New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour

The New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour offers an engaging way to explore the vibrant French Quarter while sampling some of the city’s most famous drinks. Priced at $68 per person, this 2-hour 30-minute tour is highly recommended, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating based on over 660 reviews. It’s a popular choice, often booked about a month in advance, making it a well-regarded activity for visitors eager to combine historical insights with tasty libations.

Starting in the late afternoon at the Gray Line Lighthouse near the Steamboat Natchez dock, the tour guides you through the heart of the French Quarter’s historic streets. Expect visits to four renowned spots—including Fritzel’s European Jazz Bar and Peychaud’s—where you’ll learn stories behind classic cocktails like the Sazerac. Three carefully selected cocktails are included in the price, offering a taste of New Orleans’ bar culture. While the tour emphasizes education and history, it also provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy local ambiance and jazz, making it a lively and informative experience.

One notable strength of this tour is its expert guides, often praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling abilities. Guides such as Robi, Tim, or Robert bring the city’s cocktail lore alive, describing the origins and sometimes scandalous tales behind drinks like the Sazerac, which dates back to 1850. Reviewers frequently mention how these guides enhance the tour with their engaging manner, making learning about New Orleans’ drinking culture both fun and memorable.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, perfect for an afternoon activity
• Price: $68 per person, includes three cocktails and four stops
• Start Point: Gray Line Lighthouse near the Mississippi River in the French Quarter
• Stops: Four historic venues, including Fritzel’s Jazz Bar and Peychaud’s
• Highlights: Learn about the Sazerac, Absinthe, and other iconic drinks, plus stories of New Orleans’ bar culture
• Guide Quality: Praised for entertaining storytelling and deep knowledge
• Physical Level: Casual walking tour, wear comfortable shoes, some stops may involve standing outside
• Booking: Book about a month in advance, tours depart promptly at 4:00 pm
• Age Restriction: Must be 21+ to participate
• Weather: Tour is outdoors and may be affected by weather, so dress appropriately

Starting Point in the French Quarter and How to Find It

The tour begins at the Gray Line “Lighthouse” Ticket Office, located at Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River, right at the Steamboat Natchez dock. The meeting is a short walk from most downtown hotels, and public parking options are available on Decatur Street, including the Jax Lot P401 at 500 Decatur St. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended to ensure a smooth start, as the tour departs promptly at 4:00 pm.

The gathering spot is casual, and guests are advised to wear casual, comfortable attire and avoid tank tops, cutoffs, or very short shorts. This ensures a relaxed vibe and helps maintain the local dress code.

Exploring the French Quarter’s Historic Architecture

As the tour begins, the guide leads the group along the French and Spanish Colonial architecture lining the streets. Notable sights include Creole townhouses and intimate courtyards, many of which have hosted local legends for generations. The architecture offers a visual feast that complements the stories about the drinks served within these historic walls.

This walk through the neighborhood provides a perfect setting to appreciate the city’s unique built environment, with buildings dating back centuries, some showcasing wrought iron balconies and gorgeous facades. The stops are carefully chosen to reflect the city’s deeply rooted drinking culture and history.

The Story of the Sazerac and Its Origins

One of the main highlights of the tour is the story of the Sazerac, which originated around 1850. You’ll learn how this cocktail became New Orleans’ quintessential drink and the city’s official cocktail. The guide explains its key ingredients, especially the Peychaud’s Bitters, invented by Antoine Peychaud, whose former residence is a historic stop on the tour.

At each venue, the guides detail the history behind the cocktails, dispelling myths and sharing interesting anecdotes. The Peychaud’s stop is not just about tasting but about understanding how the city’s Creole roots influence its iconic drinks.

Visiting the Court of Two Sisters and Its Jazz Ambiance

The Court of Two Sisters is known for its lively jazz brunch and 130-year-old wisteria vine providing a lush canopy. The venue’s charm gates, made in Spain and blessed by Queen Isabella, set the tone for an authentic experience. The courtyard atmosphere offers a relaxed, outdoor feel perfect for enjoying a cocktail and soaking in the lively history of the city.

This spot allows guests to see how jazz and cocktails have long been intertwined in New Orleans’ social scene. The lively environment is a favorite for many, who enjoy the blend of music, architecture, and drinks.

The Pirate Hangout and the Mystique of Absinthe

Near the St. Louis Cathedral, the tour points out a legendary pirate hangout—a spot shrouded in tales of maritime mischief. Here, the guide introduces the green fairy, Absinthe, famed for its herbal, almost mystical qualities. This stop provides insights into how absinthe influenced creative minds like writers and artists, adding a layer of cultural depth to the tour.

Expect to hear stories of how this herbal elixir shaped the city’s bohemian side, often linked to past legends, and see how it fits into the broader cocktail scene.

The Historic Roots of Peychaud’s Bitters

The stop at Peychaud’s is especially significant, as it is the former residence of Antoine Peychaud. His herbal Peychaud’s Bitters remains a key ingredient in the Sazerac and other cocktails. The guide shares details about Peychaud’s role in creating one of the earliest mixed drinks, emphasizing the historic importance of this location.

Guests learn how Peychaud’s bitters became a staple in New Orleans’ cocktail culture and how this historical figure contributed to the city’s beverage legacy.

The Jazz Finale at Fritzel’s European Jazz Bar

The tour ends at Fritzel’s, a renowned jazz pub that draws jazz lovers from around the world. The venue features live performances and a sophisticated ambiance that contrasts with more typical dive bars. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the jazz, perhaps stay for a show, and soak in the lively atmosphere, making this a fitting end to a spirited exploration.

The setting offers an authentic taste of New Orleans jazz history, paired with the last of the included cocktails, rounding out the experience on a high note.

Practicalities, Value, and Limitations

The tour includes local taxes, three cocktails, and admission to four iconic establishments. Additional drinks are available for purchase, giving guests the flexibility to extend their enjoyment. The guided experience emphasizes history and storytelling, with guides praised for their engaging personalities.

Some reviews mention the heat during summer months, and the fact that drinks are enjoyed outdoors, which could be uncomfortable in extreme weather. The tour is designed for adults 21+, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Snacks and water are not provided, so plan accordingly.

The tour is a great choice for first-time visitors wanting an introduction to New Orleans’ bar culture and history. It offers a balance of educational storytelling and tasty cocktails, making it an enjoyable activity for those interested in both culture and libations.

The New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour combines history, architecture, music, and drinks into a lively 2.5-hour experience. Its well-chosen stops and knowledgeable guides make it a standout activity in the French Quarter, especially for those eager to learn about the city’s unique cocktail heritage.

While the outdoor setting and summer heat can pose challenges, the inclusive atmosphere, engaging storytelling, and delicious cocktails shine through. This tour offers great value for anyone looking to get a deeper understanding of New Orleans’ drinking traditions and enjoy a fun, social afternoon in the city.

Ideal for first-time visitors and cocktail enthusiasts, the tour provides a memorable blend of education and entertainment, leaving guests with stories and drinks to remember long after the tour ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the tour start?
The tour departs at 4:00 pm from the Gray Line Lighthouse near the Steamboat Natchez dock.

Where does the tour begin?
At Toulouse Street & the Mississippi River, at the Gray Line “Lighthouse” Ticket Office.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?
Three classic cocktails and access to four historic venues are included, along with guidance and storytelling.

Can I bring children?
No, the tour is limited to guests aged 21 and over.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable attire and appropriate shoes are best, as the tour involves walking outside.

Are additional drinks available?
Yes, drinks can be purchased at any of the venues visited.

Is the tour accessible in bad weather?
It is outdoors and may be canceled or affected by poor weather; check local conditions before booking.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is there parking nearby?
Yes, public parking lots on Decatur Street, including Jax Lot P401, are close by.

This cocktail tour provides an excellent way to combine cultural insights, historic venues, and delicious drinks in the lively heart of New Orleans.