Enjoy French Quarter courtyards, classic cocktails, and entertaining history!

The word “cocktail” originated in New Orleans. In a city that fosters creativity and breathes inspiration, it’s no wonder the history is so closely entwined with a culinary culture. On this tour, you’ll drink in the rich history of the city as you explore the French Quarter, where the hour is always happy.

Kick off your tour with a Steamboat NATCHEZ Jazz Punch as you take in the sights of the Mississippi River. Then you’ll make your way to the Court of Two Sisters’ Carriageway Bar, a restaurant world famous for its jazz brunch, courtyard canopied by a 130 year old wisteria vine, and charm gates that were wrought in Spain and blessed by Queen Isabella.

Then you’ll relax in the former residence* of Antoine Peychaud, the Creole apothecary who prescribed and dispensed his patented herbal Peychaud’s Bitters, which would later become the key ingredient in the Sazerac, America’s first cocktail and the official cocktail of New Orleans.

At the intersection of two cobblestone alleys in the shadows of the St. Louis Cathedral, is a legendary pirate hangout. There you’ll meet the “green fairy” known as Absinthe, the mystical herbal elixir that induced intoxicating creativity in many authors, artists, poets and musicians.

There’s nothing like soul-stirring jazz to raise your spirits. Your tour ends on a high note at Fritzel’s, not your typical dive bar. This jazz pub features the who’s who of New Orleans jazz, drawing jazz aficionados from around the world. You’re welcome to stay for the show, then walk to dinner at one of many fine French Quarter restaurants nearby.

If you don’t finish your drink, ask for a “to go cup.” Here, it’s easy to forget you’re on a tour because this is history with a twist!

You must be 21+ to take this tour.

Please note, Gray Line New Orleans partners with a dozen locally owned establishments for this tour and reserves the right to substitute locations and cocktails based on nightly events.