New Orleans French Quarter Cocktail Tour

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Exploring the New Orleans French Quarter Cocktail Tour: A Detailed Review

If you’re headed to New Orleans and looking to combine a taste of local nightlife with a bit of history and culture, the French Quarter Cocktail Tour offered by Bon Moment LLC might just be your ideal pick. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and the detailed itinerary paint a picture of a lively, authentic experience that promises more than just your average bar crawl.

What truly stands out are the knowledgeable guides who bring the neighborhood’s stories to life, the chance to sample high-end craft cocktails at some of the city’s best hidden bars, and the opportunity to walk through the French Quarter while soaking up the stunning architecture. The inclusion of a quick bite offers a taste of iconic New Orleans flavors, rounding out the experience.

One thing to consider is that this tour is strictly 21 and older—it’s designed for adults wanting to explore nightlife safely with a guide. It’s also a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are a must. It’s perfect for groups celebrating a special occasion like a bachelor or bachelorette party, or anyone eager to experience NOLA’s cocktail culture beyond the tourist traps.

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Key Points

Authentic local experience with expert guides who share fascinating stories
Visit hidden gems and bars travelers often miss
Enjoy craft cocktails at renowned local venues
Walk through stunning architecture while sampling drinks
Includes a quick bite featuring iconic New Orleans flavors
Small group size (limited to 10) ensures personalized attention
Price offers good value considering the curated bar stops and food
Ends near the French Market, perfect for continuing your exploration

Looking for more options in New Orleans? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

An In-Depth Look at the French Quarter Cocktail Tour

Why this tour stands out

The French Quarter is famous worldwide for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and legendary bars. This tour aims to help you see beyond the crowded tourist spots and discover the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets. What makes it more appealing? The small group setting (capped at 10 participants) ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and the guided commentary adds cultural context that elevates the experience from a simple bar crawl.

The itinerary: a taste of what to expect

The tour kicks off at Arch Armstrong, a locally loved spot, setting the tone for what’s to come. From the start, your guide will introduce you to the area’s history and architecture, making the walk between stops both educational and visually stimulating. The guided tour segment (about 15 minutes) offers insights into the neighborhood’s fascinating past, giving you a grounding that enhances your bar visits.

Next, you’ll visit two local bars where you’ll sample iconic cocktails. The 20-minute and 10-minute stops are designed for relaxed tasting, giving bartenders room to impress with craft skills. These venues are carefully chosen for their quality and authenticity—far from the touristy spots, they’re beloved by locals for their ambiance and expert mixology.

Midway through, there’s a 25-minute walk through the streets of the French Quarter, allowing you to soak in the architecture and vibrant street life. This segment also doubles as a chance to spot interesting murals and historic buildings, making your drink stops even more enriching.

The tour pauses at a local café for a 15-minute taste of street food—think iconic NOLA flavors like muffuletta, crawfish, or beignets—delivering a quick, flavorful break amidst your tasting adventure. Food is included as part of the experience, which balances the alcohol with some hearty, authentic bites.

The final stops revisit some of the best local bars, with another 20-minute cocktail session to cap things off. Many guests, including one reviewer, praise the professional, humorous guides who keep the energy lively and informative throughout.

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What to expect from the drinks

Participants typically enjoy two classic New Orleans cocktails or local beers, with tips included for bartenders. The focus on high-quality craft cocktails means you’re likely to taste expertly mixed drinks that showcase local spirits and ingredients. The guides are adept at pairing drinks with the neighborhood’s vibe, making each sip memorable.

There's plenty more to explore in New Orleans

The guides: who makes this special?

According to reviews, the guides are knowledgeable and personable, blending historical tidbits with humor, making the tour both fun and educational. One reviewer, Christopher, called out the guide for being professional and humorous, highlighting how much this added to the enjoyment. Their familiarity with the local bar scene also means you get access to some hidden gems that aren’t on the usual tourist radar.

Practical details

The tour is priced at $95 per person, which strikes us as reasonable given the inclusion of three bars, a street food stop, and an engaging guide. You won’t need to worry about tipping your bartenders extra—tips are included in the price, and many guests choose to tip additionally for exceptional service.

It lasts approximately 3 hours, a perfect length for those who want a relaxed but enriching experience without feeling rushed. The tour departs rain or shine, so come prepared with comfortable shoes and an umbrella if needed. Since it ends near the French Market, you’ll be in a great spot to continue exploring or grab a late-night snack.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

This experience offers a well-rounded taste of New Orleans’ cocktail scene combined with cultural insight. Visitors will appreciate the careful selection of bars that emphasize quality and authenticity over touristy gimmicks. The inclusion of local bites balances the drinking, giving your taste buds a true NOLA flavor.

The tour’s emphasis on small group size ensures a personal, engaging atmosphere, ideal for travelers seeking a lively yet intimate outing. The knowledgeable guides are praised not just for their expertise but also for their humor and friendliness—making your time in the French Quarter more than just a drink crawl, but a memorable cultural experience.

Who will love this?

This tour is perfect for adults eager to explore New Orleans’ nightlife with a guide who can share local stories. It’s especially suited for group celebrations, like bachelor or bachelorette parties, or couples looking for a fun, interactive way to see the city. If you’re someone who appreciates craft cocktails and wants a taste of hidden local gems, this experience will fit your vibe.

Who might want to skip it?

Travelers with mobility issues might find the walking aspects challenging, as it involves some strolling through the neighborhood. Also, if you’re under 21, this tour isn’t suitable, given the alcohol-focused nature.

Final Thoughts: The Value of the French Quarter Cocktail Tour

This tour offers a delicate balance of fun, education, and authentic local flavor. It’s a curated experience that prioritizes quality over quantity, providing participants with a genuine taste of New Orleans’ cocktail craft and neighborhood charm. The inclusion of street food, the focus on hidden bars, and the engaging guides make it stand out among typical nightlife options.

For those who want to see the French Quarter through the eyes of a local, enjoy expertly crafted drinks, and learn stories behind the sips, this tour delivers. It’s priced fairly considering the curated stops and personalized attention, making it a worthwhile addition to your NOLA itinerary.

Whether you’re visiting for a special celebration or just want to elevate your understanding of New Orleans’ drink culture, this experience is sure to leave you with a few new favorite cocktails and many stories to tell.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
No, the tour is strictly for those 21 and older, and it involves sampling alcohol at multiple stops. If you’re not drinking, this might not be the best fit.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 3 hours, making it a comfortable, yet engaging outing.

Are tips included?
Yes, tips for bartenders are included in the price. It’s customary to tip extra if you feel the service warrants it.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Arch Armstrong at the intersection of St Ann & N Rampart St and ends near the French Market, close to the initial meeting point.

Is there a dress code?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since it’s a walking tour. There’s no strict dress code, but casual, city-appropriate attire is best.

What’s included in the ticket price?
You get three hours of guided bar visits, entry into music venues, a street food stop, and two cocktails or local beers with tips.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for your plans.

Is the tour suitable for groups?
Absolutely, it’s especially great for groups celebrating special occasions or just looking for a fun, social experience.

What should I bring?
Bring a passport or ID for proof of age and comfortable shoes for walking. An umbrella might be handy in case of rain.

In essence, the French Quarter Cocktail Tour is a charming, well-curated way to enjoy the best of New Orleans’ nightlife, history, and flavors—all in a friendly, small-group setting.