New Orleans: Early Evening Cocktail History Tour

Explore the Rich Cocktail Heritage of New Orleans with an Engaging Evening Tour

This $95, 3-hour tour from Doctor Gumbo Tours offers a lively journey through New Orleans’ historic cocktail scene, starting at Patrick’s Bar Vin in the French Quarter. Designed for those eager to learn about the city’s unique drink traditions, the tour combines delicious cocktail tastings with engaging storytelling from knowledgeable guides. Expect to sample 4 craft drinks that predate Prohibition, including famous creations like the Sazerac and Brandy Crusta, as well as uncovering the truth about absinthe.

The tour is perfect for visitors who appreciate history, culture, and well-crafted drinks. It’s an ideal way to get a taste of New Orleans’ vibrant nightlife while gaining insight into the big picture of cocktail development. While the $95 price covers your drinks and guide service, it’s worth noting that food and gratuities are not included. The tour’s relaxed pace and accessible venues make it a popular choice for adults aged 21 and over seeking an informative yet fun experience.

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Key Points

• Price & Duration: $95 per person for 3 hours of cocktail history and tastings
• Start Location: Patrick’s Bar Vin in the French Quarter, at 730 Bienville St
• Stops & Drinks: Four curated stops offering craft cocktails like rum punch, Sazerac, Brandy Crusta, Pimm’s Cup, Ojen Frappé, and Roffignac highball
• Themes & Highlights: Focus on pre-Prohibition drinks and absinthe myths, plus stories about big picture cocktail history
• Guide Quality: Renowned for knowledgeable, friendly guides who enhance the experience with lively narration
• Accessibility & Flexibility: Wheelchair accessible and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Meeting Point and Practical Details

The tour begins at Patrick’s Bar Vin, located in the heart of the French Quarter at 730 Bienville St. Guests are advised to bring passport or ID, as you must be 21 or over to participate, with guides potentially requesting proof of age. The tour includes all four cocktails and gratuities for bartenders and servers, but does not include hotel transportation, additional food, or optional gratuities for the guide.

Starting the Evening with a Tropical Rum Punch

The experience kicks off in a luxurious wine bar’s tropical courtyard, where the first homemade rum punch sets a festive tone. This initial stop offers a relaxed atmosphere to meet fellow participants and get introduced to the tour guide’s storytelling. The emphasis on craft cocktails allows guests to enjoy aged spirits and timeless recipes in a comfortable setting.

Discovering the Origins of the Sazerac and Brandy Crusta

The next stop takes guests to 3rd Block Depot, a modern saloon housed in a historic 19th-century icehouse. Here, visitors can choose between the classic Sazerac, a drink once used as medicine by Creole apothecarists, or the Brandy Crusta, a pre-Civil War favorite. These drinks highlight New Orleans’ pioneering role in cocktail innovation and help illuminate the city’s culinary history.

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Sampling Pre-Prohibition Classics at Peychaud’s Bar

The tour continues at Peychaud’s Bar, an award-winning hotel known for creative cocktails invented just before Prohibition. Guests sample Pimm’s Cup or the Ojen Frappé, both representing distinctive flavors rooted in the city’s cocktail evolution. The setting combines classic charm with contemporary flair, making it a favorite stop.

The Final Stop: The Bourbon ‘O’ Bar and Live Jazz

The last venue, Bourbon ‘O’ Bar, features a beloved Roffignac highball, a drink paying homage to the city’s last French-born mayor. As the night winds down, guests enjoy local food options and experience live jazz starting at 8 pm—a perfect way to soak in New Orleans’ musical spirit alongside your final cocktail.

Insightful Narration and Guide Expertise

Across all stops, the guides are celebrated for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills. Reviews consistently praise guides like Beth, Cat, Mike, and others for their fun, relaxed approach and ability to share fascinating details about each cocktail’s history and the city’s culture. This makes the experience both educational and entertaining.

Bar Atmospheres and Venue Vibes

Guests find the bar environments to be beautiful, comfortable, and high-end, with some venues noted for their unique decor and local flair. Although some mention that the bars visited may differ slightly from initial descriptions, all stops maintain a good atmosphere and excellent service. The combination of delicious drinks and local ambiance is a recurring highlight.

Accessibility and Flexibility of Booking

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a broader range of guests. Booking is flexible with options to reserve now and pay later, and full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. This ease of planning adds to the overall convenience for visitors with uncertain schedules.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This cocktail history tour appeals to those with an interest in history, culture, and mixology. It suits visitors who enjoy relaxed social experiences and want to explore historic bars with expert narration. The focus on pre-Prohibition drinks and local legends makes it especially appealing to history buffs and cocktail enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of New Orleans’ distinctive drinking traditions.

Final Thoughts on the New Orleans Cocktail Tour

The Early Evening Cocktail History Tour from Doctor Gumbo Tours offers a well-curated, engaging experience that combines delicious drinks, lively storytelling, and access to iconic bars. Its $95 price includes four crafted cocktails and the guidance of knowledgeable hosts, making it a good value for those eager to explore the city’s liquor legacy.

While it does not include food or additional gratuities, the focus on historic cocktails and the local bar scene ensures a rich cultural experience. Perfect for adults over 21 who appreciate a relaxed pace, friendly guides, and great drinks, this tour provides a memorable way to begin an evening in New Orleans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
No, participants must be 21 or over, and the focus is on cocktail tastings.

Are the venues accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes 4 cocktails, a guide, and gratuities for bartenders and servers.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at Patrick’s Bar Vin, located at 730 Bienville St in the French Quarter.

Are food options available during the tour?
No, food is not included, but some venues offer local snacks.

What drinks are sampled during the tour?
Guests taste rum punch, Sazerac, Brandy Crusta, Pimm’s Cup, Ojen Frappé, and Roffignac highball.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is tipping included?
Tipping for guides and bartenders is not included but is appreciated.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring ID or passport to verify age and dress comfortably for an evening out.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby