New Orleans is one of the most exciting destinations in the southeastern United States, with its thriving live music scene, phenomenal cuisine and festive cultural melting pot.

The combination of French, American and African heritage makes for both delicious dishes and cocktail concoctions. Take a cocktail tour of New Orleans to discover world-renown eateries while learning spellbinding stories of the city’s past.

Here's all you need to know about cocktail tours, one of the most captivating options for gastronomical experiences in New Orleans.

What are the best cocktail tours in New Orleans?

Walking cocktail tour

Embark on a walking tour of New Orleans that includes stops at several historic bars and restaurants.

This excursion begins with a group meetup in the French Quarter, where you’ll admire the Creole-inspired architecture before heading to your first bar.

As you move from stop to stop, you’ll learn fascinating details about local cocktail mixology and the history of drinking in the city.

You’ll finish your tour with a visit to one of the oldest restaurants in New Orleans for a delicious bite and to see various Mardi Gras memorabilia from years past.

Cocktail and food history tour

This food tour combines the New Orleans style of mixology with mouthwatering French-Creole cuisine. Meet your guide on the world-famous Bourbon street, where you’ll make your first stop to try the local delicacy, seafood gumbo.

You’ll pair your first dish with one of the city’s most famous cocktails while hearing the history behind the flavorful concoction.

From there, you’ll move on to various other destinations where you’ll learn about the varied spices and seasonings of the region, sampling items such as jambalaya, Pimm’s cup cocktail, Café du Monde’s classic donuts and French 75 brandy.

Finish the trip with a walk down Decatur Street with Creole plantains and traditional daiquiris.

Evening cocktail tour

Choose a nighttime cocktail tour of the “Big Easy” to see a different side of New Orleans and experience the famous nightlife of the city.

Your guide will lead you to some of the most captivating old-time brothels and bars with stories of the hallowed places.

Visit locations that once served pirates, murderers, mobsters and more, while learning about the classic cocktails that have survived hundreds of years.

Private cocktail tour

Choose a private cocktail tour of New Orleans to experience a more exclusive look at the mixology of the Creole town.

An expert guide will lead you to some of the most famous bars and restaurants of the French Quarter where you’ll taste classy cocktails that have stood the test of time.

Travel back in time to historical taverns while hearing thrilling stories of their past. Enjoy the luxury of a moldable itinerary to fit your specific needs.

Which places are seen?

French Quarter

The French Quarter is considered the heart of the historic district of New Orleans. The buildings are marked with cast-iron balconies and intricate designs along with a lively nightlife scene both in bars and street side.

Pass by jazz clubs, cocktail bars and local eateries to be immersed in the culture of the city. Delight at street entertainers and craft makers with Creole flair.

Jackson Square

Visit this historic art park in New Orleans that was declared a National Historic Landmark in the mid-1900s. The historical location is where the famous Louisiana purchase was made in 1803, securing the state as a territory of the United States.

Jackson Square boasts traditional French Colonial architecture in its three-tiered building. The park features a bustling art scene where artists draw, paint and sell their creations.

New Orleans City Park

This lush 530-hectare park is filled with green landscapes, picturesque creeks and New Orleans-style architecture.

The massive natural space holds the world’s largest collection of oak trees which are native to the region, some over 600 years old. Explore the urban park for a relaxing break from the metropolitan area and to be immersed in nature during your visit.

How much do cocktail tours in New Orleans cost?

A classic walking cocktail tour of New Orleans will cost about US$70 per person with beverages available at an additional cost.

A tour that includes food and cocktail tastings at culinary spots along the way will cost about US$130 per person.

A nighttime tour that includes stops at some of the most famous jazz clubs and old brothels in the city is priced at about US$30 per person, with drinks available a la carte.

Private excursions with an expert guide and all drinks included will cost about US$110 per person or more, depending on the length of the trip.

What is included?

All cocktail tours in New Orleans will include a professional guide to lead you on your journey and provide historical information about mixology in the southern city.

Longer tours that visit both restaurants and local cocktail spots will include up to 10 different food tastings and up to five full-drink tastings along the way.

Evening excursions include fascinating stories about the nightlife of New Orleans, though all drinks must be purchased separately.

Private tours will include all beverages in the ticketed price.

Where does it start?

Most cocktail tours meet in the French Quarter around Bourbon Street, at the center of nightlife in New Orleans. Some walking tours will meet along the Mississippi River or at a prominent restaurant in the historic district.

How long does it last?

Walking cocktail tours typically last between 2.5 and 3 hours, leaving ample time to see the most important sights in New Orleans.

Excursions that include all cocktail and food tastings will last around 4 hours, whereas evening tours usually last about 2 hours before concluding for free exploration.

Private tours last at least 2 hours but can be personalized to last longer by request.

When is the best time for a cocktail tour in New Orleans?

New Orleans is best visited in early Spring from March to April or late fall from October to November. This is when the weather is the mildest and crowd levels have not yet peaked.

However, the Mardi Gras festival in March brings thousands of travelers to the southern city, so prepare accordingly. The carnival takes place two days before Ash Wednesday and involves music, costumes, parades, picnics, floats and drinking.

Plan your cocktail tour for the middle of your trip after you’ve already explored the city layout.

Are there any combos available?

Cocktail tour plus cooking class

Combine your cocktail tour of New Orleans with a traditional Creole-style cooking class. Learn the basics of how to prepare classic dishes such as jambalaya, pralines and gumbo with a live chef instructor.

Finish with a tasting of your own creations before hitting the town to try some of the city’s finest cocktails.

Cocktail and jazz tour

Pair your cocktail tasting with a look at the birthplace of jazz in various music venues across the city. Venture beyond Bourbon Street and explore hundred-year-old jazz clubs frequented by famous writers, artists and even pirates.

Enjoy live music while sipping on carefully created cocktails to feel immersed in the culture of New Orleans.

Travel tips

Many cocktail tours do not include the beverages in the ticket price so bring extra money to purchase along the route.
Arrive with an empty stomach to the tours that include a food tasting so you’ll have plenty of space to try the local delicacies.
Wear appropriate shoes to be walking through the cobbled streets of the New Orleans historical district.

Cocktail Tours in New Orleans