And We’re Off…Mint Julep Month® Returns to Bourbon City

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 26, 2026) – As the world begins the countdown to the 152nd 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 thirteen years, Mint Julep Month® has celebrated the traditional drink throughout the month of April.

Following the successful launch last year, the Mint Julep Month Trail is back for a second year. 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®. Cocktail experience includes admission to the museum.

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
Throughout Mint Julep Month, a curated selection of Louisville’s premier cocktail bars and tasting rooms will feature specialty, themed creations ranging from timeless classics to bold, botanical favorites.

Guests are invited to visit participating locations including Angel’s Envy, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Bar Nada Nada, Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey Experience, Copper & Kings Rooftop Restaurant, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Green River Tasting Room, Pursuit Spirits on Whiskey Row, Stitzel-Weller’s Garden & Gun Club, Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., and the iconic Brown Hotel-- to experience the best of Bourbon City.

This year’s field of flavors features a diverse array of julep creations, such as the Argentine’s Cynar Julep, Raspberry Almond Mint Julep, Georgia Mint Julep, The Southern Belle, The Bluegrass Blizzard, Bramble Julep, Silks & Saddles, And We’re Off to the Races and rotating Juleps of the Week.

Bourbon City Experiences | Various April dates
Bourbon & Bridles at the Kentucky Derby Museum
Bourbon Bites Food Tour through Louisville Food Tours
Paristown’s Spring Into Derby weekend event
Fascinator Affair at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens

Tasting and Cocktails: | Louisville Visitor Center (VIC) at 4th and Jefferson Streets
April 10 at the VIC will feature bourbon tastings by Copper & Kings, live music by Esteemed Colleauges, light bites and giveaway items.

A comprehensive list of local Mint Julep Month® specials and events can be found at www.mintjulepmonth.com with additional promotions added throughout the month.