New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour

Exploring the New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour

Trying to capture the essence of New Orleans in a few hours? This Craft Cocktail Walking Tour offers a lively, tasty peek into the city’s spirited history and vibrant bar scene. We haven’t done this tour ourselves, but based on the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s shaping up to be a solid choice for anyone curious about the city’s signature drinks and stories.

What really appeals to us are the expert guides who bring the history to life with engaging storytelling, and the opportunity to sample three classic cocktails at four different legendary venues. The tour strikes a good balance between history and fun, making it suitable whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just looking to add some local flavor to your visit.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the timing—it’s a late afternoon start, which is great for avoiding daytime crowds but might not be optimal for those wanting an earlier experience. Also, if you’re not keen on strong drinks or are looking for a fully customizable cocktail experience, this tour might feel a bit limited since options are set in advance.

This tour seems best for adults who enjoy learning about local culture with a drink in hand. It’s perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with tasting and chatting in some of the city’s most historic spots.

Key Points

• Learn the stories behind iconic New Orleans cocktails like the Sazerac and Peychaud’s bitters.
• Visit four historic venues with a guide who’s knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
• Sample three classic cocktails included in the tour price, with options for more available.
• Enjoy the beautiful architecture and ambiance of the French Quarter.
• The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and is best suited for guests 21 and over.
• Great for first-timers who want a taste of NOLA’s cocktail culture and history.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour is a relaxed, social exploration of the city’s bar scene, combined with storytelling about its colorful past. Starting at the Gray Line Lighthouse near the Steamboat Natchez dock, you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers dressed casually—note that some dress codes prohibit tank tops or cut-offs, so keep it neat but comfortable.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: The French Quarter

This is the heart of your adventure. The tour kicks off in the French Quarter, where you’ll walk past buildings inspired by French and Spanish architecture and peek into intimate courtyards. Your guide will share stories of how New Orleans developed as a hub for jazz, culture, and, of course, cocktails.

We loved the way the guide makes the history feel alive—“While it’s easy to get lost in the history of your surroundings, the real stars of the tour are the cocktails,” as one review mentions. The emphasis on storytelling really helps you connect with the city’s vibrant spirit.

Second Stop: The Court of Two Sisters

This spot is a visual treat—alley gates from Spain, a courtyard shaded with a century-old wisteria vine, and a history dating back to 1726. It’s a lively, charming venue, famous for jazz brunches and a lively atmosphere. The setting alone makes this stop worth the visit.

Third Stop: St. Louis Cathedral & Pirate Hangout

This area offers a mix of history and local legend. Nestled near the cathedral, you’ll find a legend of pirates and the mystical herbal drink, Absinthe. The stories shared here add a layer of fun and intrigue, making it more than just a quick photo op.

Fourth Stop: Peychaud’s

This is a highlight for cocktail lovers. The former residence of Antoine Peychaud, the creator of Peychaud’s Bitters, gives you a chance to learn about the origins of the Sazerac, considered America’s first cocktail. Guests often mention how this stop deepens their appreciation for the city’s unique drinking traditions.

Final Stop: Fritzel’s European Jazz Bar

Your tour finishes on a high note at Fritzel’s, renowned for its jazz performances and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great place to soak in some live music, and you’re encouraged to stay afterward for more drinks or dinner. Many reviewers highlight the jazz as the perfect way to wind down after exploring and tasting.

The Drinks, the Stories, and the Value

The included cocktails are carefully chosen to represent the city’s drink culture. The tour price covers three drinks, taxes, and gratuities, which many reviewers say makes it a good deal given the quality and atmosphere of the spots visited. One reviewer noted that the guide’s storytelling “made you feel like you were present with him trying these amazing drinks,” which shows how much personality guides bring to the experience.

The tour isn’t a pub crawl per se—it’s more about savoring local classics while learning their stories. That said, some guests expressed a desire for more options in their cocktails. One review pointed out that “there was sufficient time at each stop where we had a cocktail that we should have been given options as to what cocktail we wanted,” especially when a strong whiskey drink was served.

The Group Dynamics

With a maximum of 28 travelers, the group size allows for a friendly, personal vibe. Most reviewers rave about guides like Robi and Tim, praising their knowledge, humor, and ability to weave history into a fun narrative. Several mentioned that the guides made the experience memorable—“Robi shares the history of the city and the cocktails, mixed in with humor and lore,” one review states.

Practical Details: Timing and Accessibility

The tour departs at 4:00 pm, ideal for a late afternoon activity and for avoiding daytime heat. It lasts roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere without feeling rushed. The meeting point is close to downtown hotels and public transportation, though parking nearby is limited and charged hourly.

Dress comfortably but appropriately—avoid tank tops or short shorts, and wear good walking shoes since the tour involves some strolling through the French Quarter.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is great for adults who want a relaxed, social dive into New Orleans’ cocktail scene. It’s perfect if you’re curious about local drinks, love history, or simply want a fun way to experience the city’s iconic nightlife spots. If you’re visiting with friends or a partner, this makes for a memorable shared adventure.

It’s also a good choice for first-timers wanting a guided overview of the French Quarter’s highlights, especially if you enjoy learning about local culture through stories and tasting. However, it’s not suited for kids or those not interested in alcohol consumption.

The Bottom Line

The New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and delicious drinks. The guides are known for their engaging storytelling, and the venues are some of the most historic and atmospheric in the French Quarter. For around $68, you get three cocktails, insightful stories, and a chance to see some of the city’s most iconic spots—all within a relaxed, friendly group setting.

The experience is particularly ideal for those who appreciate a good story as much as a good drink and enjoy discovering local traditions in a social environment. While some might wish for more drink options or less walking, the overall value and fun factor seem to outweigh the minor drawbacks.

If you’re looking to get a taste of New Orleans’ cocktail culture while soaking in the sights and stories of the French Quarter, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

When should I take this tour?
It’s best to go on a late afternoon, around 4 pm, to enjoy the sunset and avoid the hottest part of the day. It also leaves you with plenty of evening to explore more or have dinner.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Gray Line “Lighthouse” Ticket Office near the Steamboat Natchez dock at 400 Toulouse Street.

Is parking available nearby?
There are public parking lots on Decatur Street, such as Jax Lot # P401, but they charge hourly. Walking or public transit might be more convenient.

Can I wear shorts or tank tops?
It’s recommended to wear casual, comfortable clothes and avoid tank tops or very short shorts due to dress code considerations.

Are the cocktails included?
Yes, three classic cocktails are included in the price, covering taxes and tip. Additional drinks can be purchased afterward.

Is this suitable for families?
No, the tour is for guests 21 and over due to the alcohol involved.

What if I’m late or need to cancel?
You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including walking and tasting stops.

Are there any food options?
Food is not included, but many stops are restaurants or bars that serve food if you wish to stay longer.

What kind of guide will I have?
Most reviews highlight guides like Robi and Tim, who are engaging and knowledgeable, making the experience lively and educational.

If you’re after a fun, educational, and tasty way to explore the French Quarter, this tour could be just what you need to add some local flavor to your New Orleans trip.