Tequila Don Julio is returning to The Birdcage at the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival as the event’s official tequila, and debuting a show-stopping pink marquee.

Don Julio will share invitations to the party via its exuberant crew decked in pink. Those spotted by the crew will be handed a calling card, inviting them to escape to Club Rosado: By Don Julio via the Rosado Phone Box.

A simple ‘Dial for Don Julio’ will unveil the entryway to this hidden Melbourne Cup experience – marked by the turn of the concealed Man in The Hat doorknob. It will reveal a vibrant, pink-hued parlour pulsing with party vibes, high tempo tunes, performances and disco lights.

It will also celebrate the launch of Don Julio Rosado, a reposado tequila finished in Ruby Port wine casks from the Douro wine region of Northern Portugal.

The new expression will be highlighted in the Rosado Glitterati, a sparkling rosé wine- infused pink grapefruit, lime and agave syrup cocktail expertly served by Orlando Marzo (above), one of the World’s Best Bartenders (global Diageo World Class Champion 2018).

Accompanying the cocktail will be a glitter-sprayed, Mexican-inspired tostada featuring candied grapefruit, salmon and guacamole.

Hidden within Club Rosado: By Don Julio will be the ultra-exclusive Secret Don Julio 1942 Tequila Bar. Accessible through a concealed door, a select few will be invited into this intimate, luxurious setting. Inside, guests embark on a sensory journey through a tasting cave draped in rich fabrics and golden accents. Guests can also indulge in a decadent sweet pairing – a dark chocolate and dulce mousse taco with calamansi gel.

The Glitterati

For those who can’t make it to Club Rosado, here’s how to make the cocktail at home.

1 oz Don Julio Rosado

0.5 oz grapefruit

0.5 oz lime

0.25 oz agave syrup

Top with sparkling rose wine

METHOD: First, rim your coupe glass with salt and set aside. Add your ingredients to a cocktail shaker, fill it with ice, and shake for 5 seconds. Strain into your coupe glass and top with ice cold sparkling rosé wine.