As the Kentucky Derby Festival creeps closer, so does the time of year when people start turning their attention back to the mint julep, the ubiquitous Derby-related cocktail made with bourbon.

Recipes abound for the julep, and bartenders continue their creativity this years as part of the 18^th Annual Rose Julep Cocktail Competition, pitting mixologists from around Kentucky competing to create the best mint julep of 2021.

The key ingredients of a mint julep are, of course, crushed ice, bourbon, simply syrup and fresh mint, but the bartenders in this year’s contest have brought a wide variety of alternate ingredients – from banana t roasted pineapple-chipotle syrup – with Four Roses Small Batch bourbon as the spirit.

Through Monday, April 5, the public can try each recipe by visiting the bartenders’ locations or by accessing the recipes online at julep.fourrosesbourbon.com and mixing the juleps at home. The winner will be chosen by voting at that website.

Here are the participating mixologists:

Louisville:

·      Colleen McCarthy, Martini Italian Bistro

·      Isaac Fox, La Chasse

Lexington:

·      Mike Abbott, Goodfella’s Wise Guy Lounge

·      Shay Bustle, Thirsty Fox

Northern Kentucky:

·      Bill Whitlow, Rich’s Proper Food & Drink

·      Lauren Pellecchia, O’Neal’s Tavern (O’Neal’s is currently closed, so this one will have to be made at home)