On this tour we will explore the New Orleans cocktail and drinking tradition. The French Quarter, from its founding in 1718 has always been a place where drinks and alcoholic beverages have been enjoyed. From the huts and tents of the early colony to the bars of Bourbon Street New Orleans has always loved a drink. In the early colonial history under the French alcoholic drinks, like beer and hard liquors, were even safer to drink than the water!! That tradition continued when the German immigrants from Bavaria began arriving in the 1720’s. Their land was rocked by the war of the Spanish Succession and they were looking for a way out. John Law, a gambler and economic “theorist”, sold the Germans on coming to southeast Louisiana claiming it was a mountainous land with plenty of riches. It doesn’t take long for any visitor to our great city to realize they were tricked! Of course they learn this quickly upon arrival so they needed a lot of alcohol to dull that reality.

By the late 18th century the Haitian Revolution was in full swing. Many were leaving the Island of San Domingue to escape the violence andor they found themselves in New Orleans in political exile. One such man was Antoine Peychaud. Peychaud was a pharmacist and he and his fellow former Haitians and newfound friends in New Orleans would meet in the evenings at his pharmacy. Pharmacies at this time were packed with alcohol and many pharmacists could be described primarily as bartenders. They would sip cognac mixed with bitters after their meals. This was the foundation of the New Orleans Sazerac cocktail and the beginning of the world’s best selling brand of bitters. As others began to serve the beverage, changes came and experimentation came quickly. Cognac was switched to Rye Whiskey, absinthe was added, and a twist of orange among many innovations. Everyone jumped on the bandwagon and many different versions of the popular drink emerged.

We will explore this history and more on the Nola Tour Guy Cocktail Tour. As we make our way casually through the French Quarter we will visit bars and talk about the history of these places and some fun facts. At each bar you will have the opportunity to grab a drink and mingle. This tour has been known to produce some friendships with other guests and in a few cases lifelong connections. You are encouraged to mingle, have fun, and of course maybe even learn a little something. Drinks are not included with the price of the tour and any drinks you want will have to be purchased. We advise that you have 1 drink per bar as you like or as few as you want. You do not have to get a drink at every bar that we visit. You can go at your own pace. And don’t forget, In New Orleans, drinks are taken to-go in disposable cups so if you are not finished when we move to the next bar it’s not a problem. Many of our guests count this among one of their favorite experiences in New Orleans and even bring their friends in later visits.
Each tour is a little different and we don’t visit the same bars every tour.

Napoleon House: A building once owned by a former mayor of New Orleans it was promised to Napoleon who didn’t live long enough to accept the gift. A great restaurant known for it’s Muffuletta and cocktails. Signature Cocktail: The Pimms cup

Bourbon O Bar: A hotel bar known for its nightly jazz and craft cocktails. Signature Drinks: The Sazerac, Ramos Gin Fizz, and a selection of Bourbons.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: One of the oldest bars in New Orleans housed in a French Colonial style building dating back to the late 18th century. Signature Cocktail: The Hurricane.

Mae Bailey’s Place: Once a bordello it now houses one of the most laid back atmospheres of any bar in the Quarter. Its Victorian decor is always a pleasure. They offer a variety of well made cocktails.

Pirate’s Alley Cafe: Once a hangout for prominent writers like William Faulkner the absinthe house in the alley has been a favorite of locals and visitors. Signature Drinks: Absinthe and The Green Pirate

If you are interested in a more casual and laid back exploration of the history of the French Quarter this tour is perfect for you. But don’t forget to always tip your bartenders!

Pirates Alley Cafe. 622 Pirates Aly, New Orleans, LA 70116-3233