New Orleans Award Winning Cocktail Tour of the French Quarter

If you’re planning a trip to the vibrant city of New Orleans, this French Quarter Cocktail Tour is one experience you might want to consider. While I haven’t taken this particular tour myself, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it offers a great glimpse into NOLA’s lively drink culture and historic bars.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s family-owned and has celebrated 15 years of sharing NOLA’s liquid history, backed by over 5,000 five-star reviews. Second, it offers engaging stories about legendary cocktails like the Sazerac and Hurricane, delivered by guides who clearly know their stuff.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a walking tour focused on learning about cocktails and exploring historic spots, not a class on mixology or a bar-hopping spree. If you’re after a deep dive into craft cocktails or a party vibe, this might feel a bit mellow. Still, it’s perfect for those curious about New Orleans’ drinking traditions in a relaxed, storytelling environment.

This tour suits adults who enjoy history, storytelling, and local culture. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner and want a laid-back experience that combines walking, history, and a taste of NOLA’s signature drinks, you’ll probably enjoy it.

Key Points

• Historic focus: Learn about iconic cocktails and the stories behind them.
• All-inclusive storytelling: Guides share engaging narratives about New Orleans’ liquid legacy.
• Flexible: You purchase drinks separately, but to-go cups make sampling easy.
• Walk through legendary spots: Stops include historic restaurants and bars in the French Quarter.
• Family-owned: Authentic, locally operated experience with established reputation.
• Ideal for adults: Designed for those 21+ who want a relaxed, cultural drink tour.

What to Expect from the Tour

This 1 hour and 30 minutes walking experience takes you through some of the most historic and visually stunning locations in the French Quarter. The tour is operated by Tastebud Tours, a well-respected company with a solid reputation and a focus on authentic local experiences.

Exploring the Itinerary

Stop 1: Antoine’s Restaurant
Your journey begins at the oldest family-run restaurant in the U.S., dating back to 1840. This spot is a slice of history, where you’ll get a quick glance at the city’s early days when cotton dominated the economy and French influence was strong. Though the stop is only about 30 minutes, it sets a wonderful tone for the tour, offering a sense of the city’s enduring legacy.

Stop 2: The Court of Two Sisters
Next, you’ll stroll to the famous courtyard with its flowering wisteria and soothing fountains. This spot isn’t just scenic; it’s packed with stories, including haunted tales of “The Two Sisters.” Here, you can order a special house beverage in a collectible to-go cup, giving you a little souvenir of your NOLA experience. The fact that this restaurant has been serving jazz and classic Creole fare for over two centuries adds a layer of historic charm.

Stop 3: New Orleans Creole Cookery
Your final stop offers a chance to sample Creole cuisine—think Shrimp Creole and Gumbo—while learning about the city’s culinary traditions. The hosts, part of the famous Tusa restaurant family, bring a modern yet tradition-steeped energy. If you’re curious, you can also order a VooDoo Cocktail at the Oyster Bar to round out your taste of New Orleans.

What You’ll Learn and Experience

Throughout the tour, guides share stories about legendary cocktails and their invention—making it more than just a tasting. You get a behind-the-scenes look at the drinks that have become symbols of the city’s vibrant drinking culture.

While drinks are not included in the ticket price—costs are on you—the guides recommend some excellent spots to try signature cocktails. You can buy craft cocktails at each stop and opt for a to-go cup to keep your hands free as you walk between locations.

The Value for Money

At $20 per person, this tour is quite affordable considering the depth of history, storytelling, and the chance to see some of the city’s most iconic spots. The price covers the professional guide, engaging stories, and insights—the drinks are extra, but for many, the experience of wandering and learning is worth the upgrade.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 16 travelers, the tour remains intimate enough for personalized attention. Multiple reviews highlight guides like Kim and Charlie for their knowledgeability and friendly vibe, making the experience feel more like hanging out with a knowledgeable friend than a formal lesson.

The Highlights and Possible Drawbacks

The highlights are clear: you’d be exploring historic sites while uncovering stories behind legendary cocktails. The stops include antique restaurants and lively courtyards, and guides are praised for their passion and storytelling.

A possible drawback is that some reviews expected more of a mixologist-focused tour, but this one leans more toward history and storytelling over cocktail crafting. If you’re after a true mixology class or a nightlife-focused experience, you might find this slightly mellow.

Another consideration is that food isn’t included, so if you’re hungry, plan to grab something before or after the tour or at the stops. Also, since drinks are purchased separately, budget accordingly if you’re planning to sample multiple cocktails.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is best suited for adults who enjoy storytelling, history, and local drinks. It’s an excellent choice for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want a relaxed, educational, and flavorful introduction to New Orleans’ drinking culture.

If you’re looking for an energetic bar crawl or a craft cocktail class, this might not be the right fit. But if you want to enjoy a leisurely walk through historic venues with a knowledgeable guide who brings stories to life, it’s a solid pick.

This tour isn’t specifically tailored for families or children, given the alcohol focus and adult themes. That said, it’s perfect for those who want an authentic taste of NOLA’s historic drinking scene.

Final Thoughts

The New Orleans Award-Winning Cocktail Tour of the French Quarter offers a perfect blend of history, storytelling, and scenic stops. For just $20, you gain access to some of the city’s most iconic spots, learn about legendary cocktails, and hear stories that add context to the vibrant culture you’re exploring.

While it’s not a deep dive into mixology techniques, the guides’ knowledge and charisma make it a worthwhile experience for anyone curious about NOLA’s liquid past. It’s especially good if you want a relaxed, engaging way to connect with the city’s spirit—both figuratively and literally.

This tour delivers a thoughtful, authentic introduction to New Orleans’ cocktail scene that’s well worth considering if you’re in town and eager to learn and taste a little of what makes NOLA special.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for someone with dietary restrictions?
Since food isn’t included or offered, dietary restrictions won’t be an issue for the tour itself. Just plan to eat before or after, or at the stops if you want to try the food there.

Can I buy drinks during the tour?
Yes, drinks are available for purchase at each stop. The ticket price doesn’t include alcohol, but you can buy craft cocktails, which come in to-go cups for easy sampling along the walk.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable, relaxed experience without feeling rushed.

What is the starting point?
The tour begins at 400 Royal St, and you’ll finish at Laura’s Candies at 331 Chartres St, both central locations in the French Quarter.

Is this tour appropriate for non-drinkers?
While it’s designed for those 21+ and focuses on cocktails, the storytelling and historic sites could still be enjoyed by non-drinkers. However, the main focus is on drinks, so it might be less engaging for those not interested in alcohol.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as it’s a walking tour. Dress for the weather—NOLA can be hot and humid, or rainy depending on the season.

Are gratuities included?
No, gratuities are appreciated but not included in the price.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour good for first-time visitors?
Absolutely. It’s a great introduction to the city’s history and drinking culture, perfect for first-timers wanting to get a taste of NOLA’s spirit.

Will I learn cocktail recipes?
This tour emphasizes stories behind cocktails, not mixing instructions. If you want to learn how to make drinks, you might need a different experience.