New Orleans: French Quarter Cocktail Walk & Sazerac Tasting

Summary

Sip a sazerac under wisteria vines then wander to jazz as night falls in the french quarter

You’ll taste New Orleans’ signature cocktails where they were born — think Sazerac in the French Quarter with stories from your local guide. Wander under wisteria vines at historic bars, try absinthe near pirate haunts, then end your evening wrapped in live jazz at Fritzel’s. It’s not just about drinks; it’s about feeling the city breathe around you.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first sip — that sharp bite of rye and bitters, cold glass sweating against my palm as we stood just off Decatur Street. Our guide, Marcus, had this easy way of weaving stories between sips. He pointed at a faded sign above a bar and said, “That’s where Peychaud used to mix his bitters.” I’d heard of the Sazerac before but never tasted one in its hometown. The air was thick, sweet with a hint of river mud, and you could hear brass from somewhere down Royal Street.

We ducked through these heavy iron gates into the Court of Two Sisters’ Carriageway Bar — honestly, I almost tripped on the uneven stones because I was staring up at this wild tangle of wisteria overhead. The bartender slid over something green and cloudy (absinthe, apparently), and Marcus told us about pirates who used to haunt these alleys. I tried to say “la fée verte” like he did — Li laughed at my accent. The drink tasted herbal and strange, almost like licorice left out in the rain. Not sure it’s my thing but it made me grin anyway.

The French Quarter is loud in a soft way — laughter from open windows, clatter from kitchens you can’t see, someone playing jazz that drifts in and out as you move. At one point we stopped near St. Louis Cathedral; it’s hard not to feel small there with all that history pressing in around you. Our last stop was Fritzel’s for live music — not what I expected for a cocktail tour but honestly perfect. We stayed after the official part ended just listening, letting it all sink in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore New Orleans cocktail culture

• Start at Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office
• Walk historic French Quarter streets
• Learn Sazerac cocktail history
• Visit Court of Two Sisters’ Carriageway Bar
• Discover Absinthe at pirate hangout
• Relax at Antoine Peychaud’s former residence
• Enjoy live jazz at Fritzel's pub
• Option to stay for jazz show
• Walk to nearby French Quarter restaurants

Top questions

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

The tour includes three classic cocktails as part of your experience.

Does the tour include stops at famous French Quarter bars?

Yes, you’ll visit four iconic establishments throughout the French Quarter.

Is hotel pickup included for this cocktail tour?

No hotel pickup is provided; however, the starting point is within walking distance from most downtown hotels.

Are there any age restrictions for joining this New Orleans cocktail tour?

The minimum age for participants is 21 years old.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

The route is mostly accessible but some historic venues may have limited access; special arrangements can be made with your guide.

Where does the cocktail walking tour start?

The tour begins at the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office by the Mississippi River in the French Quarter.

What is included with my booking?

Your booking covers guided walking tour, three cocktails (including taxes and gratuities), plus local taxes.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walk through four legendary French Quarter bars with three classic cocktails (taxes and service gratuities covered), led by a local expert who shares stories behind every drink before ending with live jazz at Fritzel’s — all within easy reach of downtown hotels but without hotel pickup.