans, with availability confirmed within 48 hours of booking.