Cider in New Orleans sounds wrong, until it doesn’t. This 45-minute experience turns that question into dry, effervescent sips and real chat with the people making it. I especially like the small-group setup (max 10), and I like that you get four 3oz pours to compare styles side by side. One heads-up: this is a bar tasting room, strictly 21+, and you won’t be getting a hot meal.

You’ll meet at Broad Street Cider & Mead, on South Broad Street, right by public transportation. Then you’ll settle in for a guided tasting with four tasters and a conversation with Diana and Jon, who guide you through how these drinks are built.

If you’re curious but not sure you even like cider, this is a smart time to try it. These ciders and meads are dry, and that dryness is the point, because it keeps everything crisp and food-friendly.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Max 10 people, so you can actually ask questions without shouting over a crowd
• Four 3oz samples in a short 45-minute session, perfect for fitting into a packed day
• Hosted by Diana and Jon, with extra help from four tasters during the pour-and-explain format
• Dry and effervescent drinks that are meant to be drinkable, even if sweet cider turns you off
• Cheese pairings most days, but no hot food in the tasting room

Entering Broad Street Cider & Mead on South Broad Street

Your tour starts at the Broad Street Cider & Mead Rear Patio, 2723 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70125. The start time is 3:30 pm, and the experience ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out a second location afterward.

This matters because New Orleans days can turn chaotic fast. A tasting that starts in one place and lets you leave from the same spot means you can keep your momentum. You can do this before dinner, between plans, or even right after you get your bearings around the city.

The setting is small and urban. You’re not roaming a giant venue or waiting in line for ages. You’re in the kind of space where you’ll likely be standing close to other sippers and listening as much as you’re tasting. If you like social energy that isn’t forced, this is the right vibe.

Also note the basics: the tour is in English, and it’s a mobile-ticket experience. Confirmation comes at booking, and if you’re traveling with a service animal, service animals are allowed.

What you’ll actually taste in 45 minutes

The tasting format is built to stay focused. The sample menu lists a starter of cider: four x 3oz ciders. In plain terms, you’ll get enough to compare styles without feeling overwhelmed by volume.

The drinks are described as dry and effervescent. That combo is the key to understanding why this place is so good for first-timers. Dry means it’s not aiming for sugary, dessert-cider territory. Effervescent means it has lively bubbles, which tends to make the flavors feel sharper and cleaner.

The lineup can include both cider and mead options. One example mentioned is Peach mead, along with cider names like Duchess of Devonshire, English Rose, and Red Fairy. The names aren’t just marketing. They hint at different flavor directions, and the tasting is set up so you notice what changes from one pour to the next.

Here’s what I’d watch for during your samples:

• How the dryness hits you (quick and crisp versus lingering)
• How the bubbles change the aroma and finish
• Whether fruit or floral notes feel like flavoring or like ingredients doing their job
• Which style makes you want another sip immediately (that’s usually the one to remember for later)

Dry cider culture in New Orleans: why this tour fits the city

New Orleans is famous for food and drinks, but it’s not only about the cocktails you picture first. This tasting leans into a quieter part of drink culture: small-batch fermentation and seasonal thinking.

The experience is designed around questions like why there’s a cidery in New Orleans and what makes these drinks work there. You’ll also learn how cider can be dry enough to fit into a meal rhythm, not just as a sweet alternative to beer or soda.

And that’s the real value for you if you’ve ever thought cider is either too sweet or too weird. Here, the emphasis is on dry, handmade ciders and meads, and that removes a lot of the guesswork. If you keep an open mind, you’ll probably understand what cider lovers are actually chasing: balance, texture, and flavor clarity.

One more social detail I like: the setting is described as tiny and urban, with hosts and tasters ready for your questions. That’s how you learn fast. You’re not just tasting blindly. You’re connecting ingredients and process to what you’re experiencing in your glass.

The hosts and the pour-and-explain flow with Diana and Jon

You’re not left alone with a flight of drinks. You chat with Diana & Jon, and the tasting is supported by four tasters. That group setup is a big deal for an experience this short.

Why? Because it changes the pace. In 45 minutes, the guides can keep things moving while still answering real questions. You might ask about ingredients, fermentation choices, or how dry cider differs from sweeter versions, and you won’t feel like you’re holding up the whole room.

Based on what’s emphasized in the experience, the hosts focus on the thinking behind the drinks, not just the flavor pitch. Diana and Jon guide you through what you’re tasting and why it’s made that way. That’s exactly the kind of explanation that helps you pick your favorites instead of just guessing.

If you’re traveling solo, this is also a practical way to meet people. The group stays small, so conversations can happen naturally as everyone compares the same four 3oz pours.

Dry, effervescent ciders and meads: who will love this

This is not a sweet-cider party, and that’s good to know before you commit. The tasting room is focused on dry and effervescent drinks, which usually means:

• the flavors feel clean, not syrupy
• the drinks are easier to sip than heavier styles
• you’ll likely find more food-friendly pairings

If you think you don’t like cider because you’ve only tried sweet versions, this could be a turning point. Dry cider is a different animal. The experience is explicitly set up for you to compare styles and decide for yourself with multiple pours.

This also works well if you like food and drink pairings. Even without hot food, the tasting includes cheese pairings most days. You’ll get a sense of how the dryness and bubbles interact with salt and dairy.

One consideration: because it’s a bar, it’s strictly 21 and up. No children are allowed in the tasting room. If you’re bringing family, you may want to plan something else during the same timeframe.

Cheese pairings, no hot food: how to plan your day

The experience is clear on food: they do not serve hot food. They do offer cheese pairings most days, which can help you slow down and taste with more attention.

So here’s the practical way to plan:

• If this is your main stop, consider having a proper lunch or snack before you arrive.
• If you’re doing it later in the day, plan your dinner separately since this tasting won’t replace a meal.
• If you’re sensitive to alcohol timing, sip thoughtfully. Four 3oz pours sounds small, but tasting is a slower activity than a casual drink.

This no-hot-food choice can actually be a plus. It keeps the tasting focus on the drinks. You’re not juggling food distractions, and the cheese pairings give enough contrast to understand the flavors.

Price and value: is $19 worth 45 minutes?

The price is $19.00 per person for about 45 minutes, and you’re getting four 3oz ciders as part of the tasting. In value terms, you’re not paying for a long show or an all-day pass. You’re paying for a compact, guided comparison with staff who explain what you’re tasting.

For me, the value comes from two things:

1) Small-group time: you’re not lost in a crowd.

2) Guided learning: you’re tasting with explanation, and that helps you choose what to order later (or what to buy elsewhere).

If you love craft beverages and you’re the type who likes asking questions, this price makes sense. If you just want a quick drink with no guidance, you might feel it’s pricier. But the whole experience is built around guided tastings and conversation, so go in expecting that.

Timing and where it fits in your New Orleans itinerary

Start time is 3:30 pm. That’s a smart slot for a lot of travel days. It’s late enough to recover from morning walking, and early enough to still get food and nightlife later.

The experience is open Wednesdays through Saturdays. On other days, it’s open for guided tastings only, and you’re directed to check their IG and FB for updates. That means you should treat the schedule as something to verify before you assume it runs every day.

Also, check whether you can request a special tasting time. If they’re in town, they’re usually happy to oblige. If your schedule is tight, that flexibility can matter more than you’d expect.

A small but helpful logistics bonus: it’s near public transportation. So even if you’re mixing this with other stops, you’re not stuck relying entirely on a car.

Should you book Craft Cider & Mead in New Orleans?

Book it if you want a short, friendly, craft-focused break in New Orleans that isn’t all about cocktails. I think it’s a great fit if you like learning why drinks taste the way they do, and if you want to compare multiple dry styles in one sitting.

I’d also recommend it if you’re unsure about cider. Dry, effervescent pours are a strong antidote to the sweet-cider stereotype. With four 3oz samples and clear guidance from Diana and Jon, you’ll either leave with real favorites or at least a better understanding of what you actually dislike.

Skip it if you’re bringing anyone under 21, or if you’re hungry for a full meal in the tasting room. This is for sipping and learning, not dinner.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the craft cider & mead tasting?

It’s about 45 minutes.

What’s included in the tasting?

You’ll have a starter cider tasting with four 3oz ciders. Cheese pairings are offered most days.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. The tasting room is strictly 21 and up, and no children are allowed.

Do they serve hot food?

No. They do not serve hot food, though cheese pairings are available most days.

What days is Broad Street Cider open?

They are open Wednesdays through Saturdays. On other days, they may be open for guided tastings only, so it’s smart to check their IG and FB for updates.

Where is the meeting point and what time does it start?

Meet at Broad Street Cider & Mead Rear Patio, 2723 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70125. The start time listed is 3:30 pm, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

If you tell me your travel dates and what you usually drink (beer, wine, cocktails, sweet drinks only or not), I can help you decide whether this tasting is likely to hit your taste preferences.