New Orleans French Quarter Cocktail Tour & Historic Bars

Summary

French Quarter cocktail walk with historic bars and stories

You’ll taste four classic cocktails while wandering New Orleans’ French Quarter with a local guide who knows every story behind each bar. Expect laughter over Sazeracs and Brandy Crustas, live jazz at Bourbon “O”, and small moments—like citrus on your hands or rain on old bricks—that make this cocktail history tour stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’d never tasted a rum punch that smelled like grapefruit and old wood until we met inside Patrick’s Bar Vin—our guide, Marcus, was already grinning at us from the corner table. He started telling us about English sailors and spice routes before I’d even had my first sip. The courtyard outside was still wet from the morning rain, so everything felt damp and alive. I kept thinking I should pace myself but, honestly, the first drink went down easy.

We wandered out into Royal Street after that, with Marcus pointing out little things—a flickering gas lamp here, a faded sign there. At SoBou, he handed me my first Sazerac (I’d heard of it but never tried one made by someone who actually cared). It tasted sharp and herbal, almost medicinal, but in a good way. Someone in our group tried to say “Brandy Crusta” in a fake French accent; the bartender just laughed and slid over another glass. I could smell citrus peel on my fingers for ages afterward.

The walk itself isn’t long—maybe a mile?—but you feel it when you’re weaving through crowds and listening to street musicians near St. Louis Cathedral. We ducked into Peychaud’s Bar next. The bartender there had this way of stirring drinks that made it look like a ritual instead of just mixing stuff up. By the time we reached Bourbon “O” Jazz Bar for that last Roffignac highball (raspberry liqueur, who knew?), I was feeling loose enough to try dancing to the live jazz drifting in from the stage. Not well, but nobody seemed to mind.

I left with new friends and sticky hands from squeezing lemon peels, which is maybe how every day trip in the French Quarter should end. There’s something about learning cocktail history in New Orleans that makes you want to linger—maybe it’s the city or maybe it’s just the buzz from all those stories (and drinks). Either way, I still think about that Sazerac sometimes when I hear jazz playing somewhere unexpected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — New Orleans French Quarter cocktail tour

• Meet guide at Patrick's Bar Vin
• Sip grapefruit spiced Rum Punch
• Visit SoBou for Sazerac cocktail
• Sample Brandy Crusta at SoBou
• Walk along Royal Street to Peychaud's Bar
• Choose between two historical cocktails
• Pass by St. Louis Cathedral
• Arrive at Bourbon "O" Jazz Bar
• Enjoy Roffignac highball cocktail
• Tour ends; explore nightlife or stay

Top questions

How many cocktails are included on the New Orleans cocktail history walking tour?

The tour includes four classic cocktails, one at each venue along the route.

Is food included during the French Quarter cocktail tour?

No full meal is included; some venues may have limited food menus available for purchase.

How far will we walk during this day trip in New Orleans?

The walking distance is about one mile throughout the 3-hour tour in the French Quarter.

Are there live music or jazz performances during this cocktail tour?

Bourbon “O” Jazz Bar features nightly live jazz starting at 8pm; your tour ends there so you can stay for music if you wish.

Is this cocktail history walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all venues and routes are wheelchair accessible; service animals are also allowed.

What is the minimum age for joining this New Orleans cocktail tour?

The minimum age is 21 years old due to alcohol service laws.

Does this French Quarter cocktail tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near all meeting points and venues along the route.

What’s included

Your evening includes four signature cocktails at four historic bars across New Orleans’ French Quarter, all led by an entertaining local guide who shares stories along every stop. The walk covers about one mile through lively streets and ends with live jazz at Bourbon “O” Bar if you want to stay longer after your last drink.