Cider lovers, this stop makes sense. A tiny urban cidery on Broad Street turns a classic New Orleans drink vibe into a small-group cider lesson with hosts Diana & Jon, plus time to ask questions. I really like how you get an easy social feel without a big crowd, and I also like that the tasting focuses on dry, handmade ciders and what those flavors really mean; just note that since it is strictly a 21+ bar tasting room, it is not for anyone under 21, and the drinks are intentionally not sweet.

If you want something short and memorable, this is built for you: about 45 minutes, max 10 travelers, and it starts and ends right at Broad Street Cider & Mead on S Broad St. There’s no hot food served, but you may find cheese pairings most days, and the tasting is a neat way to get your bearings (and your taste buds) before or after exploring the city.

Key things to know before you go

• Diana & Jon guide the tasting in a cozy, urban cidery setting where questions are welcome.
• Dry and effervescent pours make it easier to compare flavors without heavy sweetness.
• Small group, quick pacing means you get attention fast and the whole thing runs about 45 minutes.
• Four 3oz cider samples are part of the core experience, with the lineup reflecting what’s on hand.
• Cheese pairings are often available, but it is not a full meal stop.
• 21+ only tasting room keeps the vibe grown-up and focused on drink quality.

A New Orleans stop built for dry cider people (and skeptics)

New Orleans is famous for big flavors and loud celebrations, but this craft tasting goes for something a little quieter: close attention to fermentation, ingredients, and balance. The charm here is the format. You’re not wandering around with a cup guessing your way through. You’re in a small room where the hosts can point out what you’re tasting and why it matters.

I like that the experience is deliberately about dry, handmade cider and mead, because it flips the usual script. If you think of cider as overly sweet apple juice vibes, this is the kind of tasting that can change your mind fast. The pours are also effervescent, so you get lift and freshness instead of a heavy sip-and-stare situation.

One practical note: it’s a bar-style tasting room, and it’s strictly 21+. So if you’re traveling as a mixed-age group, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Meeting on S Broad St: where the tasting starts and ends

You’ll meet at the Broad Street Cider & Mead rear patio, at 2723 S Broad St. The tasting is scheduled to start around 3:30 pm (and it ends back at the same spot). That matters more than it sounds, because you’re not committing to a long “transfer, arrive, settle in, then finally drink” kind of plan.

Also, this location is a smart base when you’re trying to fit craft drinks into a day of sightseeing. Broad Street is straightforward to reach, and the area is served by public transportation, so you’re less likely to lose time to parking stress. If you’re doing other activities that day, this one works well as a mid-afternoon anchor.

The total time is about 45 minutes, and the group size stays small (up to 10 travelers). In practice, that means the hosts can keep the pace moving while still answering questions without turning the whole thing into a lecture.

Inside the tiny urban cidery: what the hosts do with you

This is one of those tastings where the hosts don’t just pour and disappear. You spend the time chatting with Diana & Jon, and the tasting is led by four tasters who help you make sense of what’s in your glass.

Here’s what that feels like for you:

• You get to ask questions instead of guessing.
• You learn how to taste beyond words like good or bad.
• You can compare ciders more methodically because the format is structured.

I particularly like the way the hosts connect technique to taste. Instead of talking only about vibes, you’ll hear about ingredients and the process enough to give meaning to what you’re experiencing. Even if cider and mead are new to you, that quick context helps you stay engaged rather than drifting into polite sipping.

The cozy setup is also a plus. It’s easy to socialize with like-minded cider lovers, but it doesn’t feel chaotic. If you want a craft-focused experience that still has warmth, this hits the mark.

What you’ll actually taste in 45 minutes

The core sampling is simple and clear: four 3oz cider pours. That’s a good size for learning without getting overwhelmed. At 3oz each, you can pay attention to aroma, carbonation, and finish without needing a nap afterward.

And since the tasting is described as a cider & mead experience, you should expect more than cider-only conversation. On top of the cider samples, meads are part of what you’ll be introduced to during the session, and the lineup may include notable labels you might not usually see elsewhere.

For example, you may encounter ciders like Duchess of Devonshire, English Rose, and Red Fairy, plus a mead such as Peach mead. The point isn’t that these specific names are guaranteed every time—the point is that the selection is real enough to give your palate something to compare, not just a generic “one cider, one backup” routine.

How dry and effervescent changes your tasting game

Dry and effervescent is a big deal for why this tasting works.

• Dry usually means less sweetness on the front of the tongue, so you taste more tannin-like structure, acidity, and fermentation character.
• Effervescent means carbonation that keeps each sip lighter and refreshes your palate between samples.

If you’re someone who gets bored halfway through wine tastings, this format can be easier on your attention span. Each pour resets quickly, so you stay interested.

Pairings, food limits, and how to plan your day

This is a tasting, not a full meal. They do not serve hot food, and that’s important for your scheduling. You’ll want to eat beforehand if you’re the type who feels snacky after 45 minutes of tasting.

The good news: cheese pairings are offered most days. That helps with the practical side of tasting—cheese can soften sharp edges and make certain flavors feel smoother or more aromatic. But because it’s not a guaranteed full spread, I’d treat it as a bonus, not the reason you skip dinner.

If you do this after a sightseeing day, just have a plan for food. Think of the tasting like dessert’s older cousin: smaller, focused, and better when you’re not starving.

Price and value: $19 for a focused, guided experience

At $19 per person, this can be a very solid value—mainly because you’re buying structure and guidance, not just a drink.

What you get for the price:

• A timed 45-minute session
• Up to 10 people, so you’re not shouting across a crowd
• Multiple pours with a guided explanation
• A chance to learn why the ciders are dry and effervescent, not just what they taste like
• Hosts (and a team of tasters) who clearly care about the craft

In craft beverage terms, $19 for a guided, tasting-room experience with several pours is reasonable. It’s also a good “low commitment” option. If you try one quick tasting and end up loving it, you haven’t sunk an entire afternoon or budget into it.

If you’re a total beginner who is worried you might hate cider, this is still worth considering because the dryness and carbonation give you a fair shot. If you’re chasing only sweet drinks, though, you’ll want to adjust expectations before you go.

Best for: who should book this New Orleans cider tasting

This experience is a great fit if any of these are you:

• You love meeting people and want a conversation-friendly tasting
• You like learning the basics of fermentation and flavor structure
• You want something short that fits into a packed New Orleans itinerary
• You’re curious about cider and mead in a place you might not expect
• You prefer dry, fizzy drinks over syrupy sweetness

It’s also a nice choice if you’re traveling in a small group. Since the session maxes out at 10 travelers, you’re less likely to feel swallowed by a huge crowd.

And if you’re worried you don’t even like cider: this is exactly the kind of tasting that can make you rethink it. Dry cider can be a completely different drink than the sweet version people imagine.

Timing tips: how to fit it into a day of New Orleans exploring

With a 3:30 pm start, you’ve got options:

• Do it before evening plans so you get your craft taste lesson while your day still has energy.
• Do it after earlier sightseeing so you’ve got something fun and focused to look forward to.
• Pair it with a nearby walk to get a sense of the neighborhood, then come back for the tasting.

Because it ends at the same meeting point, you’re not dealing with a long “getting back” plan. You can simply continue your day.

One more practical tip: since it’s 21+ only, make sure everyone in your party is aligned on that. This is a grown-up tasting room, and the tasting room rules are strict.

Should you book? My honest take

Book it if you want a guided cider and mead experience that’s short, social, and focused on real craft. The combo of small group size, dry, effervescent pours, and hosts like Diana and Jon makes it easy to learn without feeling overwhelmed. At $19 for multiple samples in about 45 minutes, it also feels like a smart use of time.

Skip or think twice if you only like sweet drinks. This tasting leans dry by design, and you’ll be tasting that style up front. Also consider the 21+ rule if you’re traveling with anyone under 21.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes your drinks with context—why they’re made, how they taste, what to look for—this Broad Street cider stop is a great choice in New Orleans.

FAQ

How long is the craft cider and mead tasting?

It runs about 45 minutes.

What is the price per person?

The price is $19.00 per person.

Where do I meet for the tasting?

You meet at the Broad Street Cider & Mead rear patio, 2723 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70125.

Is there a food option during the tasting?

Hot food is not served, but cheese pairings are offered most days.

What kind of drinks are served?

The ciders are dry and effervescent, and the experience is described as a cider and mead tasting.

What are the age requirements?

The tasting room is strictly 21+ (no children allowed in the tasting room). Service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.