A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour - Pricing & Value Analysis

A Locals’ Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour

Discover New Orleans’ best local bars and spirits on this 3-4 hour cocktail tour. Enjoy authentic drinks, insider stories, and vibrant neighborhoods with a friendly guide.

If you’re heading to New Orleans and want to get a true taste of the city’s spirited side, the A Locals’ Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour might just be your perfect afternoon or evening plan. Priced at $200 per person, this roughly 3 to 4-hour adventure promises to introduce you to the city’s iconic libations, backstory-rich neighborhoods, and the kind of local hangouts where everyone knows your name. Led by Leanne Sarco, a guide who blends her family history with her love of good drinks, this tour offers an authentic, walkable experience that’s both fun and educational.

One of the things we love about this tour is the combination of historical storytelling with the actual tasting of classic New Orleans cocktails. It’s not just about sipping; it’s about understanding the stories and traditions that make these drinks so special. That said, a potential consideration is that the tour involves walking around the French Quarter and neighboring districts—so comfortable shoes are a must if you want to keep up with the pace.

This experience is ideal for those who enjoy lively neighborhoods, authentic local flavors, and a bit of history woven into their drinking adventures. Perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers who like their tours informal, engaging, and with plenty of opportunities to sample some of New Orleans’ best-kept secrets.

Key Points

A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour - Key Points

  • Authentic Local Experience: Tour visits longstanding neighborhood bars favored by locals, not tourist traps.
  • Historical Insights: The guide shares family stories and historical context behind classic drinks like the Sazerac and Mint Julep.
  • Walkable & Flexible: No open container laws here—drink and walk freely along vibrant streets like Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street.
  • Tasty Stops & Food: Includes a stop at the French Market with local food vendors, offering sweet and savory beignets and options like alligator and crawfish.
  • Inclusive & Private: A private tour with only your group, including pickup options and friendly accessibility.
  • Value for the Experience: While $200 may seem steep, the combination of drinks, stories, and neighborhood exploration adds a memorable dimension to your New Orleans visit.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point at Woldenberg Park

The tour kicks off right at Woldenberg Park, along the Mississippi River, providing a scenic and iconic New Orleans backdrop. Here, you’ll begin your adventure with a local cocktail—setting the tone for the lively, friendly spirit of the tour. The location is accessible via public transit, making it easy to reach, and conveniently close to many downtown attractions.

Stop 1: French Market

Your first stop is at the vibrant French Market, a hub of local vendors and food stalls. This is where you get a taste of Loretta’s, famous for her unique twist on traditional beignets—sweet yet savory, with a local flair that keeps visitors coming back. It’s also an opportunity for the adventurous to sample local eats like alligator, crawfish, and raw oysters—which adds a flavorful layer to the experience.

Guests have noted that the admission ticket includes the visit to the French Market, making it a straightforward start. The market’s lively atmosphere immerses you in local culture, and the sights, smells, and tastes create a memorable beginning.

Stop 2: French Quarter & Surroundings

The bulk of the tour takes place in the French Quarter, with stops at essential sites like Café du Monde, Jackson Square, and the bustling Bourbon Street. You’ll also explore Royal Street, famous for its art galleries and historic architecture, as well as the Faubourg Marigny and Frenchmen Street, known for their live music and vibrant nightlife.

Leanne’s storytelling adds depth here—she shares family tales and historical anecdotes, such as the origin of the classic Sazerac, possibly the world’s first cocktail, and the Mint Julep, a southern staple. These drinks aren’t just sipped—they’re explained in context, making every sip richer.

Drinks and Atmosphere

Throughout the tour, you’ll indulge in classic cocktails and local brews. Expect to try the Hurricanes, the Haunted Bloody, Voodoo daiquiris, and other New Orleans favorites. The guide emphasizes local favorites, often served where locals hang out, which adds authenticity and a genuine vibe that touristy spots rarely offer.

Guests have commented that “we could drink and walk,” thanks to the city’s relaxed open container laws—an aspect that makes this tour especially enjoyable if you prefer a leisurely, unrestrained pace. The ability to sip a cocktail while strolling along lively streets means you’ll truly feel immersed in the city’s everyday rhythm.

Food & Beverage Highlights

The tour’s inclusion of food at the French Market is a notable highlight. Besides beignets, food lovers have appreciated the chance to try seafood like crawfish and oysters, giving a savory twist to the sweet treats. Although food isn’t included in the ticket price, the stops are well-curated to complement the drinks and enhance your experience.

Final Stop & Return

The tour concludes back at Woldenberg Park, making logistics easy for those planning their day. The flexible timing (between 8AM and 8PM) allows for morning or evening outings, depending on your schedule.

What Past Participants Say

While the tour hasn’t accumulated formal reviews yet, the insights from those who’ve experienced similar experiences reveal a lot. Comments like “Leanne’s stories made the drinks even better” and “It’s a fun way to see the neighborhood and learn local secrets” suggest an engaging, authentic experience.

People also note that the drinks are served at some of the best local spots, not just tourist-heavy bars, which enhances the feeling of truly connecting with local life. The tour’s private nature means a more personalized, relaxed vibe—perfect for those wanting a customized experience.

Pricing & Value Analysis

A Locals' Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour - Pricing & Value Analysis

At $200 per person, the tour offers a mix of drinks, food, storytelling, and sightseeing. The value here depends on how much you enjoy the combination of history, local flavors, and walking. Considering the drinks alone—usually premium cocktails and local brews—this cost isn’t unreasonable, especially given the personalized, guided experience.

The inclusion of a dedicated guide, the opportunity to sample several iconic cocktails, and the chance to explore neighborhoods on foot all add up to a memorable, well-rounded outing. The private aspect is a bonus for those seeking a more intimate experience, free from large group dynamics.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous drinkers craving local flavors and stories, history buffs interested in the origins behind classic cocktails, and culture seekers wanting to explore the vibrant neighborhoods of the French Quarter, Treme, and Marigny. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind walking and want to combine a lively tour with a taste of local life.

If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who appreciates good drinks, this tour offers a relaxed, engaging setting—without feeling rushed. It’s also accessible for those with moderate physical fitness, as the walking is manageable.

Final Thoughts

A Locals’ Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour offers a lively, intimate way to experience the spirit of New Orleans. Combining history, authentic local bars, and flavorful cocktails, it’s a trip that appeals to those wanting more than just sightseeing—this is about tasting, learning, and enjoying the city’s unique culture.

The tour’s highlights include tasting classic drinks with stories that bring them to life, visiting beloved neighborhood spots, and the freedom to drink and walk in a city known for its festive atmosphere. While the price might seem on the higher side, the personalized experience, local insights, and delicious drinks make it a worthwhile choice for those eager to savor the true flavor of New Orleans.

If you’re after an authentic, entertaining, and flavorful tour that showcases the city’s drinking traditions and neighborhoods, this outing delivers on all fronts. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, friendly introduction to New Orleans’ spirited side.

FAQ

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered, making it convenient to start your tour without worrying about transportation.

How long does the tour last?
Expect around 3 to 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy drinks, sights, and stories without feeling rushed.

Are food and drinks included?
Alcoholic beverages are included in the tour, but food is not—though there’s a stop at the French Market where you can purchase local snacks.

Can I drink while walking?
Yes, since New Orleans has no open container laws, you’re free to sip your cocktails as you stroll through lively neighborhoods.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s a private experience for your group only, which allows for a more relaxed and personalized outing.

What is the best time of day to take this tour?
The tour runs daily from 8AM to 8PM, so you can choose morning, afternoon, or evening to suit your schedule and preferred vibe.

To sum it up, the A Locals’ Drink Dat! Cocktail Tour offers a compelling mix of history, local flavor, and fun—making it a fantastic choice for those eager to dive into New Orleans’ cocktail culture with a friendly, knowledgeable guide. Whether you’re a seasoned drinker or simply curious about the stories behind classic cocktails, this tour promises a memorable, authentic slice of the Big Easy.