Rose Julep Lexington Cocktail Competition

Seven Lexington-area bartenders competed at the 5^th annual Rose Julep Lexington Cocktail Competition in hopes of receiving top honors, and bragging rights, for handcrafting their unique version of the classic mint julep—which traditionally includes crushed ice, mellow Bourbon, simple syrup and fresh mint.

The contest was held on April 18 at Goodfellas Distillery in the Distillery District of Lexington, Ky.

A panel of beverage industry experts tasted and scored the juleps based on aroma, creativity, taste and presentation to name the winner in the “Judges’ Choice” category. The public was also invited to sample the eight cocktails throughout the night and cast their votes for the “People’s Choice” category winner.

Parlay Social’s Oliver Winn was named Judges’ Choice with his “Winn Mint Julep” cocktail and West Main Crafting Co.’s Natalie White was named People’s Choice with “The Cause of It All”.

Of course, we wanted to share these award-winning cocktail recipes so that you could handcraft your very own.

Don’t forget to post your juleps on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #HandcraftTheMoment so we can check it out!

Winn Mint Julep
Oliver Winn, Parlay Social

• 2 oz Four Roses Small Batch
• 1/4 oz strawberry simple syrup
• 1/4 oz passion fruit simple syrup
• 1/2 oz Domaine de Canton
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 7-8 mint leaves
• soda water
• crushed ice

Mix Bourbon, strawberry simple syrup, passion fruit simple syrup, Domaine de Canton and lime juice. Top with soda water and serve over crushed ice in a julep cup.

The Cause of It All

Natalie White, West Main Crafting Co.

• 2 oz Four Roses Bourbon
• 1 oz Lillet Blanc
• 3/4 oz lemongrass and pear simple syrup
• 3-4 mint leaves
• soda water
• crushed ice
• pear slice

Mix Bourbon, Lillet Blanc, lemongrass and pear simple syrup, and mint. Top with soda water and serve over crushed ice in a julep cup. Garnish with pear slice.