Mixologists from 8 Louisville-area restaurants and bars will compete in the 13th annual Four Roses Bourbon Rose Julep Contest next week. The contest is part of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s “Festival Unveiled” event which will be held at the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center on Wednesday, March 2 at 5:00 P.M.

Each of the 8 contestants will create their own take on Derby’s Classic Cocktail, the Mint Julep. Each Julep, made with Four Roses Yellow, will be evaluated on taste, presentation and creativity by a panel of local celebrities and beverage industry judges. Guests at Festival Unveiled can also cast their own votes for the “People’s Choice” Rose Julep. They’ll have the opportunity to sample all 8 Rose Julep recipes.

Mixologist from these local restaurants and bars will be competing this year: Proof on Main, La Chasse, 8UP, Martini Italian Bistro, Troll Pub, Feast BBQ, Doc Crow’s, Butchertown Grocery. The Rose Julep title is currently held by Martini Italian Bistro – whose mixologist, Colleen McCarthy-Clarke, created the winning julep in 2015 “Rose Runner” that featured Four Roses Bourbon Small Batch, rhubarb syrup, mint leaves, a squeeze of lemon, several dashes of rhubarb bitters and a topper of prosecco. The julep was beautifully garnished rosebuds fashioned from rhubarb and mint sprigs. Martini Italian Bistro has won the past two years and will be returning again this year with their recipe “Southern Charm” hoping to take home the title once again.

If you enjoy the classic Mint Julep, this is an event you do not want to miss. Each year contestants come up with delicious and creative recipes that appeal to all tastes. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. They can be purchased online at www.kdf.org or by calling the Derby Festival Office at (502) 584-FEST.