New Orleans: Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour

If you’re looking to get a taste of New Orleans beyond just sightseeing, this tour offers a delightful blend of culinary skills, historic drinks, and jazz vibes. It’s designed for those who want to connect with the city’s unique flavors and stories in a fun, relaxed way. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or someone simply eager to experience the local culture, this tour might be just what you’re after.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines hands-on cooking with a lively cocktail crawl. You get to learn from a professional chef and walk away with recipes to impress your friends back home. Plus, visiting some of the oldest bars in the U.S. and hearing their stories adds a charming, authentic twist. One thing to note is that it’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are a must, especially in warm weather. This experience suits travelers who enjoy a mix of learning, tasting, and exploring city streets with a friendly guide.

Key Points

• Hands-on cooking: You’ll learn to make classic New Orleans dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and pralines.
• Historical cocktails: Visit historic bars and hear stories behind drinks like the Sazerac, the city’s signature cocktail.
• Local atmosphere: End at Fritzels European Jazz Pub with live jazz music, rounding out the experience.
• Value for money: Price includes food, drinks, recipes, and multiple stops, making it a comprehensive cultural connection.
• Expert guides: Well-reviewed guides make the experience engaging and informative.
• Moderate walking: Be prepared for a walk on uneven streets; good shoes are essential.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour kicks off at the New Orleans School of Cooking on St. Louis Street. Here, a professional chef will lead a lively, informal demonstration of Louisiana cuisine basics. You’ll get to sample jambalaya, gumbo, and pralines—all classic dishes that showcase the city’s culinary flair. Plus, you’ll enjoy coffee, iced tea, and local Abita beer, which helps set a relaxed, friendly tone. After the cooking demo, you’ll receive recipes and a discount at the store if you want to pick up ingredients or souvenirs.

Once the demonstration wraps up, you’ll have a few minutes to explore the General Store and perhaps grab some last-minute ingredients or gifts. Then, your guide will pick you up for the cocktail portion of the tour, which takes place in some of the oldest bars and restaurants in the city.

The Cocktail Walk

This part of the experience is where history and storytelling really shine. You’ll learn about the origin stories of iconic drinks, especially the Sazerac, which claims to be America’s first cocktail, invented right in New Orleans in 1838. The guide is praised for being knowledgeable and engaging, turning what could be just a bar crawl into a mini history lesson you actually enjoy.

You’re going to visit around 3 to 4 stops, each with its own unique vibe, from historic taverns to lively jazz clubs. The highlight is the final stop at Fritzels European Jazz Pub, where you can soak in some live jazz while sipping your drinks. Included in the tour are two full cocktails, but you have the option to purchase more if something catches your eye. If you don’t finish your drink, don’t worry; you can ask for a to-go cup—perfect for enjoying more later or strolling around.

Pricing and Value

At $74 per person, this experience packs in quite a bit—cooking, tasting, learning, and entertainment. The price covers all the food and drinks, recipes, and guide expertise. It’s a good deal considering the depth of experience, especially if you’re into food and drink culture. Keep in mind that additional beverages are available for purchase, and gratuities for guides are optional but appreciated.

The Actual Experience and Review Highlights

Based on reviews from past participants, the guides consistently receive praise for their friendliness and knowledge. One reviewer mentioned how their guide, Kimberly, was “very knowledgeable and very pleasant,” making the whole experience enjoyable. Food-wise, people rave about how delicious and authentic the dishes are, with one guest calling the food “really delicious.”

Some reviews note that the cocktail tour isn’t just about drinking—it’s about learning and storytelling. A traveler from the Netherlands wrote that the guide, Bob, gave “a lot of info about the city and the different alcohol and cocktails invented here,” making it more than just a pub crawl. The jazz at Fritzels is often highlighted as a perfect way to finish, with many travelers saying it’s a “soul-stirring” end to the afternoon.

That said, not everyone found the cocktail portion as engaging. One review mentioned that only two out of three cocktails were provided, and some might find the stops slightly uneven depending on the group size or bar availability. Still, the overall consensus is positive, especially for those who enjoy stories behind the drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.

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The Breakdown: What You Will Experience

Starting at the Cooking School:
Here’s where you’ll get a fun, interactive demonstration of Louisiana dishes. Watching a professional chef handle ingredients and cook in front of you gives a real taste of local culinary techniques. The dishes—jambalaya, gumbo, pralines—are not just tasty but also emblematic of New Orleans’s food culture.

Sampling and Recipes:
After the demo, you’ll have a generous tasting session, sampling all the prepared items. The inclusion of coffee, iced tea, and a local beer means you’re well-hydrated and relaxed. You’ll also receive recipes to take home, so you can recreate these dishes later.

Shopping Time:
A brief window at the General Store allows you to grab ingredients or souvenirs, often with a discount. It’s a nice touch, giving you a chance to connect the experience to your own kitchen or gift-giving.

Cocktail Tour:
Once you’re back on the streets, the guide takes you behind the scenes in historic bars. You’ll learn about classic cocktails and their origins, like the Sazerac, which is integral to New Orleans’s cocktail heritage. The guides are known for their engaging storytelling, making each stop more than just a drink order.

Final Stop at Fritzels:
This jazz pub offers a chance to relax and enjoy live music. The atmosphere is lively but cozy, and you’ll get to soak in the local music scene while sipping on your included cocktails.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits food lovers eager to learn recipes and cook something authentic. It’s also great for history buffs interested in cocktails and local lore. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner, it’s a fun way to bond over food and drinks, but families with children under 21 should know the minimum age requirement. The walking part means you should be comfortable on uneven sidewalks, and the tour’s duration of four hours makes it ideal for an afternoon activity.

Those who enjoy small-group experiences will appreciate the intimate, guided nature of this tour. It offers a balanced mix of interactive learning, sensory indulgence, and cultural storytelling—a true flavor of New Orleans.

The Sum Up

This Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour offers a charming, informative way to spend an afternoon in New Orleans. The mix of culinary demonstrations, historic bar visits, and jazz captures the essence of the city’s vibrant culture. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience comfortable and engaging.

At a reasonable price, you’re getting more than just a tasting; you’re gaining insight into local traditions, learning new recipes, and enjoying some of the best stories behind New Orleans’s drinks. It’s perfect for foodies, history fans, and those looking for a laid-back way to explore the city’s soul.

While the cocktail portion might not be for everyone, the overall experience is well-rounded and memorable. Keep comfortable shoes handy, and prepare for a fun, flavorful trip through one of America’s most unique cities.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?
The tour focuses on Louisiana dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and pralines, which often include meat or seafood. It’s best to check in advance if you have specific dietary needs, as flexibility may vary.

How long is the cooking demonstration?
The cooking class is part of a 4-hour experience, including the demonstration, tasting, shopping, and cocktail tour.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the price includes two full cocktails and local drinks at the cooking class. Additional beverages are available for purchase during the tour.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but you should inform the provider in advance to ensure smooth arrangements.

Can I buy extra cocktails or drinks?
Absolutely. Additional cocktails can be purchased during the cocktail tour at the respective establishments.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must since it involves walking on uneven sidewalks. In warmer months, light clothing, hats, and umbrellas are recommended.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes, participants must be 21 or older to join the cocktail portion of the tour.

This tour is a fantastic way to connect with New Orleans’s culinary roots and musical soul—a balanced experience that pairs learning with fun and flavor. If you’re eager for a lively, authentic taste of the city, it’s definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: