A Dozen Years Celebrating Mint Julep Month® In Louisville
New Mint Julep Month® Trail offers exclusive ways to appreciate the traditional drink in Bourbon City
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 31, 2025) – As the world begins the countdown to the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, local events are already underway to celebrate Louisville’s most iconic event and its signature drink, the Mint Julep. The iconic cocktail is celebrated during Mint Julep Month®, 30 days of special events and promotions throughout Louisville.
Louisville Tourism debuted Mint Julep Month® in 2013 to draw additional attention to the city in the spring and create excitement around the build-up to Derby season and encourage visitation the entire month of April. For twelve years, Mint Julep Month® has celebrated the traditional drink throughout the month of April.
New this year, take your julep appreciation to the next level with the Mint Julep Month Trail. Explore participating locations across Louisville from iconic distillery bars serving up classic juleps to hands-on cocktail-making classes, and even mural stops perfect for a festive julep selfie.
Check in throughout the month to earn points and redeem them for various prizes like Mint Julep stickers, limited-edition T-shirt or even leather mint julep recipe coasters. If six check-ins are tallied, patrons are eligible for a drawing for the ultimate Mint Julep Month® grand prize package. Points can be redeemed at the downtown Louisville Visitor Center (301 S. 4th Street) or online. Visit www.mintjulepmonth.com for more mobile passport information.
Below are a sample of events celebrating Bourbon City’s favorite springtime sipper:
Louisville Distillery Exclusive Mint Juleps | Area Distilleries
Distilleries are a great way to sample your favorite Bourbon brands in hand-crafted, specialty cocktails – right on-site where the spirits are created.
Craft Your Own Cocktail Experience: The Mint Julep | Frazier History Museum | Thursday – Saturdays
Led by a Certified Bourbon Steward, experience how to make the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby during this 30-minute class at the Frazier History Museum, the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.
Mint Julep Gear & Goodies | Local Retailers
No bourbon was involved in the making of these minty masterpieces. Find Mint Julep-inspired items like lotions at Moss Hill, candles at Maddox & Rose and specialty sugar at Bourbon Barrel Foods.
Mint Julep Cocktails | Area cocktail bars
A variety of cocktail bars and tasting rooms will have Mint Julep-themed specialty cocktails to order. Visit Stitzel-Weller’s Garden & Gun bar, Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Experience, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Whiskey Thief, Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse, Porch Kitchen & Bar, Sidebar and the Brown Hotel for a refreshing minty cocktail.
Mint Julep University | Kentucky Derby Museum | April 2
This is no stuffy college class. Learn how to make a Mint Julep, and of course, drink it, too. Learn about the ingredients that make up a julep, find out why we like to "slap" the mint, (yep, it's a thing), and soak up the history of how this beverage became the Kentucky Derby's signature drink. Mix up this cocktail while enjoying a favorite Kentucky dessert – bourbon balls!
A more comprehensive list of local Mint Julep Month® specials and events can be found at www.mintjulepmonth.com
