Bourbon City to Make it Minty, All of April

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 28, 2024) – As the world begins the countdown to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, local events are already underway to celebrate Louisville’s most storied event and its signature beverage, 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 the tenth straight year, Mint Julep Month® will be celebrated April 1-30.

Here are eight ways to celebrate Bourbon City’s favorite springtime sipper:

All of April

Louisville Distillery Exclusive Mint Juleps | Six Area Distilleries - Distillery bars are a great way to sample your favorite Bourbon brands in hand-crafted, specialty cocktails, on-site where the spirits are created. Receive a unique Love & Victory Mint Julep lapel pin when you order a Mint Julep from Angel’s Envy, Evan Williams, Old Forester, Stitzel-Weller, Copper & Kings, or Buzzard's Roost distilleries during the month of April (while supplies last.)

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 a limited edition “Party Like a Local” soap at four Louisville Buff City Soap locations.

Urban Bourbon Trail® | Local Bars & Restaurants - Half a dozen bars and restaurants along Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail® are creating their own spin on the classic springtime cocktail. Check-in via PIN at six or more Urban Bourbon Trail locations to receive a coveted UBT t-shirt.

Special Events

Superfecta Cocktail Demonstration Class | Buzzard's Roost Spirits | April 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 & 25 - Featuring Buzzard Roost's award-winning whiskies, this demonstration class will teach you how to make three versions of the Julep cocktail plus one dedicated to the fillies.

Cheer on the Derby City Juleps | Louisville Slugger Field | April 13 - Celebrate the kick-off to Derby Season in The 'Ville as the Louisville Bats play as the Derby City Mint Juleps for the first time against the Columbus Clippers. The first 1,000 fans to arrive will receive a Mystery Derby glass and there will be a postgame fireworks show.

Absinthe Mint Julep Cocktail Class | Copper & Kings | April 18 - This hour-long class will guide you through a tasting of Copper & Kings Absinthe and cocktail making and also includes a Copper & Kings stainless steel branded Julep mug as a take-home gift.

Mixin' with Micah - Mint Julep Edition | Evan Williams Bourbon Experience | April 29 - Join the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience lead bartender, Micah Smith, on a journey into the world of mixology as you learn how to create two hand-crafted cocktails using spirits from Evan Williams' award-winning family of brands. Included in your ticket price will be the two cocktails, a tasting of the two base spirits, light bites, and a special take-home gift.

A more comprehensive list of local Mint Julep Month® specials and events can be found at www.mintjulepmonth.com.