Is this cooking class hands-on?

The cooking session is a demonstration only; there is no hands-on participation.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Cocktails are included during the walking tour, but gratuities and additional drinks are not.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is accessible for those with limited mobility.

Where does the cocktail tour start?

The walking cocktail tour departs from the Light House at Toulouse Street near the Mississippi River.

What if I’m staying outside the French Quarter?

You’ll need to make your way to the cooking school independently, as hotel pick-up is not provided.

Are children allowed on this tour?

This experience is designed for guests aged 21 and older due to the alcohol component.

Culinary & Cocktail Tour with New Orleans Steamboat Company

New Orleans’ French Quarter is a vibrant crossroads of history, culture, and cuisine, where every street corner tells a story as rich as a well-seasoned gumbo. The New Orleans Steamboat Company harnesses this energy with their New Orleans School of Cooking experience—a masterful fusion of culinary tradition and spirited local libations. This tour places visitors at the epicenter of southern gastronomy in a way that is both approachable and deeply immersive.

Set in the heart of New Orleans, this experience begins inside a professional kitchen where a seasoned chef demystifies Louisiana’s iconic dishes—jambalaya, gumbo, and the sweet praline among them. Unlike typical cooking classes, this is a demonstration style session, designed to captivate with vivid explanations and generous tastings rather than hands-on cooking. Guests receive custom spice packets and recipes, sparking a desire to recreate these dishes beyond the trip.

Once palates are primed, the adventure continues with a walking cocktail tour weaving through the French Quarter’s intricate maze of wrought-iron balconies, vivid facades, and historic bars. This guided stroll uncovers the Big Easy’s celebrated drinks—from the classic Sazerac to refreshing mint juleps—against the backdrop of a neighborhood where every cobblestone whispers decades of jazz and revelry.

What makes this offering distinctive is the seamless blend of flavors and context: culinary heritage meets architectural charm meets social tradition. It’s a cultural immersion that transcends the usual tourist experience while remaining accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. The New Orleans Steamboat Company's expert guides ensure that every moment feels authentic and informative.

This combination of taste, history, and colorful local character makes the New Orleans School of Cooking an indispensable stop for anyone seeking a genuine taste of New Orleans beyond the expected. Whether you’re a food lover or a curious traveler, it’s a flavorful journey that lingers long after the last sip.

About New Orleans Steamboat Company

New Orleans Steamboat Company operates historic riverboat cruises and guided excursions based in New Orleans, Louisiana. The company offers a range of Mississippi River sightseeing and jazz cruises aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS and seasonal sailings on the Steamboat NATCHEZ, plus swamp, plantation, walking, and specialty small-group tours.

Cruise experiences include daytime and evening sightseeing jazz cruises with live music performed by the Dukes of Dixieland, multiple dinner seating options with Creole buffets or plated lunches, brunch sailings, seasonal party packages, and holiday-themed departures such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve events. Land-based offerings include swamp and airboat adventures, guided tours to Oak Alley and Whitney plantations, craft cocktail and cooking walking tours, cemetery and Garden District strolls, and interactive ghost and spirits walks in the French Quarter.

Each trip description lists duration, meal options when applicable, live music or narration, and onboard amenities such as full-service bars and multiple observation decks. Local guides provide historical context about New Orleans, the Mississippi River, Jean Lafitte, and regional wetlands and wildlife on swamp and plantation tours. Many cruises feature live jazz and family-friendly programming; several airboat and swamp tours emphasize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Bookings are arranged per listed trip schedules and seating times. As a long-established New Orleans operator featured by tour aggregators and known for narrated riverboat cruises, the company combines maritime tradition with local culture to deliver interpretive sightseeing and entertainment on and off the water. Public and private group bookings are available for many departures.