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Discover how to craft legendary New Orleans cocktails like the Sazerac in a lively happy hour mixology class set in a charming courtyard. Join local bartenders for an engaging 1.5-hour session filled with history, hands-on learning, and tasty bites.
Discover how to craft legendary New Orleans cocktails like the Sazerac in a lively happy hour mixology class set in a charming courtyard. Join local bartenders for an engaging 1.5-hour session filled with history, hands-on learning, and tasty bites.
Book with The New Orleans School of Cooking
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
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Operated by The New Orleans School of Cooking · New Orleans, Louisiana
Set in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, the Courtyard Cocktails mixology class offers an exceptional happy hour experience that immerses visitors in the city’s rich cocktail heritage. Hosted at The New Orleans School of Cooking, this 1.5-hour class blends hands-on training with engaging stories about iconic drinks, making it a standout experience for travelers and locals alike. New Orleans is renowned for its vibrant cocktail culture, dating back to the 19th century, and this class captures that spirit perfectly in a casual courtyard setting.
Guests will learn to craft three signature drinks during the class, starting with a refreshing Pimm’s Cup, a favorite on warm Louisiana afternoons. The journey continues with the legendary Sazerac, often regarded as America’s first cocktail, offering a taste of history with its unique blend of rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters. The final drink is a seasonal surprise, adding a touch of creativity and variation to each session. Guided by expert local bartenders, every step is explained with care and enthusiasm, ensuring even beginners leave feeling confident behind the bar.
The setting itself enhances the experience: a charming courtyard that embodies New Orleans’ mix of Southern hospitality and French Quarter flair. Light bites accompany the cocktail tasting, offering subtle flavors that complement each drink’s character without overpowering the palate. The intimate group size of up to 14 ensures personalized attention and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing and learning.
This mixology class isn’t just about drinks — it’s an exploration of New Orleans’ vibrant cultural fabric. From the origins of the Sazerac in the city’s oldest bars to the stories that make these cocktails come alive, the class connects you to the traditions that shaped the Crescent City’s nightlife.
Nearby, travelers can explore iconic neighborhoods, jazz venues, and historic sites, making this an ideal afternoon activity before heading out for dinner or to catch live music. With a minimum age of 21 and held on select Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30 PM, it’s perfectly timed for a spirited afternoon.
For anyone eager to dive deeper into New Orleans' legendary drink scene, the Courtyard Cocktails mixology class delivers an authentic, educational, and delicious experience. Whether you’re planning a trip to the city or looking to rekindle your passion for craft cocktails, this class is a must-book encounter that highlights the best of New Orleans hospitality and tradition.
Yes, the mixology class is designed for all skill levels, including first-time cocktail makers.
No, drinks are served to enjoy only during the class and cannot be packaged for takeaway.
Light bites and the cocktails made during class are included for participants.
No formal dress code; casual, comfortable clothing is recommended.
Please refer to the New Orleans School of Cooking's official booking policies, as cancellations vary by date.
Currently, the Courtyard Cocktails class is offered select Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30 PM.
The New Orleans School of Cooking is a culinary school in New Orleans, Louisiana that specializes in hands-on and demonstration classes teaching Cajun and Creole cuisine. Located in the heart of the city, the school offers intimate classes where participants learn classic regional recipes from experienced instructors. Classes include hands-on sessions—often limited to a maximum of 10 participants—so students can chop, season, and prepare dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish pie, seafood gumbo, beef grillades, and chocolate or original pralines. Demonstration classes run approximately 2.5 hours and feature step-by-step preparation of regional favorites such as shrimp and artichoke soup, crawfish étouffée, corn and crab bisque, and pecan pie, with recipe cards to take home. The curriculum covers techniques like blackening and cast-iron cooking, sauce preparation, and classic Creole seasoning. Offerings include themed experiences such as brunch and mixology events, holiday hands-on menus, and specialty classes like blackening 101 and Coolinary dinner and brunch sessions. Classes culminate with participants sharing the meals they prepare, including desserts like bananas foster, bread pudding, and beignets. The New Orleans School of Cooking serves both locals and visitors seeking an authentic food-focused cultural experience. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, regional recipes, and a small-group setting that promotes personal instruction and a memorable tasting experience. Many demonstration classes last approximately 2.5 hours, and recipe cards give participants the instructions needed to recreate dishes at home, applying learned techniques in their own kitchens. Menus often feature regional staples such as gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee, pralines, and bananas foster and desserts.
Book with The New Orleans School of Cooking