As Kentucky and the world begin to countdown to the 149th Run for the Roses, a number of local events are already underway to celebrate Louisville’s most iconic event and its signature drink, the Mint Julep. Louisville Tourism debuted Mint Julep Month in 2013 and it has continued on as a way to celebrate the iconic cocktail with 30 days of special events and promos throughout the month of April. Here are 10 exciting ways to celebrate Bourbon City’s favourite cocktail this April:

Month-long Events:

Drink Exclusive Mint Juleps at Louisville 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, or Stitzel-Weller distilleries during the month of April (while supplies last.)

Craft Your Own Cocktail Experience: The Mint Julep @ Frazier History Museum

A Certified Bourbon Steward will lead this 30 minute mixology class where you can experience how to make the Kentucky Derby’s official cocktail. This event will be held at the Frazier History Museum, the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^®.

Stock up on Mint Julep Gear and Goodies at Local Retailers

In the build-up to Derby Day, you can find Mint Julep-inspired items at retailers across Louisville like lotions at Moss Hill, candles at Maddox & Rose, and a limited edition “Party Like a Local” at four Louisville Buff City Soap locations.

Tableside Mint Julep Experience @ The Brown Hotel

Visit the iconic Brown Hotel‘s J. Graham Cafe for an extra special Mint Julep that will be crafted at your table. The $100 Old Carter cocktail will be personally assembled and presented table side using unique and fresh ingredients.

Visit Local Bars and Restaurants along the Urban Bourbon Trail^®

A dozen or so bars and restaurants along Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail^® are creating their own spins on the classic springtime cocktail. Check in via PIN at six or more Urban Bourbon Trail locations to receive the coveted UBT t-shirt and a bonus souvenir mint julep cup while supplies last.

Special Events

April 14: Juleps & Jazz Cruise on the Belle of Louisville

Grab a julep and enjoy an evening of soulful and energetic brass sounds by the Hot Sauce Brass Band aboard one of the world’s oldest operating steamboats. Visit the speakeasy in the Captain’s Quarters, where Historian & Food and Beverage Curator, Andrea D. Meriwether, will provide a narrated history of the mint julep along with a bourbon shot and julep chocolate pairing.

April 17: Mint Juleps in the Gardens @ Waterfront Botanical Gardens

Visit the Waterfront Botanical Gardens after hours to eat charcuterie, sip mint juleps, and learn about the history and various riffs on the seasonal cocktail. Guests will depart with their own mint plant, which they will learn to care for during the event.

April 21-22: Cheer on the Derby City Juleps @ Louisville Slugger Field 

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 since 2019 against the Charlotte Knights. The first 1,000 fans to arrive will receive a Derby glass.

April 26: The Botany of Derby Workshop @ Yew Dell Botanical Gardens 

This workshop will teach you about the plants involved with “The Run for the Roses” including mint, hay, pecans, mulberry leaves, and other plants (including roses,) and teach participants how these botanical treasures contribute to the most exciting two minutes in sports. Tickets include a Kentucky Colonel mint plant.

April 20 and 27th: Absinthe Mint Julep Cocktail Class @ Copper & Kings

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.

To further celebrate Mint Julep Month^®, Mint Julep-themed merchandise will be 25% off (some exclusions apply) through the month of April at the Louisville Visitor Center, so stop by and pick up some goodies.

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

To book a hotel for your visit to Louisville check out our roundup of 5 Unique Hotels in Louisville or visit Expedia.com.