The Sazerac House
4.9(4.5K)google
4.8(530)yelp
Guided TourInteractiveEducationalHistoryCraftIndoor
Overview
The Sazerac House is an interactive, multi-sensory cocktail museum situated in a beautifully restored historic building at the corner of Canal and Magazine streets. This dynamic attraction takes visitors on a spirited journey through the history of New Orleans' cocktail culture, focusing on the creation of the famous Sazerac, America's first defined cocktail. Guests can explore state-of-the-art exhibits, watch the actual distillation of Sazerac Rye Whiskey, and enjoy complimentary tastings crafted by expert mixologists.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeAn excellent indoor sensory destination year-round. Scheduling your visit between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM is ideal, allowing you to leisurely explore the interactive exhibit floors detailing cocktail history before enjoying complimentary, expertly mixed samples of the legendary Sazerac cocktail.
Getting TherePerfectly situated at the prominent intersection of Canal St and Magazine St. As a central transit hub, nearly all major streetcar lines (including the Canal St and St. Charles routes) stop at the Canal at Magazine station directly outside the venue, making public transit far superior to driving.
Travel Tips
- Although the general admission and interactive cocktail exhibits are free, you must reserve a timed ticket online in advance. Walk-ins are frequently turned away when the venue reaches capacity.
- Because the tour includes several complimentary micro-tastings of craft cocktails, all visitors must present a valid government-issued ID (like a passport) at entry. Under-21s cannot partake in alcohol.
Reviews
Positive
- The interactive exhibits are beautifully and modernly designed, offering an immersive look into New Orleans' cocktail culture and history.
- Although admission is free, the complimentary cocktail samples and tastings offered throughout the tour are a delightful and generous surprise.
- The staff is incredibly warm and knowledgeable, explaining spirit-making processes while sharing vibrant local stories.
- The venue is clean and spacious with excellent air conditioning, making it a perfect indoor escape and visit during hot summer days.
Heads up
- The complimentary cocktail samples are very small, basically just a single sip (shot-glass sized), which feels a bit like a gimmick.
- Essentially, it feels more like a massive gift shop and brand advertisement for Buffalo Trace Distillery, making it a bit too commercialized.
- There is too little content on New Orleans' unique local history, with too much emphasis on general whiskey production, lacking local depth.
- The closing gift shop section is quite expensive, and guides aggressively steer and upsell high-priced liquor items toward the end.