New Orleans: Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour

A Taste of New Orleans: Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour

Imagine spending an afternoon in the heart of the French Quarter, learning how to cook authentic Louisiana dishes from a professional chef, then strolling through historic bars hearing the stories behind classic cocktails. For $74 per person, this 4-hour experience offers a lively mix of culinary education and spirited history, guided by engaging local experts.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines hands-on cooking with a walk through iconic bars, giving you a full flavor of what makes New Orleans so unique—its food, its drinks, and the stories behind them. Plus, you’ll get recipes to take home, so you can impress your friends long after you’ve returned home.

One potential consideration is that the tour ends at a jazz pub, so if you’re not a big jazz fan or prefer a quieter evening, it might not be perfect for you. Also, as with any walking tour, comfortable shoes are a must because sidewalks can be uneven.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want an interactive, authentic taste of New Orleans—foodies, cocktail enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the city’s drinks and dishes. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides and want a good mix of activity and culture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Cooking Experience: Learn recipes from a professional chef and take home your own culinary creations.
• Historic Cocktail Tour: Visit some of the oldest bars and discover the stories behind classic New Orleans cocktails.
• All-Inclusive: Includes food samples, two cocktails, and recipes, offering great value.
• Engaging Guides: Guides like Kimberly and Harriet enhance the experience with their knowledge and humor.
• Flexible & Convenient: Tour is 4 hours, typically in the afternoon, with optional additional drinks available.
• Accessible & Easy: Wheelchair accessible and suitable for ages 21+.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point: The Cooking Class

Your journey begins at the New Orleans School of Cooking on St. Louis Street. Here, a professional chef leads a lively demonstration, showing you how to prepare dishes that are staples of Louisiana cuisine. We loved the way the chef explained techniques with humor and clarity, making the process approachable even if your cooking skills are limited. During the demonstration, you’ll sample jambalaya, gumbo, and pralines—all delicious, hearty, and representative of local flavors.

The opportunity to ask questions during the cooking is a highlight, and the recipes provided afterward serve as a practical souvenir to recreate these dishes at home. The sampling during the class is generous, and included beverages like coffee, iced tea, and local Abita beer add to the relaxed, enjoyable vibe.

Shopping & Transition: The General Store

After the cooking demonstration, you’ll have a few moments to browse the General Store, which offers a discount to tour participants and a custom spice packet—a perfect way to take a piece of New Orleans home with you.

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The Cocktail Walking Tour: Behind the Bar

Once the cooking segment wraps up, your guide will pick you up for the second part of the adventure—visiting historic bars that have helped shape the city’s cocktail culture. The focus is on stories behind iconic drinks, like the Sazerac, believed to be America’s first cocktail, invented in 1838. Guides like Bob are well-versed in local lore and history, offering more than just a drink list—they tell you how these cocktails evolved and their significance to New Orleans.

The tour includes two full cocktails, with the possibility of purchasing more at various stops. The bars visited tend to be historic and atmospheric, giving you a real sense of the city’s drinking traditions. As one reviewer notes, “The bars he took us too were very nice and the final one was a jazz club,” adding a musical touch to the experience.

The Final Stop: Fritzels European Jazz Pub

The tour culminates at Fritzels, a European-style jazz pub where live music fills the air. It’s a lively, soulful end to your 4-hour journey, wrapped in a nostalgic, musical atmosphere. If you’re a jazz fan or simply appreciate a vibrant environment, this is a great place to soak in the local scene.

What Travelers Say

Overall, reviews are very positive—4.7 out of 5 from 15 participants. Many praise the knowledgeable guides, especially mentioning how guides like Kimberly and Harriet add personality and depth to the experience. One reviewer sums it up: “Harriet was very funny and knowledgeable,” highlighting how guide engagement makes a difference.

Food quality and the storytelling behind the cocktails also garner praise, though some mention that the cocktail portion could be slightly more comprehensive—”only 2 out of 3 cocktails provided,” as one noted. Still, most find the value well worth the price, considering the included recipes, tastings, and entertainment.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

The tour starts at the School of Cooking in the French Quarter—a convenient location close to many hotels and attractions. It’s a walkable experience, but note that sidewalks can be uneven, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Since the tour is about 4 hours typically in the afternoon, it fits well into a leisurely day of exploring.

Participants must be 21 or older to enjoy the cocktail portion, and the tour includes all taxes and gratuities on drinks, making it straightforward and stress-free. The ability to request a “to-go” cup for unfinished drinks adds flexibility—particularly if you want to continue enjoying your cocktails elsewhere.

Analyzing Value and Suitability

At $74, the experience offers solid value considering the comprehensive nature—cooking, tastings, recipes, multiple bar stops, and live music. For anyone interested in local cuisine and drinks, this tour provides more than just a superficial overview. The opportunity to see historic bars and learn about NOLA’s cocktail inventions adds depth that self-guided bar hopping cannot match.

This experience is especially appealing for food lovers and those who appreciate storytelling about their drinks and dishes. It’s ideal for travelers who want a guided, educational, yet relaxed way to enjoy the city’s culinary and cocktail heritage.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking an engaging, flavorful way to explore New Orleans’ culinary scene, this combined cooking and cocktail tour hits many right notes. You’ll get hands-on experience with local dishes, learn about the city’s legendary cocktails, and finish with some lively jazz—an authentic slice of NOLA culture.

This tour particularly suits those who value guided storytelling, delicious food, and historic ambiance. It’s not just about tasting; it’s about understanding why New Orleans is considered one of America’s most distinctive culinary hubs. If you love a mix of interactive learning, cultural stories, and good drinks, this experience will satisfy.

While it might not be the best fit for travelers who prefer a quiet evening or are strictly looking for a self-guided bar crawl, it excels at providing a curated, friendly, and memorable introduction to New Orleans’ food and beverage traditions.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour focuses on classic Louisiana dishes and cocktails; specific dietary restrictions aren’t detailed. We recommend asking the tour provider directly if vegetarian options are available during the cooking class.

How physical is the tour?
The tour involves walking on uneven sidewalks and streets, so comfortable shoes are advised. The overall pace is relaxed, but be prepared for some standing and walking between stops.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, the ticket price covers two full cocktails and all taxes and gratuities for drinks. You can purchase additional beverages at the bars during the tour.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol?
Since the tour includes two full cocktails and is for 21+ only, it’s not suitable for non-drinkers or minors.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 4 hours, usually scheduled in the afternoon.

Is transportation provided?
No, the tour is a walking experience beginning at the School of Cooking and progressing to various bars, so comfortable shoes and readiness for a bit of walking are necessary.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers flexibility for changing travel plans.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid driver’s license for age verification. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are also recommended.

In essence, this tour provides a lively, tasty, and authentic peek into what makes New Orleans a culinary and cocktail lover’s paradise. Whether you’re in town for a few days or just passing through, it’s a delightful way to connect with the city’s flavors and stories.

You can check availability for your dates here: