Mocktober takes place over seven days between October 14-20

Today the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) and The Mocktail Project announced their third annual “Mocktober” campaign, designed to celebrate the role of low and no-ABV cocktails in creating a safer, more inclusive drinking culture.

From October 14-20, Kentuckians are encouraged to enjoy a mocktail – often referred to as a zero-proof or alcohol-free cocktail – at one of the more than 40 participating bars, restaurants, and distilleries, or during one of the campaign’s events.

The KDA will donate $1 to The Mocktail Project for every mocktail picture consumers post to social media with the hashtag #shareamocktail throughout the week – up to $5,000.

More information can be found online at https://themocktailproject.com/mocktober.

The Mocktail Project, a Kentucky-based non-profit, partners with the beverage and hospitality industries to increase the awareness and availability of non-alcoholic options in social settings. A portion of its annual revenues benefit local addiction recovery services.

The KDA, which organizes the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® experiences, became a founding sponsor in 2016 and helped launch its first “Mocktober” campaign the following year.

Since that time, The Mocktail Project has partnered with brands ranging from Brown-Forman’s Woodford Reserve and Old Forester to Coca Cola’s new Bar None brand.

“Kentucky’s distillers are moving toward next-generation hospitality, where alcohol is featured as a choice, not an expectation,” KDA President Eric Gregory said. “The ‘Mocktober’ campaign plays a critical role in getting everyone engaged in that effort.”

Mocktail activations will be promoted by several distilleries, including Angel’s Envy, Bluegrass Distillers, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Casey Jones, Copper & Kings, Dueling Grounds, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Hartfield & Co., Kentucky Artisan Distillery, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Jeptha Creed, Limestone Branch, Lux Row, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s Fort Nelson, New Riff, Old Forester, OZ Tyler, Rabbit Hole, Wilderness Trail, and Woodford Reserve.

Individuals can also attend a variety of alcohol-free events that include a bar takeover at Ostra, a mixology class at Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, a curated dinner at 610 Magnolia, or low-and-no yoga at Copper & Kings.

Distillery activations and recipes will be promoted on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour’s Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Individuals seeking to learn more about the national mocktail movement are encouraged to follow The Mocktail Project on Instagram at @themocktailproject, as well.

“Health and wellness has become a key focus for consumers and retailers nationally,” said Jesse Hawkins, founder of The Mocktail Project. “Finally, Kentucky’s non-drinkers can ditch their club sodas with lime and enjoy quality zero-proof cocktails, too.”

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For more information, contact: Ali Mize, KDA Director of Social Responsibility, (502) 424-5841.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the historic voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces 90 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft and treasured economic engine. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com. KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIRTM, KBTTM, and BOURBON TRAILTM are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers' Association. The KDA reminds you to make it memorable. Enjoy responsibly.

Kentucky Distillers' Association

Kentucky Distillers' Association

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the historic voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces 90 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft and treasured economic engine. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

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