New Orleans: Early Evening Cocktail History Tour

New Orleans’ cocktail history is a captivating tale that transports visitors through the ages. The ‘Early Evening Cocktail History Tour’ offers an immersive experience, guiding guests on a 3-hour journey highlighting the city’s deep ties to the wider world of mixology. From iconic drinks like the Sazerac to the origins of absinthe, the tour uncovers the stories behind New Orleans’ storied cocktail culture. As the sun sets, participants venture through tiki-themed oases and historic bars, sampling four cocktails along the way. For those eager to discover the spirited past that shaped the city’s libation landscape, this tour promises an engaging and enlightening adventure.

Key Points

• This 3-hour tour provides samples of 4 iconic New Orleans cocktails while exploring the city’s rich cocktail heritage with a knowledgeable local guide.
• The tour highlights the origins of classic drinks like the Sazerac and Grasshopper, as well as the history of absinthe in New Orleans.
• Guests visit notable locations, including the oldest stand-up bar in the U.S., a tiki-themed hidden oasis, and historic bars like SoBou and Tujagues.
• The tour begins with a homemade rum punch at a tropical-inspired bar, setting the stage for the deeper dive into New Orleans’ cocktail culture.
• Guests sample classic cocktails like the Sazerac and Brandy Crusta, gaining insights into the city’s influential role in the wider world of mixology.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The 3-hour tour takes participants through New Orleans’ historic and fascinating cocktail history, providing samples of 4 cocktails along the way. A knowledgeable local guide leads the tour, providing a narrative on the big picture history of cocktails.

Highlights include visiting the oldest stand-up bar in the United States, learning the origins of the Sazerac and Grasshopper cocktails, and discovering the real scoop on absinthe.

The tour visits several notable locations, starting at a tiki-themed hidden oasis with a homemade rum punch, then moving on to SoBou, Tujagues, and ending at Bourbon O Bar.

The tour includes the cocktail samples and gratuities, making it a comprehensive experience for cocktail enthusiasts.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors on this tour will experience a captivating journey through New Orleans’ storied cocktail heritage, uncovering the origins of iconic drinks and delving into the city’s intriguing ties to the wider world of mixology.

One highlight is a visit to the oldest stand-up bar in the United States, where guests will learn the fascinating story behind the Sazerac, a quintessential New Orleans cocktail.

Another highlight is discovering the real history behind absinthe, the once-controversial spirit that has long been associated with the city.

The tour also provides insights into the creation of the Grasshopper, a classic New Orleans cocktail with a unique flavor profile.

Visiting Locations

The tour begins at a tiki-themed hidden oasis, where guests start with a homemade rum punch.

Next, they visit SoBou, part of the renowned Commander’s Palace family, for a classic Sazerac and 1852 Brandy Crusta.

The journey then takes them to Tujagues, a historic bar known for its creative cocktails invented just prior to Prohibition.

The tour culminates at Bourbon O Bar, where guests savor the Roffignac highball.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable local guide provides fascinating insights into the origins and history of these iconic New Orleans cocktails, transporting participants back in time and immersing them in the city’s rich cocktail culture.

Start at a Tiki Oasis

Guests begin their cocktail history tour at a hidden, tiki-themed oasis, where they start with a homemade rum punch.

This tropical-inspired bar provides a fitting introduction to New Orleans’ rich cocktail culture. The bartenders here take pride in their homemade mixers and quality rums, crafting a refreshing punch that sets the tone for the evening.

As the group sips their drinks, the guide shares insights into the history of tiki culture and its influence on New Orleans bartending.

This opening stop transports guests to a lush, escapist atmosphere, priming them for the deeper dive into the city’s cocktail heritage that lies ahead.

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Visit the Sazerac and Brandy Crusta

After experiencing the tropical-inspired atmosphere at the opening stop, the group moves on to visit SoBou, part of the renowned Commander’s Palace family, where they’ll sample a classic Sazerac and 1852 Brandy Crusta.

The Sazerac is considered the oldest American cocktail, dating back to the 1800s and blending rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, and absinthe.

The Brandy Crusta, invented in 1852, is a sophisticated sipper featuring cognac, lemon juice, and a sugar-rimmed glass.

Both drinks highlight the city’s rich cocktail heritage and the guide’s expertise in bringing the history to life.

Explore Cocktails Before Prohibition

From SoBou, the tour group moves on to Tujagues, where they explore the creative cocktails invented just prior to Prohibition.

The guide explains how during this tumultuous era, skilled bartenders crafted innovative libations that would lay the foundation for the modern cocktail culture.

At Tujagues, guests discover how bartenders pushed the boundaries of traditional recipes, experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create unique and complex cocktails.

The guide highlights several pioneering concoctions, such as the Roffignac, a highball made with cognac, raspberry, and soda water.

As the group sips these historic drinks, they gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and ingenuity of pre-Prohibition bartenders who helped shape the cocktail landscape.

End at Bourbon O Bar

The tour culminates at Bourbon O Bar, where guests indulge in the Roffignac highball – a signature cocktail blending cognac, raspberry, and soda water that exemplifies the creative spirit of pre-Prohibition bartenders. This final stop offers a glimpse into the cocktail innovations that were born in the years leading up to the nationwide ban on alcohol.

The Roffignac highball highlights three key aspects of pre-Prohibition mixology:

1. The use of cognac, a French brandy that was a popular base spirit during this era.

2. The incorporation of raspberry, a fruit-forward flavor that added complexity to cocktails.

3. The carbonated soda water, which provided a refreshing effervescence to balance the sweetness.

Tour Inclusions and Details

The tour package includes a local guide, four cocktail samples, and gratuities to the servers and bartenders.

The tour duration is three hours and is conducted in English, with the experience being wheelchair accessible.

Guests can expect to learn the big picture history of cocktails as they sip their way through New Orleans’ historic cocktail scene.

The tour starts at a tiki-themed hidden oasis and then visits SoBou, Tujagues, and Bourbon O Bar, where you will sample classics like the Sazerac, Brandy Crusta, and Roffignac highball.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take the Tour if I Have Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, individuals with dietary restrictions can likely take the tour. The tour includes cocktail samples, but the guide may be able to accommodate alternate options or non-alcoholic substitutions upon request. It’s best to check with the tour provider before booking.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The cocktail history tour is not suitable for children as it primarily focuses on sampling alcoholic beverages. The tour is best suited for adults aged 21 and over who are interested in the history of cocktails.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is needed for the tour. Participants simply need to arrive ready to enjoy and learn about the fascinating cocktail history of New Orleans. The tour provides all necessary samples and guidance.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?

The tour company may offer various discounts, such as for seniors, students, or military personnel. Customers should inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour to get the best price.

Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to meet your preferences. The tour operator is typically open to accommodating special requests, such as dietary requirements or visiting alternative cocktail establishments, within the overall tour structure.

Recap

The New Orleans: Early Evening Cocktail History Tour offers an immersive journey through the city’s rich cocktail heritage.

Guests explore iconic drinks, uncover the origins of absinthe, and discover New Orleans’ deep ties to the wider world of mixology.

From tiki-themed oases to historic bars, the tour provides a captivating experience that showcases the city’s storied cocktail culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: