Louisville, Kentucky, is buzzing with excitement as it marks 12 years of celebrating Mint Julep Month this April 2025. Known as Bourbon City, Louisville is gearing up for the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3, and the month-long festivities are the perfect way to build anticipation for the famous race. This year, locals and visitors alike are invited to dive into a refreshing celebration of the mint julep, the iconic cocktail tied to Derby tradition, with a brand-new feature: the Mint Julep Month Trail.
For over a decade, Mint Julep Month has been a springtime highlight in Louisville, shining a spotlight on the city’s rich bourbon heritage and the beloved drink that’s been a Derby staple for generations. What started in 2013 as a way to boost tourism and get people excited for Derby season has grown into a full-blown tradition. Now, in its 12th year, the celebration is bigger than ever, offering a mix of events, cocktails, and unique experiences that showcase why Louisville is the heart of bourbon country.
The Mint Julep Month Trail: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Celebration
The big news for 2025 is the launch of the Mint Julep Month Trail, a fun and interactive way to explore Louisville’s julep scene. This trail takes participants across the city, from well-known distillery bars pouring classic mint juleps to hands-on cocktail classes where you can learn to mix your own. There are even stops at colorful murals perfect for snapping a julep-themed selfie. It’s a chance to taste, learn, and soak in the spirit of the season all at once.
Here’s how it works: as you visit participating locations throughout April, you check in to earn points. Those points can be traded in for cool rewards like Mint Julep stickers, a limited-edition T-shirt, or even leather coasters with a julep recipe etched on them. If you manage to check in at six spots, you’re entered into a drawing for the ultimate Mint Julep Month grand prize package—a prize so exciting it’s worth planning your month around. You can cash in your points either at the downtown Louisville Visitor Center on 301 S. 4th Street or online. For all the details on how to join the trail, head to www.mintjulepmonth.com.
A Month Packed with Minty Events
Mint Julep Month isn’t just about sipping cocktails (though there’s plenty of that). It’s a full lineup of events designed to celebrate the drink in every way possible. Here’s a rundown of some of the highlights happening around Louisville this April:
- Distillery Tasting Rooms: Bourbon fans can head to local distilleries to try exclusive mint julep recipes made with the spirits crafted right on-site. It’s a chance to taste your favorite bourbon brands in a fresh, minty way while soaking up the atmosphere of Louisville’s iconic distilleries.
- Craft Your Own Cocktail Class at Frazier History Museum: Every Thursday through Saturday, the Frazier History Museum—known as the starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail—hosts a 30-minute class led by a Certified Bourbon Steward. Participants get to make their own mint julep, learning the tricks of the trade while mixing up the official Derby drink.
- Mint Julep Goodies at Local Shops: Not everything is about drinking during Mint Julep Month. Local retailers are getting in on the fun with julep-inspired products that don’t involve bourbon. You can pick up mint julep-scented lotions at Moss Hill, candles at Maddox & Rose, or specialty sugars at Bourbon Barrel Foods—perfect for gifts or a little self-treat.
- Specialty Cocktails at Bars and Tasting Rooms: Louisville’s cocktail scene is stepping up with creative takes on the mint julep. Places like 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 historic Brown Hotel are all serving up their own versions of the classic drink. Each spot offers a unique twist, making it a tasty adventure to try them all.
- Mint Julep University at Kentucky Derby Museum: If you’ve ever wanted to master the art of the mint julep, this is your chance. Held on various dates in April, Mint Julep University at the Kentucky Derby Museum is a laid-back class where you’ll learn how to make the drink, discover why “slapping” the mint is a key step, and dig into the history of how it became the Derby’s go-to cocktail. Plus, you get to enjoy your creation alongside a Kentucky favorite: bourbon balls.
Why Mint Julep Month Matters
Since its start in 2013, Mint Julep Month has been about more than just a drink—it’s a way to bring people to Louisville and show off what makes the city special. The Kentucky Derby may only last two minutes, but the buildup is a month-long party, and the mint julep is at the center of it all. With its mix of fresh mint, bourbon, sugar, and ice, the cocktail is a refreshing taste of tradition that’s been part of Derby Day for over a century.
This year’s addition of the Mint Julep Month Trail takes things up a notch, encouraging folks to explore more of Louisville while earning rewards along the way. Whether you’re a bourbon newbie or a seasoned sipper, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And with the 151st Kentucky Derby just around the corner on May 3, the timing couldn’t be better to get in on the action.
Plan Your Mint Julep Adventure
Ready to join the fun? Louisville is rolling out the red carpet—or maybe the mint-green carpet—for Mint Julep Month all April long. Whether you’re sipping a julep at a distillery, mixing one up in a class, or hunting down minty goodies at local shops, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. For a full list of events, participating locations, and more info on the Mint Julep Month Trail, check out www.mintjulepmonth.com.
As Louisville counts down to the “fastest two minutes in sports,” Mint Julep Month is the perfect way to kick off Derby season. So grab a glass, slap some mint, and toast to 12 years of this bourbon-fueled tradition in the heart of Kentucky.
