New Orleans didn’t just invent cocktails—it perfected them. From absinthe-soaked classics to frozen drinks that should come with a warning label, this New Orleans cocktail crawl takes you through the city’s most historic bars and iconic drinks, many of which were born just steps from where you’ll sip them today.
This crawl is best tackled over multiple days (trust us), but whether you pace yourself or power through, this is a bucket-list experience for cocktail lovers visiting New Orleans.
718 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116
Drink: Hurricane
Home of the original Hurricane cocktail, invented in the 1940s.
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70130
Drink: Sazerac
500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Drink: Pimm’s Cup
813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Drink: French 75
214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Drink: Vieux Carré
240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Drink: Absinthe Frappe
417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Drink: Brandy Milk Punch
725 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Drink: Café Brulot
429 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Drink: Grasshopper
1026 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Drink: Brandy Crusta
339 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Drink: Ramos Gin Fizz
321 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Drink: Latitude 29
1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Drink: Modern Bombo
733 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Drink: Conjure
941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Drink:Voo Doo Daiquiri
721 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Drink: Hand Granade
🗺️ How to Do This Crawl
Neighborhoods: French Quarter + CBD
Best Time: Afternoon into evening
Tip: Eat between stops and hydrate like it’s your job
1. Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s
📍 718 St Peter St
⏰ Noon–Midnight (later on weekends)
The Hurricane was invented right here in the 1940s when rum was cheaper than whiskey. Served in a curved glass and dangerously drinkable, this is a New Orleans rite of passage. Sit in the courtyard or if you can snag a seat in the dueling Piano Bar.
Don’t miss: The flaming fountain courtyard
2. Sazerac at The Sazerac Bar – Roosevelt Hotel
📍 101 Magazine St
⏰ 11:00 AM–6:00 PM daily
Believed to be the first cocktail ever, the Sazerac is New Orleans’ official drink. Rye, Peychaud’s bitters, sugar, and absinthe—simple and iconic.
Pro tip: Dress code leans polished
3. Pimm’s Cup at Napoleon House
📍 500 Chartres St
⏰ 11:00 AM–10:00 PM daily
Though it originated in London, the Pimm’s Cup became a New Orleans staple thanks to Napoleon House. Light, refreshing, and perfect for daytime crawling.
Pair with: A muffuletta
4. French 75 at Arnaud’s French 75 Bar
📍 813 Bienville St
⏰ Evenings Mon–Sat, Brunch Sundays
Gin, lemon, sugar, and Champagne—elegant and celebratory. While created in Paris, this version was perfected here. Pro tip: make a reservation at the restaurant and order the classic French 75 at the table.
Vibe: Old-world glamour and dress to impress.
5. Vieux Carré at Carousel Bar – Hotel Monteleone
📍 214 Royal St
⏰ 11:00 AM–Midnight
Created in 1938, the Vieux Carré is a bold mix of rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and bitters—best enjoyed while the bar slowly spins.
Sit-down required: Yes, and it’s worth the wait. We stayed here during our last trip and did the Carousel Bar tour experience at 10 am which gives you a seat, tour, and a drink. You are able to stay once the bar opens to the public.
6. Absinthe Frappe at Old Absinthe House
📍 240 Bourbon St
⏰ Early morning–late night
Invented in 1874, this icy absinthe cocktail is surprisingly refreshing and deeply historic. If Absinthe, imagine black licorice, is not your thing split one with a friend.
Look for: Napoleon’s alleged escape route upstairs
7. Brandy Milk Punch at Brennan’s Roost Bar
📍 417 Royal St
⏰ Morning–Evening
Creamy, boozy, and best enjoyed before noon. Brennan’s perfected this version in the 1940s, and it remains unmatched. Order in the bar or during brunch at the table.
Best time: Breakfast or brunch
Wanderer Block: “Morning Cocktail” tag
8. Café Brulot Diabolique at Antoine’s Hermes Bar
📍 713 St Louis St
⏰ Lunch & Dinner hours
Flamed tableside with brandy, citrus, cloves, and coffee, this dramatic after-dinner drink dates back to the 1890s. Order at the table for a show to end an amazing dinner.
Must see: The lighting ceremony
9. Grasshopper at Tujague’s
📍 429 Decatur St
⏰ Brunch–Dinner
Sweet, minty, and dessert-like, the Grasshopper was invented here in 1918. Tujague’s (pronounced two jacks) is also home to the oldest stand-up bar in America. Order in the bar or during brunch at the table.
Fun fact: Birthplace of brunch…which we did on Mardi Gras day!
10. Brandy Crusta at Jewel of the South
📍 1026 St Louis St
⏰ Evenings (Closed Wed/Fri/Sat)
Invented here in 1850, the Brandy Crusta is a true New Orleans original—and the bar itself won the 2024 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar.
We tried to visit three times and they were closed each time so double check their hours.
11. Ramos Gin Fizz at Baroness on Baronne
📍 339 Baronne St
⏰ Wed–Sun evenings
This famously labor-intensive cocktail dates back to 1888. Baroness on Baronne honors tradition—and has a hidden Secreto Room speakeasy. Booking the speakeasy makes a nice escape during Mardi Gras. If you are not here during carnival we would skip this stop.
Vibe: Elegant + intimate
12. Latitude 29 at Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29
📍 321 N Peters St
⏰ Afternoon–Evening
The signature drink of tiki legend Beachbum Berry himself, Latitude 29 is immersive, escapist, and dangerously strong. We love Tiki so we needed to include this bar!
13. Modern Bombo at Cane & Table
📍 1113 Decatur St
⏰ Evenings
A rum-forward riff on a colonial classic, finished with fresh nutmeg. Bold, balanced, and underrated.
Pair with: Caribbean-inspired small plates
14. Conjure at Potions Lounge (Vampire Speakeasy)
📍 Secret location via Boutique du Vampire
⏰ 5:00 PM–1:00 AM
This is New Orleans at its weirdest—and best. Follow the password ritual to access this hidden vampire bar and order the Conjure.
How to get into Potions Lounge (the Vampire Speakeasy) enter Boutique Du Vampire (10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Daily) near the corner of St. Anne & Royal and ask a staff member “Do you have any potions?” They will give you a password. Once you have the password go to Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub (11:00 AM to 2:00 AM Monday – Saturday, 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Sunday & 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM Monday) and tell the doorman “A vampire sent me” and give him the password that you received from the employee at Boutique Du Vampire to gain entrance into Potions Lounge.
15. Voo Doo Daiquiri at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
📍 941 Bourbon St
⏰ 10:00 AM–3:00 AM
Known as The Purple Drank, this frozen classic packs a punch—especially if you opt for Everclear.
Atmosphere: Candlelit, historic, chaotic the later you go…but that’s half the experience.
16. Hand Grenade at Tropical Isle
📍 721 Bourbon St
⏰ Noon–Late
Invented for the 1984 World’s Fair, this neon-green monster is New Orleans’ most infamous drink. Served in a grenade-shaped souvenir cup—and yes, it’s as strong as its reputation.
One-and-done warning: VERY real, Safety Disclaimer
🥂 Final Tips for Your New Orleans Cocktail Crawl
- Pace yourself—this crawl is meant to be split over days
- Eat often (New Orleans food deserves equal attention)
- Walk when possible, rideshare when necessary
- Hydrate between cocktails
Planning more Crescent City adventures? Explore all of our New Orleans travel guides on The Tipsy Terrier, including our takes on Mardi Gras balcony parties on Bourbon Street, a deep dive into Dakar NOLA, best place to stay in the French Quarter, Bloody Mary’s Supernatural Ghost Hunt, Creole Classic Restaurants, Best Things to do in New Orleans beyond Bourbon Street, and our insider experience with the Krewe of Orpheus.
Cheers, Amy and Kirk!
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