New Orleans: Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour

Explore the vibrant flavors and rich culture of New Orleans on the Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour. Participants will master classic Creole dishes like jambalaya and pralines during a hands-on cooking session. Afterward, a guided tour through the historic French Quarter introduces iconic cocktails and their fascinating histories. With high customer satisfaction, this tour is a must for food and drink enthusiasts. What secrets await in the Big Easy?

This experience made our article of Which New Orleans Workshops & Classes To Choose? Our Best 13 Picks.

Key Points

• The tour provides a comprehensive introduction to New Orleans’ flavors and culture, including a cooking class and a guided walking tour.
• The cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking teaches participants to prepare classic Creole dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and pralines.
• The cocktail walking tour through the historic French Quarter allows guests to sample classic New Orleans cocktails while learning about their history.
• The overall tour experience is highly rated by reviewers, with the tour guide receiving praise for their insights.
• The tour is 4 hours long and costs $105.50 per person, with a minimum age requirement of 21 years old and free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

This tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the flavors and culture of New Orleans.

It starts with a cooking class where a professional chef teaches participants to prepare classic New Orleanian dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and pralines.

Afterward, a guided walking tour explores the historic French Quarter, where participants can sample iconic local cocktails.

The tour lasts 4 hours and costs $105.50 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The minimum age requirement is 21 years old.

Cooking Class Experience

The cooking class portion of the tour takes place at the renowned New Orleans School of Cooking. Here, visitors learn to prepare classic Creole dishes from a professional chef.

The class covers how to make jambalaya, gumbo, and pralines. Participants receive recipes and a custom spice packet to take home, allowing them to recreate the flavors of New Orleans in their own kitchens.

The hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of the region’s culinary traditions and techniques.

After the cooking class, guests are ready to explore the city’s historic French Quarter on the cocktail walking tour.

Jambalaya, Gumbo, and Pralines

After learning the techniques to prepare classic Creole dishes in the cooking class, participants dive into understanding the signature flavors of jambalaya, gumbo, and pralines. A demonstration on these iconic New Orleans dishes provides insight into the nuanced spices, proteins, and preparation methods that define their unique tastes.

| Dish | Key Ingredients | Preparation |

| — | — | — |

| Jambalaya | Andouille sausage, chicken, rice, Creole seasonings | One-pot rice dish, with vegetables sautéed first, then meat and rice added |

| Gumbo | Okra, chicken or seafood, roux, Creole seasonings | Stew-like dish, with a dark roux as the base |

| Pralines | Brown sugar, butter, pecans | Candy made by cooking sugar and butter, then folding in pecans

Recipes and Spice Packet

Participants receive a custom spice packet and a set of recipes to take home, allowing them to recreate the classic Creole dishes learned during the cooking class.

The spice blend is tailored to the recipes, making it easier for participants to capture the authentic flavors of New Orleans cuisine.

The recipes cover the signature dishes demonstrated, such as jambalaya, gumbo, and pralines.

With these materials, participants can continue their culinary journey and impress friends and family with their newfound Creole cooking skills long after the tour has ended.

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Cocktail Walking Tour

The second part of the tour takes participants on a guided cocktail walking tour through the historic French Quarter.

Sipping classic New Orleans cocktails, travelers stroll past the neighborhood’s iconic architecture. The tour guide shares the history behind beloved mixed drinks like the Sazerac and Ramos Gin Fizz.

Though some reviewers note fewer cocktails than expected, the walking portion allows guests to admire the picturesque French Quarter at their own pace. Additional drinks can be purchased along the route.

Historic Bars and Iconic Cocktails

As part of the tour, guests visit historic bars in the French Quarter and learn about the origins of classic New Orleans cocktails.

They’ll sip on iconic drinks like the Sazerac, a rye whiskey-based cocktail considered the oldest American cocktail. The tour also covers the story behind the Hurricane, a bright red rum-based drink served in a signature glass.

Guests can admire the ornate architecture and lively atmosphere of these timeless establishments while enjoying a taste of New Orleans’ rich cocktail culture.

The guide shares fascinating anecdotes about the city’s drinking history along the way.

Tour Logistics and Meeting Point

The New Orleans School of Cooking, located at 524 St Louis St, serves as the meeting point for this tour.

The New Orleans School of Cooking, located at 524 St Louis St, serves as the meeting point for this tour.

Participants must arrive at the school between 4pm and 4:15pm, where they’ll meet their tour guide and begin the experience. The tour is open to guests 21 and older, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Depending on the weather, hats and umbrellas may be necessary.

Once the group is assembled, they’ll embark on the first part of the tour – a cooking class led by a professional chef.

After the cooking demonstration, the tour transitions to a cocktail walking tour through the historic French Quarter.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

According to customer reviews, the overall experience received high marks, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars across 12 reviews.

Travelers praised the cooking demonstration, with one noting they "learned to make authentic New Orleans dishes."

However, the cocktail tour received mixed reviews, as some felt there were fewer cocktails than expected.

The tour guide received a rating of 4.3 out of 5, with one reviewer stating the guide "provided great insights."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Cooking Menu?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or gluten-free cooking menu. The tour provider offers accommodations for dietary restrictions, so you can enjoy the cooking class and experience the local flavors within your dietary needs.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Non-Drinkers?

The tour is not suitable for children or non-drinkers. It requires participants to be at least 21 years old and includes alcoholic beverages as part of the experience. Vegetarian or gluten-free options may be available upon request.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Tour?

Yes, additional food and drinks can be purchased during the tour. The listing states that drinks are available for purchase along the tour route, so travelers have the option to buy more than the 3 alcoholic beverages included.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Do a Private Session?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend or book a private session. However, travelers can purchase additional food and drinks along the tour route. The tour focuses on the set 4-hour experience outlined in the overview.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule the Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also book the tour and pay later if you need to reschedule.

The Sum Up

The Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour in New Orleans offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s vibrant culinary and cocktail culture. With a hands-on cooking class and a guided exploration of historic bars, this tour provides a well-rounded experience for food and drink enthusiasts. It’s an excellent way to discover the flavors and traditions that make New Orleans such a captivating destination.

You can check availability for your dates here: