Culture of the Southern United States celebrations. Hurricanes are a famous French Quarter drink, as are sazerac cocktails and absinthe. The upper South, specifically Kentucky, is known for its production of bourbon whiskey, which is a popular base for cocktails. As of 2005, Kentucky was credited with producing 95% of the world's bourbon, which has been referred to as America's only native spirit. The mint julep is traditionally depicted as a popular beverage among more affluent Southerners. Many other bourbons are produced in Kentucky including Evan Williams, Wild Turkey and Bulleit.Southern Comfort is a flavored distilled spirit modeled after bourbon and made in Louisiana. Another form
Mint Julep Handicap offers a purse of $100,000. From its inaugural running in 1977 to 1986, it was run on the dirt course, but was moved to the turf course beginning in 1987. It has been run at the following distances: The following horses have won the Mint Julep Handicap: Mint Julep Handicap The Mint Julep Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. Usually run in May or June, the Grade III event is open to fillies and mares age three and older. It is contested on Turf over a distance of one and