New Orleans is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and rich cocktail culture. The "New Orleans: Early Evening Cocktail History Tour" promises to take guests on a captivating journey through the city’s storied past, uncovering the origins of iconic drinks like the Sazerac and Grasshopper. Over the course of three hours, knowledgeable guides will lead participants to historic bars, share fascinating tales about the notorious absinthe, and allow them to sample four expertly crafted cocktails, including a refreshing rum punch. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or simply seeking an engaging cultural experience, this tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the lively atmosphere of New Orleans’ nightlife.
Key Points
- Explore the vibrant cocktail culture of New Orleans on a 3-hour guided tour with visits to historic bars and learning about iconic cocktails like the Sazerac.
- Sample four craft cocktails, including a rum punch and Sazerac, while gaining insights into the history and cultural significance of New Orleans’ cocktail scene.
- Discover the origins of classic cocktails such as the Sazerac and Grasshopper, and learn about the once-banned spirit of absinthe and its role in the city’s artistic expression.
- Experience the charm of the oldest stand-up bar in the U.S., established in 1876, and hear tales of its colorful characters and drinks.
- Enjoy the expertise and engaging narratives of the tour guides, who provide a comprehensive exploration of New Orleans’ rich cocktail history and legacy.
Tour Overview
The New Orleans: Early Evening Cocktail History Tour offers a 3-hour exploration of the city’s rich cocktail culture.
Priced from Kč1,690 per person, this English-language tour is wheelchair accessible and welcomes guests aged 21 and over.
The tour starts at Patricks Bar Vin, where participants can reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
With an overall 5/5 rating based on 42 reviews, the tour highlights include visiting the oldest stand-up bar in the U.S., learning about absinthe’s history, and sampling four cocktails, including a homemade rum punch, Sazerac, Grasshopper, and Roffignac highball.
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Booking and Cancellation
You can reserve your spot on the New Orleans: Early Evening Cocktail History Tour without any upfront payment. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. With an overall rating of 5/5 from 42 reviews, the tour’s quality and value for money are highly praised.
Booking | Cancellation |
---|---|
Reserve now & pay later | Free cancellation |
Book your spot without upfront payment | Cancel up to 24 hours in advance |
Full refund |
The tour has received positive feedback on its guides’ knowledge and engaging narratives, as well as recommendations for food and activities while in New Orleans. Suggestions have been made to update the tour descriptions for better clarity on cocktail selections and locations visited.
Tour Highlights
Throughout the tour, visitors will get the chance to visit the oldest stand-up bar in the U.S. and learn about the fascinating history of absinthe.
They’ll discover the origins of iconic cocktails like the Sazerac and the Grasshopper.
The tour includes samples of four cocktails – a homemade rum punch, a classic Sazerac, a creamy Grasshopper, and a Roffignac highball.
Visitors will visit various historic bars and learn about the cultural significance of these drinks, gaining a deeper appreciation for New Orleans’ vibrant cocktail scene.
Itinerary
Visitors start the tour at a tiki-themed bar, where they enjoy a homemade rum punch.
Next, they visit SoBou to sample the classic Sazerac and 1852 Brandy Crusta cocktails.
The tour then takes them to Tujagues, where they discover the origins of the Grasshopper and indulge in the French 75 cocktail.
The final stop is Bourbon O Bar, where they can enjoy local food and live jazz music while sipping on their final cocktails of the evening.
The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of New Orleans’ rich cocktail history, allowing participants to experience the city’s vibrant drinking culture firsthand.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Experiences
Participants consistently praise the tour guides’ extensive knowledge and engaging narratives that bring the city’s cocktail history to life.
Their expertise in the origins and evolution of iconic New Orleans libations, such as the Sazerac and Grasshopper, enriches the experience.
Reviewers highlight the guides’ ability to seamlessly weave together stories and facts, creating a captivating and immersive tour.
Beyond the cocktails, participants also appreciate the recommendations provided for additional food and activities to enjoy while in town.
While some suggest updating tour descriptions for clearer details on the specific cocktails sampled, the overall customer experience ratings reflect the high quality of this historical cocktail exploration.
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Oldest Stand-Up Bar
One of the highlights of the New Orleans: Early Evening Cocktail History Tour is the visit to the oldest stand-up bar in the United States.
This historic watering hole, established in 1876, has maintained its original character and charm over the decades. Guests are invited to step back in time and experience the ambiance of this iconic hotel, where patrons have been enjoying spirited libations for over a century.
The tour guide provides fascinating insights into the bar’s storied past, sharing tales of the colorful characters and renowned drinks that have helped shape its legacy.
This stop on the tour offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cocktail culture and the enduring appeal of classic New Orleans hospitality.
Absinthe’s History
The tour’s exploration of absinthe’s history provides a captivating glimpse into one of New Orleans’ most notorious spirits.
Absinthe, a potent, green-colored liquor, was once banned in the U.S. due to misconceptions about its psychoactive effects. Guests learn how this "green fairy" drink became a symbol of the Bohemian lifestyle and artistic expression in the late 19th century.
The tour guide shares the tale of absinthe’s resurgence in New Orleans, where it’s once again appreciated for its complex, herbaceous flavor profile.
Cocktail Origins
During the tour, guests uncover the origins of some of New Orleans’ most iconic cocktails.
The Sazerac, considered the city’s official cocktail, can be traced back to the 1830s, when local apothecary Antoine Peychaud created the signature bitters that give the drink its distinctive flavor.
Another classic, the Grasshopper, was first popularized at the historic Tujagues restaurant in the late 19th century.
The tour also explores the history of absinthe, the once-banned green spirit that found a home in New Orleans’ vibrant bar scene.
- The Sazerac, the city’s official cocktail, dates back to the 1830s.
- The Grasshopper cocktail was first popularized at Tujagues restaurant.
- Absinthe, the once-banned green spirit, found a home in New Orleans’ bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?
The tour involves moderate walking, with participants visiting several bars and historic locations over the course of 3 hours. The guide provides transportation between some stops to ensure a comfortable pace and experience.
Are the Cocktail Tastings Served in Full-Size Portions?
The cocktail tastings are served in standard drink portions, not full-size cocktails. This allows participants to sample multiple drinks without becoming overly intoxicated during the 3-hour tour. The focus is on experiencing the history and flavors of classic New Orleans cocktails.
Can I Purchase Additional Cocktails During the Tour?
Tour participants can purchase additional cocktails during the tour, as long as they are 21 or older and have valid identification. The tour includes a set selection of cocktail tastings, but guests can choose to buy more drinks if desired.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not specify a formal dress code. Participants should wear comfortable, casual attire suitable for walking during the 3-hour experience. Smart casual or smart informal clothing is generally appropriate for the bars and restaurants visited.
Are There Any Food Options Available During the Tour?
The tour includes sampling four cocktails, but there are no specific food options provided during the experience. However, the tour concludes at a bar featuring local cuisine and live jazz music, allowing participants to continue their culinary exploration after the guided portion.
Recap
This captivating cocktail tour offers a unique glimpse into New Orleans’ rich drinking history. Guests will sample iconic libations, learn about the notorious absinthe, and explore the vibrant nightlife that has made the city a renowned destination for imbibers. With knowledgeable guides and an engaging itinerary, the tour promises an unforgettable experience for both cocktail enthusiasts and those new to the city’s lively bar scene.
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