New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
New Orleans, USA
- 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
New Orleans is known for its classic cocktails—but for first-timers, it can be hard to know where to go. Leave all the planning to your guide on this craft cocktail walking tour of the French Quarter. Visit historic bars and restaurants, and sample classics such the Sazerac. Hear stories from your guide and mixologists, and learn the sometimes-scandalous history of the city's drinking culture as you sip your way through town.
- Discover the history of renowned libations, including the Sazerac
- Learn about New Orleans and its culinary and cocktail history
- Visit four different spots with a professional guide
- Try one or three different included cocktails depending on which package you book
What's Included
- Guided New Orleans Original Cocktail Walking Tour
- Alcoholic Beverages1 or 3 classic cocktails, depending on option selection, including taxes and service gratuities
- 3-4 Stops at Iconic French Quarter Establishments
- Expert Local Tour Guide
- Gratuities
- Additional beverages are available for purchase
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Gray Line New Orleans400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Gray Line Lighthouse on the Steamboat NATCHEZ dock (Toulouse Street at the Mississippi River)
End point
- Fritzel's European Jazz Pub733 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Operating hours.4:00 pm
Itinerary
Your journey through the "spirits" of New Orleans begins in the French Quarter. In mid‐afternoon, meet at the Lighthouse at the Steamship Natchez dock, dressed in business-casual drinking attire – some dress codes prohibit tank tops, cut‐offs, or super short shorts. With an expert guide and fellow drinks enthusiasts, you’ll spend an enjoyable time visiting historic local haunts.
En route to the first bar, check out the distinctive local architecture. You’ll see French‐ and Spanish‐inspired buildings, gorgeous Creole townhouses and intimate courtyards – some of which offer a great space for imbibing and mingling. At each legendary venue, admire the mixology of notable bartenders and learn the origins and truths of centuries‐old cocktails from your guide. One or three famous Southern drinks are included in the price.
Your tour includes stops at famous spots like the Court of Two Sisters before returning to the starting point, where your excursion ends. You’ll finish with plenty of time (and insider information) to continue the fun with your own self‐guided drinks and eats tour.
En route to the first bar, check out the distinctive local architecture. You’ll see French‐ and Spanish‐inspired buildings, gorgeous Creole townhouses and intimate courtyards – some of which offer a great space for imbibing and mingling. At each legendary venue, admire the mixology of notable bartenders and learn the origins and truths of centuries‐old cocktails from your guide. One or three famous Southern drinks are included in the price.
Your tour includes stops at famous spots like the Court of Two Sisters before returning to the starting point, where your excursion ends. You’ll finish with plenty of time (and insider information) to continue the fun with your own self‐guided drinks and eats tour.
1
French Quarter
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
The Court of Two Sisters
Admission Ticket Free
3
St. Louis Cathedral
Admission Ticket Free
4
Peychaud's
Admission Ticket Free
5
Fritzel's European Jazz Bar
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
- Due to the historic nature of the tour, some venues are not accessible to guests traveling in wheelchairs. Special arrangements can be made with your tour guide at the beginning of the tour.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Minimum age is 21 years
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q:When do you recommend that I take the New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour?
A:Take this tour on your first day in town to find out the places you must visit! Your guide will show you all the best hot spots and recommend the very best drinks in each location!
Jun 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 678 reviews
Kellie_M, Apr 2026
It was a fun, informative experience! Our group was easy and Val, our tour guide was knowledgeable and super personable!
Chuck_L, Mar 2026
After so many great Viator tours, this one missed the mark totally. We had a cocktail tour in the past in NOLA and was 5-star. The tour took us to 4 bars. For the “VIP” package, which cost an addition a $40, you got two drinks at 2 of the bars, and the other 2 bars were pay as you go, or cash only. The tour was excessively lengthy, running over its 2hour timeframe by 40 minutes, making us late to dinner. The bars were all over the place and we did a fair amount of walking with a group of 12. Lots of history shared , but unbalanced with time allowed and purpose of tour. The last cocktail tour was very well made drinks in glass , this tour was sloppy made drinks in plastic cups- definitely not worth $20 a drink!!!! Overall, not well organized, and no value.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We certainly are disappointed to learn that your tour did not meet your expectations. Your comments will be discussed with the tour manager. The tour is posted at 2hr and 30minutes, so that would be 10 minutes over. Plastic cups do allow guests to leave with their cocktails, but glass containers are not allowed on the street. That is for everyone's safety.
Matthew_T, Feb 2026
We really enjoyed the history lesson of NOLA and the French Quarters. Cocktails at Peychauds were really good!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
We always enjoy the reviews of this particular tour. It is an intimate look at the French Quarter after dark. Thank you.
Cathleen_H, Feb 2026
Everyone in our group upgraded to the VIP package with three full size cocktails. The jazz club at the end is the real deal…great music. The tour guide Katherine was interesting and shared a lot of New Orleans history. Based on the tour description, we expected to go to three bar/restaurants and the jazz club. We actually went to five, which was excellent, however cocktails were cash and carry at the extra two establishments. We weren’t expecting to pay more during the tour. We could have chosen not to partake, but when in Rome…
Be sure to eat and carb up before you go! Enjoy!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
It sounds like an evening to remember! Katherine wants to not only inform and entertain, she wants to be certain that you leave with a smile and a song in your heart. Thanks so very much for all the details.
Carolyn_E, Jan 2026
Very well organized! There was quite a bit of walking but we had 5 breaks with a chance to sit at each location. The drinks were great and Val was really good at keeping the conversation going. She really knows her NOLA history.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
The Cocktail Tour is an interesting combination of Tales of the City, true history, and introduction to the drinks born in New Orleans. Val is an expert at sharing all of that and more.
Daniel_P, Jan 2026
Robi was a tremendous tour guide. Fun, very informative and interesting. Learned things about NOLA history and cocktails I hadn’t heard before. Had a great time.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
If you had a great time then Robi and Gray Line met their goals. Sharing cocktails with new friends and stories of French Quarter for hundreds of years should keep you spell bound.
David_M, Jan 2026
Our guide Kimberly was great! Very passionate about the city and its history. Great activity to do at the start of your trip to get yourself acquainted with NOLA and pick up a ton of recommendations.
Kyla_D, Jan 2026
Val was a wonderful tour guide; she was extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to interact with. However, I would like to note that some of the bars may only accept cash, and this information is not mentioned on the website.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Kyla, we are pleased to read your review of the Cocktail Tour with Val. Thank you for the note on the cash-only policy at some bars. We will clarify and update the information.
Julie_H, Jan 2026
Val was a phenomenal tour guide on the Original New Orleans Cocktail tour. She was fun, knowledgeable and introduced us to new Cocktails and info about the ingredients amd the liquor being used. We walked around the French Quarter and were able to learn so much history here as well. I highly recommend this if you want to try some real New Orleans cocktails and good history.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for the 5 star review. This is a unique tour that provides the history, stories and cocktail recipes to share when you get back home. We hope you go home and introduce your friends to a taste of New Orleans.
Chris_K, Dec 2025
Kimberly was wonderful. Knowledgeable about both the beverages and the city. Definitely recommend this one.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Kimberly loves her guests on this tour. She shares history, tales, and humor with everyone.
christopher_b, Nov 2025
Great way to learn about the history of the French Quarter, visit iconic bars, get introduced to terrific cocktails, and make new friends
Response from Host, Nov 2025
You just wrote everything we would say to tell others about this unique tour.
Brandi_B, Oct 2025
Kimberly was an awesome tour guide! Exceptionally knowledgeable and fun! Lots of walking and fun quizzes!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
The tour is meant to be fun, educational, and a perfect way to spend time with friends -new and old.
Audrey_J, Jun 2025
We took the History and Cocktail tour with Val - it was AMAZING!!! Our guide was just the BEST! It was a nice way to begin the trip because we learned where everything was located, also the cocktails were delicious!!! So much history it was just fantastic- if you go Val is the best guide, I would recommend her to any friend in the area!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Taking this tour is a way to not only learn about our culinary/beverage heritage but so much of our history, It is also a great way make new friends.
Alex_M, May 2025
Katherine was an excellent tour guide. This was fun and very informative about New Orleans life and cocktail culture. We had a lot of fun and gave us new adventures to try next time we are in the city.
Response from Host, May 2025
Katherine enjoys sharing her city's culture and the history of cocktails. It is a fun way to make new friends from around the world.
Adam_S, May 2025
The information shared on the tour was very interesting but we felt 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. At one stop only one person drank the cocktail as it was a very strong whiskey cocktail which does not appeal to everyone and we should of had an option.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for your input. The cocktail that makes that stop specific is a specialty of the establishment. We will of course check on your suggestion.
Martha_H, Apr 2025
Tour tour guide was marvelous and he gave us stories and details that made you feel like you were present with him trying these amazing drinks. I would highly recommend coming back and doing the tour again.
Response from Host, May 2025
Always something new to learn and enjoy. See you soon.
Jennifer_R, Apr 2025
We accidentally went to the wrong location so arrived 12 min late. The description of the tour reads 4pm-6pm, 4 craft cocktails at different dining establishments with options for food or additional drink to purchase. We made plans for after and were in a tight schedule.
In 2 hrs, we only had 2 cocktails included in our tour. 1 was a rum punch from the tourist check in stand and there was nothing craft about it. We did not get our 2nd drink for an hour. Our 3rd drink was at a Pirate Bar and it was rather gross unless you like Absinthe. But here is the kicker. She NEVER TOLD US WE HAD TO PAY AND IT WAS $20 per drink! So our entire group lines up to order our drink not knowing and the bartender was not going to let us leave without paying! At 5:56, we only had 2 included cocktails and she told me the tour ended at 6:30. Still not sure how we were going to walk to 2 other bars and have a drink in 30 min. We left to make our next engagement.
I do not recommend. It was a complete waste of money. The drinks were all terrible. The information on the tour was good, but she could work on the presentation a bit better. Maybe she had too many cocktails prior…
Dorothy_V, Mar 2025
Fun way to explore the French Quarter and learn some interesting history. Enjoyed the tour guide and her joy in sharing a little bit of a city she loves.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
It was designed to entertain, educate and spread cheer for visitors and locals alike. Thank you for sharing.
Emily_S, Feb 2025
So much fun! Great drinks, guide and group! Our tour guide was super knowledgeable! Also, gave great recommendations for the town!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
That tour is a great way to learn about the city, its culture and to meet new friends along the way.
vickie_g, Dec 2024
From the description the tour sounds like an opportunity for two hours of drunken indulgence. In reality it is a fascinating and engaging look at New Orleans history and the French Quarter. The drinks were fine but we learned so much! I would recommend the tour especially for those new to the city. It's a good way to figure out what to see during your stay.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Yes, it is not a pub-crawl but indeed "history with a twist">
AmyStone, Nov 2024
Robi was a terrific guide and we had a blast! We learned a ton about NOLA and drank good cocktails. Excellent way to spend a couple of hours.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
We appreciate the great review. Robi can bring people through cocktail history with laughter and possibly new friends.
Cristina_L, Nov 2024
Done this tour in previous years. They changed it, there is a lot more walking, “standing” and listening to history instead of sitting at the bars. I left utterly exhausted. Our tour guide was knowledgable and well spoken, but just a little too much information that I don’t care to know about. Maybe just a little scratching the surface of the history, otherwise interest is lost in the crowd. We didn’t even get to mingle with others in the group and learn anyone’s name because the tour guide was talking the entire time as we were standing on street sidewalks, while sweating, and feet aching from all the walking.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Although we don't know which tour guide lead your group, we are sorry you were disappointed. As it is ""history...with a twist" it should be a blend of enjoyment and interesting history of cocktails and the city. We will share this with the guides on that tour.
Natalie_H, Oct 2024
Robi is a wealth of knowledge! He took us to a few locations we had never been to before (7th trip to NOLA) and shared amazing stories about the various cocktails native to New Orleans.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Robi shares the history of the city and the cocktails, mixed in with the humor and lore of our city.
Diane_M, Sep 2024
Robert entertaining and knowledgeable. A pleasure to be with. The options of cocktails were awesome. Would definitely do again, this was our second time doing the tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Each time can be a new and exciting experience. Please bring friends and family.
Kelly_M, Sep 2024
Had a great time. Robert had tons of great history to share along the way Cocktails and company made it a fun experience!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
The tour has the history and certainly the fun. Thank you.
Pip_D, Aug 2024
Tim was excellent! Very entertaining and knowledgeable. We had a great time and would highly recommend
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Your high recommendation of our tour and our guide Tim is appreciated. Thank you for sharing.
ERIC_L, Aug 2024
The history of New Orleans and specific cocktails was interesting. But Tim, our guide made it a great experience. He is absolutely the best, just a genuinely good person who was really engaging and knowledgeable. He gets a 10/10!!!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
The 10/10 is amazing. Thank you for the excellent rating.
James_P, Jul 2024
Robi was an awesome guide with a wealth of interesting information on New Orleans and cocktails. Great tour!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for your great review of the tour, and of Robi, our awesome guide.
Thomas_S, Jul 2024
Tour guide Robert was a fantastic guide through this important aspect of our New Orleans visit. We especially enjoyed his discussion of Sazerac and the preservation of this amazing cocktail
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Robert is enthusiastic and enjoys his guests' questions and comments. Be sure to introduce your guests to the Sazerac!
Kim_S, Jul 2024
The guide was amazing. We do wish the drinks could have been enjoyed in the A/C. It was hard to enjoy in the heat
Response from Host, Jul 2024
It is certainly the season of heat in our area. Thank you for the wonderful review.
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New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour
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