Sip & Savor: Signature Cocktails and Bourbons at The Kentucky Castle

There's no better way to spend a Kentucky winter night than gathering with friends in a cozy, elevated space. Just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, The Kentucky Castle offers a refined bourbon and cocktail experience that captures everything guests love about the Bluegrass, from warm hospitality and timeless flavor to a touch of luxury. Whether you're visiting for an overnight stay, joining friends for a drink, or exploring new favorites around Versailles, it's an evening that stays with you long after you leave.

Our Bourbon Hall feels like a retreat from the outside world. The lighting is dimmer, the wood tones are rich, and the atmosphere is filled with the quiet rhythm of music and conversation. It's both relaxed and sophisticated, a space made for connection. Our skilled bartenders celebrate the art of craft cocktails, featuring signature drinks and local spirits that highlight the best of Kentucky's flavor and culture.

We take pride in blending classic crafting techniques with seasonal menu inspiration. Our attention to detail and genuine hospitality make every visit feel personal and unique. Each cocktail is designed to feel familiar yet distinctive, honoring tradition while offering something new to savor with every sip.

When it comes to choosing the right drink to try, The Signature collection is an excellent place to start. This lineup features five standout creations with their own unique twists, quickly becoming guests' most requested menu favorites.

Starting with the French 75. Made with gin, sparkling wine, fresh lemon, and a touch of simple syrup, the French 75 is light, elegant, and celebratory. It's the ideal choice for toasts in the bar lounge or the start of a special dinner. The delicate bubbles and citrus notes create a refreshing balance that pairs perfectly with rich seasonal fare from Castle Farm, The Kentucky Castle’ restaurant.

For those seeking a bourbon classic, the TKC Old Fashioned is perfect for bourbon enthusiasts. Crafted with precision and patience, this cocktail showcases the rich caramel and oak notes characteristic of authentic Kentucky bourbon. Muddled sugar, bitters, and an orange twist to complete this flavor profile. This drink offers a smooth and warm, as well as distinctly local, taste. Topped off with a TKC stamped crystal clear ice cube.

A local take on a beloved classic, the Kentucky Mule substitutes vodka for Bourbon, resulting in a bolder and smoother version of the traditional Moscow Mule. This cocktail mixes house made lavender honey syrup, fresh lime juice, crisp ginger beer, and True Story Finished Bourbon.. This mule is served in a classic, chilled copper mug, accompanied by a lime wedge. This drink perfectly captures the balance between sharp, zesty flavor and Bourbon's natural warmth, a fitting companion for cool Kentucky winter evenings.

The Lavender Lemon Drop (pictured above) is one of the bar's most visually stunning cocktails. This Signature classic perfectly balances vodka, house made lavender syrup made from our property grown lavender, and fresh lemon juice, coming together for a drink that's equal parts refreshing, refined, and flavorful. The lavender adds a calming and vibrant touch, making it a favorite for guests who prefer something subtly sweet and garnished.

For guests seeking a taste of Southern flair, the Bourbon Peach Punch is both nostalgic and refreshing. Blending Bourbon with ripe peach, citrus, and subtle spice, this cocktail delivers a taste of summer with the depth of a winter drink. The result is a smooth, fruit-forward cocktail that feels celebratory without being overly sweet.

Together, these five cocktails make up the heart of The Kentucky Castle's signature drink experience. Each one is crafted to highlight Kentucky flavors while offering something unique, a showcase of the bar's creativity and attention to detail.

The Kentucky Castle isn't just a cocktail destination. It's a celebration of our bourbon heritage and most well-known stills. 

Among the most notable of this collection is True Story Whiskey. Most well-known for its small-batch craftsmanship and smooth, full-bodied profile, True Story represents the same spirit of authenticity and care that defines the Castle experience. Guests can also enjoy pours from Brothers of the Leaf, a local favorite known for its complex, aromatic notes that pair beautifully with both the TKC Old Fashioned and the Kentucky Mule.

Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base for one of the Castle's signature cocktails, these bourbons highlight the best of Central Kentucky's distilling tradition. Each pour tells its own story, serving as a reminder of why the Bluegrass remains one of the most respected bourbon regions in the world.

Guests often gather before dinner or linger afterward, enjoying conversation in one of the most distinctive bars near Lexington. It's a space that invites connection, where friends meet for cocktails, couples toast to anniversaries, and travelers unwind after a day exploring the Bluegrass. As the weather cools, the mood becomes even more inviting, with soft lighting, cozy corners, and seasonal décor adding to the warmth of the experience.

Many guests pair their evening with dinner at Castle Farm Restaurant, known for its farm-to-table menu and locally sourced ingredients. The culinary and bar teams collaborate to create seamless pairings between food and drink, allowing guests to enjoy the full flavor of Kentucky in every course.

Others turn the evening into a true escape by booking one of the Castle's boutique hotel rooms or suites. With luxurious bedding, sweeping views of the countryside, and access to the Castle Spa, every stay offers a chance to slow down and savor the moment. Whether for a meal, a drink, or a weekend getaway, The Kentucky Castle brings together comfort, craftsmanship, and Kentucky charm in every detail.

Whether you’re from Lexington or visiting for the first time, the bar invites you to experience Kentucky hospitality at its finest. From the first pour of a French 75 to the final sip of a True Story bourbon, every moment is meant to be savored and remembered.

Here, craftsmanship and culture meet in every glass. Each cocktail tells a story of tradition, creativity, and the people who bring it to life. It’s a place to gather, celebrate, and savor the season surrounded by timeless beauty and genuine care. So raise a glass, share a toast, and make this winter one to remember.