The award-winning Cocktail Tour of the French Quarter in New Orleans promises an engaging exploration of the city’s vibrant spirit. Hosted by Tastebud Tours, the 3-hour journey takes visitors through the historic streets, where licensed guides share captivating stories and insights. Guests can savor iconic craft cocktails, from the classic Sazerac to the refreshing Mint Julep, all while seeing the rich culture and lively history of this beloved destination. With a maximum of 16 travelers, the tour offers an intimate atmosphere, allowing participants to fully experience the unique flavors that make New Orleans a true standout.
Good To Know
- Tastebud Tours offers a 3-hour French Quarter cocktail tour with a maximum of 16 travelers for an intimate experience led by licensed, professional guides.
- Guests can sample a variety of craft cocktails, including the iconic Sazerac, Hurricane, and Ramos Gin Fizz, while learning about the historic neighborhood.
- The tour includes opportunities to purchase alcoholic beverages, with to-go cups provided for enjoying drinks on the move.
- Gratuities for the knowledgeable guides are appreciated for creating a lively atmosphere during the tour.
- The tour is rated 4.5 stars by travelers, with praise for the guides’ engaging storytelling and historical insights, as well as the availability of craft cocktails.
Tour Overview
This New Orleans Award Winning Cocktail Tour of the French Quarter offers a 3-hour experience operated by Tastebud Tours.
It’s a tour for a maximum of 16 travelers, providing engaging stories and historical insights from a licensed, professional guide. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, including craft cocktails, and to-go cups are provided.
The tour starts at 3:00 PM and meets at the Louisiana Supreme Court Steps, ending at Lauras Candies on Chartres Street.
It’s not wheelchair accessible, but it’s suitable for adults 21 and over. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
With 14 reviews and a 93% traveler recommendation, this tour offers an intriguing cocktail experience in the heart of New Orleans.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New Orleans.
Tour Features
The tour features an engaging and informative experience led by licensed, professional guides. They share captivating stories and historical insights, providing expert recommendations on the diverse cocktail offerings.
While the tour doesn’t include food, guests can purchase alcoholic beverages, including craft cocktails, and enjoy them in convenient to-go cups. Gratuities for the guides are appreciated, as they work to create a fun and lively atmosphere.
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so participants are advised to dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes for the walking tour.
With a maximum of 16 travelers, the experience offers a more intimate and personalized exploration of the French Quarter’s cocktail culture.
Meeting and End Points
The New Orleans Cocktail Tour kicks off at the Louisiana Supreme Court Steps, located at 400 Royal St in the heart of the French Quarter.
From there, the tour winds its way through the charming streets, culminating at Lauras Candies, 331 Chartres St.
Along the way, guests can expect:
- Engaging insights from a licensed, professional guide
- Opportunities to sample craft cocktails at local bars
- To-go cups available for enjoying the drinks on the move
- Gratuities appreciated for the knowledgeable and friendly staff
- The tour operates rain or shine, so guests should dress appropriately.
Tour Accessibility and Requirements
Navigating the New Orleans Cocktail Tour is accessible for adults 21 and over, though the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly.
Participants should be prepared to walk comfortably throughout the French Quarter. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is recommended.
While alcoholic beverages can be purchased during the tour, the experience doesn’t include any food. Gratuities for the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides are appreciated.
Traveler Feedback
Traveler reviews for the New Orleans Cocktail Tour paint a nuanced picture.
While the tour boasts an impressive 4.5-star rating, some reviewers noted that the experience didn’t fully meet their expectations of a mixologist-focused tour.
However, the guides’ knowledge and ability to create a fun, engaging atmosphere were consistently praised.
The tour’s strengths include:
- Knowledgeable and friendly tour guides
- Engaging storytelling and historical insights
- Availability of alcoholic beverages, including craft cocktails
- Convenient to-go cups for on-the-go sipping
- Overall positive feedback on the tour experience
The tour operator has acknowledged the need for clearer tour descriptions to set accurate expectations, demonstrating a commitment to improving the customer experience.
Exploring the French Quarter
On a New Orleans Cocktail Tour, visitors explore the iconic French Quarter, a historic neighborhood renowned for its vibrant culture, lively nightlife, and, of course, its celebrated cocktail scene.
They’ll weave through charming streets lined with wrought-iron balconies, historic buildings, and lively bars. The tour guides share engaging stories and historical insights, offering expert recommendations on the area’s best watering holes.
Guests can sample craft cocktails at these establishments, soaking in the district’s unique atmosphere. From the picturesque Jackson Square to the bustling Bourbon Street, the French Quarter offers a captivating glimpse into New Orleans’ rich heritage and vibrant present.
Cocktail Recommendations
As visitors stroll through the French Quarter, the tour guides point out the district’s renowned cocktail scene.
They expertly recommend the must-try cocktails, including:
- The Sazerac, considered the oldest cocktail in America, made with rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, and absinthe
- The Hurricane, a potent rum-based concoction with passion fruit and citrus flavors
- The Mint Julep, a refreshing bourbon-based drink muddled with fresh mint
- The Vieux Carré, a complex blend of rye, cognac, vermouth, and bitters
- The Ramos Gin Fizz, a frothy, creamy gin cocktail shaken to perfection
These quintessential New Orleans libations provide a delightful way for guests to enjoy the city’s vibrant drinking culture.
Sum Up
The Cocktail Tour of the French Quarter in New Orleans offers an unforgettable experience. Visitors can explore the vibrant spirit of the city, sample iconic craft cocktails, and learn about the rich history and culture. With knowledgeable guides and an intimate atmosphere, the tour provides a unique way to discover the flavors and stories that make New Orleans a captivating destination.
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