Mint Juleps - a Kentucky Derby Tradition!

In the weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby, the locals start craving burgoo, benedictine, and those sweet, boozy mint juleps. And yeah yeah, we can hear the dissenters now..."Ugh, mint juleps. I had one once - gross." If the thoughts of a julep are reminiscent of toothpaste, we hear you and we've been there. But when made right, a julep is a thing to behold. And there are so many ways to riff and make it your own.

The Mint Julep is a fine Southern tradition dating back to the 18th Century, as well as the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938. Since 2013, Louisville has designated April as "Mint Julep Month®" celebrating the famous bourbon cocktail along with the arrival of spring in Kentucky. Attend events, shop, drink and eat with mint julep and Kentucky Derby inspired events all month long as we lead up to the first Saturday in May and “the most exciting two minutes in sports”.

Want to see how some of Kentucky's most popular bourbon distilleries make THEIR juleps?! Check out these videos for some amazing versions, both traditional & creative!

Wanting to take part in the mint julep fun, but sweets are more your thing? Check out this recipe for a mint julep bundt cake!

Take a 'julep journey' around Louisville! Cheers, y'all!