Top New Orleans Cocktail Tastings in 2026

Indulge in New Orleans liquid culture on this insider cocktail tour of the historic French Quarter, which helps you journey beyond the hubbub of Bourbon Street. Visit four historic local haunts with a cocktail included at each. At each venue, admire the mixology of bartenders, discover the origins and truths of centuries‐old spirits such as absinthe, and take away tailored tips for the rest of your time in the city.

Taste your way through New Orleans on this spirited, small-group cocktail and food tour through the French Quarter. Visit restaurants and bars you'd be unlikely to find on your own and savor a range of classic Nola bites, all while your guide shares insider stories and culinary history. Enjoy four signature cocktails along the way, and benefit from the relaxed, dinner-party-style atmosphere.

Led by a Certified Bourbon Steward, this small-group experience offers an unhurried, expert-level deep dive into American whiskey right on our active distillery floor. You’ll see firsthand how traditional handmade copper pot stills create a richer, bolder spirit profile compared to commercial column distillation. Get a rare behind-the-scenes taste of raw 'white dog' distillate fresh off the pot still, then explore a curated flight of Old Alker bourbons while decoding mash bills, oak barrel chemistry, and flavor profiles

This tour is perfect for experiencing New Orleans’ vibrant pub scene while uncovering its spookiest ghost stories. Enjoy a curated selection of great bars without the hassle of route planning, and as you stroll between stops, hear chilling tales of ghosts and voodoo that you’d never discover on your own.

Discover a different side of New Orleans—and admire a new perspective from the water's edge—on this steamboat tour down the Mississippi River. Board the historic riverboat—either the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel—for a morning or afternoon tour. Stroll the deck, admire the iconic paddlewheel, enjoy live music, and snap photos of the picturesque shoreline. This family‐friendly excursion offers an optional lunch (additional expense).

Enhance your New Orleans experience with a hands-on, half-day cooking class that includes meals. Join a small group of up to 10 people and learn to craft authentic Louisiana dishes with guidance from a professional chef. After the lesson, enjoy your freshly made meal with complimentary wine or local beer. You'll also take home a souvenir apron and a recipe collection to recreate the flavors back home.

Go beyond the guidebooks to immerse yourself in the heart of New Orleans’ music scene on this lively walking tour. Start at Louis Armstrong Park, explore jazz roots in the French Quarter, and stroll through historic spots like Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street. Enjoy live jazz music at a local venue with a complimentary drink, while your guide shares insights into the city’s vibrant musical heritage and neighborhood culture.

Enjoy an only-in-New-Orleans experience when you embark on a paddle-wheel boat tour of the mighty Mississippi River. In the evening, hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, and admire views of the city from the water's edge. This cost-saving package additionally includes a Creole‐inspired dinner (if option selected), plus live jazz music to set the mood.

Get the full Louisiana dining experience during a fun and educational New Orleans cooking demonstration class. Take a seat amongst other foodies in a converted 19th-century molasses warehouse and get ready to learn and eat. Meet a lively local chef and learn the fundamentals of preparing classic Creole dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines. Then dig into delicious samples complemented by local beer or a sweet ice tea.

Experience a classic NOLA dining experience like a VIP with this special access pass to a shrimp boil cabaret at Mister Gregory’s. Indulge in a private dinner party celebrating local flavors and vibrant music. The shrimp is sourced from local shrimping families at their docks to select the freshest Gulf shrimp before letting the "Shrimp Boil King of New Orleans" cook you up a scrumptious dinner. Then dig into this authentic New Orleans dish, all the while local performers keep you entertained.

Escape the crowds of Bourbon Street and indulge in the best donuts and beignets New Orleans has to offer on this underground food tour of the Garden District and Magazine Street. Perfect for travelers who want to skip the hassle of researching food spots, this tour lets a local expert guide you to the city's top artisanal donut and beignet shops. Along the way, enjoy fascinating food commentary and sample a variety of delicious, locally loved treats. With an easy-paced walk and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy each stop, you'll experience the vibrant flavors of New Orleans in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Experience the charm of New Orleans on a two-hour Sunday jazz cruise along the Mississippi River. Enjoy live jazz music, stunning views from the top deck, and the option to savor a Louisiana-style buffet brunch featuring local favorites. This authentic paddle-wheel riverboat offers a perfect blend of history, ambiance, and relaxation for all ages. The legendary Steamboat NATCHEZ and her sister vessel Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will sail interchangeably, depending on bookings and private events.

Unlike mass-production facilities, Old Alker Distillery offers an authentic, hands-on look into New Orleans craft vodka, rum, and gin distilling. You’ll step directly onto our active production floor for an up-close look at our traditional handmade copper pot stills, learning how slow, small-batch distillation creates unmatched depth of flavor and a smooth mouthfeel. Our experience combines grain-to-glass education, a professionally guided flight of locally inspired spirits, and a freshly handcrafted parting cocktail—giving you an insider's taste of New Orleans craftsmanship.