Savannah: Historic Drinks in a Historic City

Unique Opportunity to Taste Savannah’s Historic Drinks

The Savannah: Historic Drinks in a Historic City tour offers a delightful journey into the past while sampling some of Savannah’s most iconic beverages. Priced at $100 per person and lasting 3 hours, this small group experience is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate setting. The tour departs from Georgia, in the heart of Savannah, and is perfect for adults 21 and over who enjoy history and cocktails alike.

This tour stands out for its all-inclusive ticket price, covering every drink and food item, along with tips for waitstaff at each stop. The carefully curated stops—ranging from historic taverns to bee farms—highlight how Savannah’s inhabitants enjoyed their drinks historically, giving a flavorful peek into the city’s past. While the tour is mainly indoors and partially outdoors, it runs rain or shine, making it a flexible choice for exploring Savannah’s vibrant drinking traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Three-hour, all-inclusive tour in Savannah’s historic district
• Limited to 10 participants for a personal experience
• Sample six types of mead with a dedicated flight of 6 different brands
• Enjoy Madeira wine with cheese, a mint julep, and Chatham Artillery Punch
• Adult-only experience for those 21+
• Guided by knowledgeable guides, with tips included for waitstaff

Savannah’s Historic Drinks: A Glimpse of the 19th Century at Jazz’d Tapas Bar

The tour begins at Jazz’d Tapas Bar, a venue that echoes Savannah’s past as a “Madeira city”. Here, participants enjoy a glass of Madeira wine paired with a warm cheese plate, reminiscent of 1849 upper-class leisure. This stop offers an authentic taste of Savannah’s past social scene, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

This venue is accessible via elevator, and the first stop involves descending one flight of stairs, making it manageable for most guests. The focus on Madeira wine not only introduces a historic beverage but also hints at Savannah’s long-standing wine traditions. The atmosphere combines historic charm with modern comfort, helping guests feel transported back to the city’s early days of hospitality.

Exploring Savannah Bee Company’s Mead Flight

Next, visitors walk down the block to Savannah Bee Company, where the focus shifts to mead, the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage. Here, a flight of six 1-ounce pours showcases the variety that honey, water, and yeast can produce. The mead tasting emphasizes the diversity of flavors from different brands and categories, illustrating Savannah’s historic ties to honey and beekeeping.

Guests can expect to learn about how honey and fermentation create different mead styles, and the flight offers a well-rounded sampling of the ancient drink. The experience is educational and flavorful, with the opportunity to appreciate how this beverage has persisted through centuries as a favorite in Savannah. The company’s setting adds a cozy, authentic vibe to this historic tasting.

Savannah’s Signature Cocktail: The Mint Julep at 17Hundred90 Inn

The tour then heads to 17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant for the refreshing mint julep. Known for its cozy bar, this stop introduces a classic cocktail that has been popular in Savannah for generations. The mint julep is served with attention to detail, showcasing the bar’s skillful bartenders.

This stop highlights Savannah’s long-standing tradition of cocktail craftsmanship. The intimate bar environment encourages conversation and appreciation of the art of mixing drinks. The mint julep, with its fresh mint and bourbon, offers a crisp, cooling contrast to earlier tastes, rounding out the experience with a locally loved beverage.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Pirates’ House: Savannah’s Signature Chatham Artillery Punch

The final stop is The Pirates’ House Restaurant, a historic venue and legendary Savannah landmark. Here, participants sample Chatham Artillery Punch, Savannah’s signature cocktail. Known for its potent mix of spirits and fruit, this punch ties the tour back to Savannah’s pirate lore and historic drinking traditions.

The drink is served in a lively setting, and the tour concludes here around 7:00 to 7:30 pm, leaving plenty of time to explore Savannah’s nightlife or enjoy dinner afterward. The historic ambiance of the Pirates’ House adds a fitting finale, with its connection to the city’s maritime past and legendary local stories.

What’s Included in the Tour Price

The $100 ticket covers all the drinks sampled during the evening. This includes one Madeira wine with cheese for two, the six-mead flight, the mint julep, and the Chatham Artillery Punch. Tips for waitstaff at each location are also included, making this a hassle-free experience with no hidden costs for drinks.

This comprehensive package ensures guests taste a variety of historic beverages without needing to purchase additional drinks. The all-inclusive approach offers great value for those interested in history, drinks, and Savannah’s local culture.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour is designed for adults 21+ and is limited to 10 participants, which fosters a personalized and relaxed atmosphere. The small group size means plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction with the knowledgeable guide, Bonnie Blue Tours.

The tour is partly indoors and partly outdoors, with the first stop requiring descending one flight of stairs but also providing elevator access if needed. It operates rain or shine, so no weather-related cancellations are expected unless conditions become unsafe. Travelers should bring passport or ID, and those with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.

Timing, Pacing, and Tour Experience

With a start time in the afternoon, the tour’s pacing is brisk but relaxed enough to enjoy each venue and drink. The three-hour duration balances enough time to savor each sample without feeling rushed. The guided commentary enriches each stop with local history and anecdotes, making each drink more meaningful.

The tour ends around 7:00 to 7:30 pm, leaving ample time in the evening to explore Savannah’s vibrant nightlife or dine at one of its many renowned restaurants. Guests appreciate the knowledge of the guides, especially Bonnie, whose expertise and friendly style are highlighted in reviews.

How This Tour Compares to Other Savannah Experiences

Unlike standard sightseeing tours, this experience focuses solely on Savannah’s historic drinking traditions. It offers educational insights alongside tastings that connect the city’s past with its present-day craft scene. This makes it ideal for history buffs and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Compared to other Savannah tours like trolley rides or ghost walks, this tour provides a more relaxed, social atmosphere centered around local beverages and stories. Its small group size and all-inclusive pricing give it an intimate feel absent in larger tours.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This experience suits adults interested in history, mixology, and local culture. It’s particularly appealing for those looking for a relaxed evening activity that combines learning and tasting. The tour’s limited group size makes it perfect for travelers seeking personal interaction and a more authentic connection to Savannah’s past.

It’s not suitable for anyone under 21 or for guests requiring full wheelchair access, though some venues do provide elevator access. The informal, friendly vibe encourages conversation, making it an ideal choice for couples, friends, or small groups eager to explore Savannah’s historic drinking traditions.

Savannah: A Rich Tasting History with a Friendly Guide

The Savannah: Historic Drinks tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the city’s liquor history with unique stops that highlight Savannah’s long-standing love of spirits. The expert guidance ensures that each drink is appreciated not only for its flavor but also for its story and place in the city’s past.

The tour’s all-inclusive pricing, small group size, and diverse stops make it a strong choice for those wanting an authentic, educational, and flavorful experience. The ending at The Pirates’ House leaves guests well-positioned to continue enjoying Savannah’s vibrant nightlife, making it a perfect early evening activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 3 hours, typically starting in the afternoon and ending around 7:00 to 7:30 pm.

What drinks are sampled during the tour?
Guests enjoy Madeira wine with cheese, a flight of six meads, a mint julep, and Chatham Artillery Punch.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is adults-only, requiring participants to be 21 or older.

Is it accessible for guests with mobility issues?
The tour involves descending one flight of stairs at Jazz’d Tapas Bar but offers elevator access if needed.

What is included in the price?
The $100 ticket includes all drinks and food samples, as well as tips for waitstaff at each stop.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Is there a dress code?
Jazz’d Tapas Bar requires men to wear shirts with sleeves; otherwise, casual attire is fine.

What makes this tour different from other Savannah activities?
It focuses strictly on historic beverages with personalized guided commentary, offering a unique combination of history and taste.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring passport or ID to verify age; other items are not necessary.

Can I continue exploring Savannah after the tour?
Absolutely, the tour ends early enough to allow guests to enjoy the city’s nightlife or dinner scene.

How many people participate in each tour?
The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and engaging experience.

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