The Scandalous Cocktail Hour Tour in New Orleans offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s notorious past. Delving into the lives of pirates, mobsters, and brothel owners, this 2.5-hour journey immerses guests in the vibrant cocktail culture that has shaped the city’s identity. With knowledgeable guides and a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour promises an engaging and enriching experience for those fascinated by the city’s colorful history. The captivating storytelling and local cocktail tastings make this tour a must-consider for visitors seeking to uncover the scandalous side of New Orleans.
Key Points

- Explore New Orleans’ scandalous history, including tales of notorious pirates, mobsters, and madams, on a 2.5-hour Cocktail Hour Tour.
- Discover the origins of famous cocktails like the Sazerac and learn about the city’s vibrant drinking culture while sampling iconic local libations.
- Engage with engaging storytelling from knowledgeable guides to enhance your understanding of New Orleans’ rich and colorful history.
- Experience the seedy underbelly of the French Quarter and explore the city’s dark tales of murder and debauchery.
- Enjoy a maximum of 15 travelers and an average rating of 4.2 out of 58 reviews for the Scandalous Cocktail Hour Tour.
Tour Overview

The "Scandalous Cocktail Hour Tour" is a 2.5-hour experience that takes visitors on a journey through New Orleans’ storied past.
Operated by Historic New Orleans Tours, the tour explores the city’s infamous history, visiting old brothels and historic bars. Participants can learn about local cocktails like the Sazerac and have the opportunity to order drinks at multiple locations.
The tour is led by a local guide who provides insights and tips for exploring the city. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour is priced from $25.00 per person and has an average rating of 4.2 based on 58 reviews.
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Exploring New Orleans’ History

What does the "Scandalous Cocktail Hour Tour" reveal about New Orleans’ history?
The tour delves into the city’s scandalous past, exposing the stories of infamous characters that have shaped its legacy. Guests are taken to old brothels and historic bars, where they learn about:
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The city’s notorious pirates, mobsters, and madams who once ruled the streets.
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The origins of famous local cocktails like the Sazerac.
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The dark tales of murder and debauchery that occurred within these historic establishments.
Through the guide’s engaging storytelling, visitors gain a vivid understanding of New Orleans’ scandalous history and its lasting influence on the city’s vibrant culture.
Infamous Characters of the Past
As the Scandalous Cocktail Hour Tour ventures into New Orleans’ past, it unveils the captivating stories of the city’s most infamous characters.
Guests learn about notorious pirates, ruthless mobsters, and scandalous madams who once populated the French Quarter. The tour recounts the tales of these individuals, painting a vivid picture of the city’s seedy underbelly.
From the cunning exploits of pirate Jean Lafitte to the ruthless reign of mobster Ignatius Macaroni, each story captivates the audience.
These legendary figures and their exploits have become an integral part of New Orleans’ rich and colorful history.
Cocktail Culture of the City
Alongside the captivating histories of New Orleans’ infamous characters, the Scandalous Cocktail Hour Tour also immerses guests in the city’s renowned cocktail culture.
Participants learn about legendary local libations, including:
- The classic Sazerac, considered the oldest known American cocktail
- The refreshing Ramos Gin Fizz, a frothy specialty created in the late 1800s
- The potent Vieux Carré, a Bourbon-based concoction that pays homage to the French Quarter
Throughout the tour, guests have the opportunity to sample these iconic drinks at historic bars, gaining insight into the traditions and evolution of New Orleans’ vibrant drinking scene.
Guided Insights and Recommendations
The Scandalous Cocktail Hour Tour provides guests with valuable insights from knowledgeable local guides who offer a wealth of information about New Orleans’ captivating history and vibrant cocktail culture.
These experienced guides, such as Leonce and Donald, engage participants with their entertaining and insightful storytelling, transporting them through the city’s past of infamous characters and scandalous events.
The tour is recommended for visitors seeking an immersive and enjoyable way to explore New Orleans, particularly those interested in the city’s notorious history and renowned cocktail scene.
However, guests should confirm meeting details and arrive on time to avoid potential cancellations or delays.
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Tour Inclusions and Accessibility

The Scandalous Cocktail Hour Tour includes a local guide who provides insights into the city’s history and culture.
The tour experience also includes:
- Opportunities to order drinks at multiple historic bars and establishments
- Gratuities for the guide
- Appropriate attire for the weather conditions
However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided.
Guests are advised to confirm meeting details and arrive on time to avoid potential cancellations.
The tour aims to offer an informative and engaging exploration of New Orleans’ scandalous past and vibrant cocktail scene.
Guest Feedback and Experiences

What do reviews reveal about the Scandalous Cocktail Hour Tour? Travelers generally praise the knowledgeable and entertaining guides, such as Leonce and Donald, whose engaging storytelling enriches the experience. Visitors highlight the informative content and enjoyable nature of the tour. However, some critiques note issues with guide no-shows, delays, and an unstructured tour flow, leading to dissatisfaction.
| Positive Experiences | Negative Experiences | Overall Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledgeable guides | Guide no-shows | Recommended for visitors |
| Engaging storytelling | Tour delays | Interested in city’s history |
| Informative content | Unstructured flow | Confirm meeting details |
The tour appears well-suited for those seeking a fun and informative exploration of New Orleans’ scandalous history and cocktail culture.
Who Should Consider This Tour
Visitors seeking a fun and informative exploration of New Orleans’ scandalous history and cocktail culture would find the Scandalous Cocktail Hour Tour well-suited to their interests.
This tour offers:
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An opportunity to uncover the city’s sordid past, from infamous pirates and mobsters to notorious madams and murderers.
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Insight into the origins and evolution of classic New Orleans cocktails, such as the iconic Sazerac.
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The chance to visit historic bars and former brothels, further immersing participants in the city’s colorful and captivating history.
The tour’s knowledgeable local guides provide a balanced and engaging experience, making it an ideal choice for those eager to explore New Orleans’ most scandalous stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages?
The tour provider typically does not allow participants to bring their own alcoholic beverages. Guests are expected to purchase drinks at the establishments visited during the guided tour experience. Bringing outside alcohol may be prohibited or could disrupt the planned itinerary.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour may not be suitable for children due to its focus on the city’s scandalous history and opportunities to order alcoholic drinks. It is recommended for adult travelers interested in exploring New Orleans’ cocktail culture and adult-oriented experiences.
Are Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour operator does not appear to offer any discounts for seniors or students based on the information provided. Pricing is listed as a flat rate per person without any mentioned concessions or reduced fares for specific groups.
Can I Reschedule My Tour at the Last Minute?
Rescheduling tours at the last minute is generally not allowed and may incur additional fees. Customers should review the tour’s cancellation policy and contact the tour operator as soon as possible if they need to modify their reservation.
What Happens if the Tour Is Cancelled Due to Weather?
In the event of inclement weather, the tour operator typically offers a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule the tour for another date. Customers should check the operator’s cancellation policy for specific details on weather-related cancellations.
The Sum Up
The Scandalous Cocktail Hour Tour offers a captivating exploration of New Orleans’ vibrant history and culture, blending immersive storytelling with the city’s renowned cocktail scene. With engaging guides, intimate group sizes, and a focus on the infamous figures and establishments of the past, this tour provides an enriching experience for those seeking to explore the city’s colorful and scandalous legacy.
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