When life gives you lemons, make cocktails—or mocktails! National Cocktail/Mocktail Day is the perfect excuse to sip, savor, and celebrate the art of mixology in Georgetown and Lexington, Kentucky. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or prefer your drinks booze-free, these towns offer a lineup of liquid masterpieces that will quench your thirst and tickle your taste buds.
Georgetown: Where Small Town Charm Meets Big Flavor
Chinkapin Brewing (150 W Main St, Georgetown, KY 40324)
Chinkapin Brewing isn’t just about beer; their cocktail menu is here to steal the show. Sip on their Georgetown Sour, a tangy twist that blends bourbon with citrus for a refreshing kick. Or try the Smoked Old Fashioned, where bourbon gets smoky with a dash of flair. For mocktail lovers, their draft Summer Breeze Vodka Cocktail can easily be adapted into an alcohol-free delight. Pair your drink with their cozy downtown vibe—it’s the perfect spot to toast National Cocktail/Mocktail Day.
Rodney’s On Broadway (222 N Broadway St, Georgetown, KY 40324)
Rodney’s is where sophistication meets Southern hospitality. Their specialty cocktails are as theatrical as their names suggest. The Rodney’s Old Fashioned is a Kentucky classic with a twist—Luxardo cherries and Woodford bitters add depth to this bourbon-forward sip. Mocktail enthusiasts can opt for the As You Like It, a blend of blood orange ginger beer, pear nectar, and cranberry juice that’s as refreshing as it sounds. Rodney’s ambiance? Think candlelit dinners and cocktails that deserve their own standing ovation.
Galvin’s On Main (155 W Main St, Georgetown, KY 40324)
Galvin’s is your go-to for casual fun with serious flavor. Known for their seasonal cocktails and full bar, this family-owned gem pairs Southern cuisine with drinks that hit the spot. Their Kentucky Mule—a bourbon-based twist on the classic Moscow Mule—is a crowd-pleaser. Mocktail fans can enjoy soda-based creations infused with fresh fruit flavors. With 40 local craft brews also on tap, Galvin’s ensures there’s something for everyone.
Lexington: An Urban Playground for Cocktail Lovers
Lost Palm (350 E Main St Suite 120, Lexington, KY 40507)
Lost Palm brings tropical vibes to Lexington with its colorful cocktail menu. Try their Holladay Mule, which combines bourbon or vodka with fresh blood orange juice and ginger beer—a zesty delight! Mocktail lovers can opt for fruity concoctions like pear nectar-based drinks or ask for any cocktail sans alcohol. The vibrant atmosphere makes Lost Palm a prime spot for celebrating in style.
Belle’s Cocktail House (156 Market St, Lexington, KY 40507)
Belle’s is where creativity meets craftsmanship. Their Apple of My Eye cocktail features Green River Bourbon mixed with apple butter and walnut bitters—a drink that feels like fall in a glass. For those skipping the booze, Belle’s mocktails like Taming of the Shrew (rose tea syrup and plum bitters) are equally sophisticated. With rooftop views and an eclectic vibe, Belle’s is cocktail heaven.
Cocktails Bar & Grill (130 W Tiverton Way & 2573 Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY)
Cocktails Bar & Grill keeps it simple yet satisfying with classic American fare paired with great drinks. Their Bloody Mary is legendary—a spicy tomato concoction that pairs perfectly with brunch sliders or parmesan truffle fries. For mocktails? The staff will whip up soda-based creations tailored to your taste buds. With live music and happy hour deals galore, this neighborhood hangout makes every sip feel celebratory.
Bourbon on Rye (115 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507)
True to its name, Bourbon on Rye specializes in whiskey-forward cocktails that showcase Kentucky’s finest spirit. The Blood Sugar Sex Magik—a blood orange-infused rye cocktail—is bold enough to make you forget it’s not magic but mixology at play. Mocktail lovers can enjoy citrusy blends or creative soda infusions crafted by their expert bartenders. The speakeasy-style interior adds an extra layer of charm to your drinking experience.
Mocktails Matter: Celebrate Without the Booze
National Cocktail/Mocktail Day isn’t just about alcohol—it’s about flavor! Mocktails are having their moment in Georgetown and Lexington too:
- At Rodney’s On Broadway: Try the Much Ado About Nothing, featuring strawberry olio and rhubarb bitters.
- At Belle’s Cocktail House: Sip on the floral-forward Taming of the Shrew.
- At Galvin’s On Main: Customize soda-based mocktails with fresh fruit infusions.
These alcohol-free options prove you don’t need spirits to lift your spirits!
Raise Your Glass Responsibly
Whether you’re sipping bourbon classics or zero-proof creations, National Cocktail/Mocktail Day reminds us all to drink responsibly. Celebrate smartly by pairing your drinks with hearty food options at these local spots—you’ll find everything from sliders at Cocktails Bar & Grill to Southern comfort dishes at Galvin’s On Main.
So grab your friends, pick your poison (or lack thereof), and toast to good times in Georgetown and Lexington!
Sources: google.com, yelp.com
Header Image Source: Eaters Collective on Unsplash
