A New Classic: The Story Behind José Rosé at Tate Britain

When you’re creating cocktails for a space like Tate Britain, you need to make a statement. The drinks need to resonate with the environment but also stand out. They need to spark conversation. José Rosé, designed by our very own Joe, set out to do exactly that. The goal was to create something that felt familiar at first glance but revealed its complexity and charm with every sip.

The Inspiration

The brief was clear: premium, thoughtful, beautiful, but without falling into the trap of over-complication. Joe began with a simple question: how do you reimagine the cultural ritual of an ice-cold glass of pale Provence rosé? The answer came down to balance. Rhubarb and vanilla gave a nostalgic nod to childhood sweets. Savoia Rosso brought a gently spiced bitterness. Hendrick’s Gin, with its rose and cucumber botanicals, tied everything together. A touch of lemon juice lifted and brightened the blend. The final detail was milk clarification.

Why Milk Clarification?

Clarifying with milk does more than create a crystal-clear drink. It softens acidity, rounds out bitterness and gives the cocktail a smooth, luxurious texture. In José Rosé, it also added a soft blush tone that stood out beautifully when served in a wine glass over two perfect cubes.

Familiar, Yet Different

This drink plays with perception. Guests saw a wine glass with a rose-coloured liquid and expected a glass of Provence rosé. Instead, they discovered something silkier, more nuanced and a little unexpected. It wasn’t designed to be showy. Its charm comes from the details. There’s comfort in the flavours, but also a sense of curiosity in the presentation. That quiet contrast was central to Joe’s creative process.

The Final Serve

José Rosé made its debut at the Options Greathire showcase at Tate Britain. It was served in the Carel 34cl wine glass from Options’ newest collection, chosen to complement the style and tone of the drink. From concept to serve, this was a cocktail designed to leave an impression.

A huge thank you to Options Greathire for providing the perfect wine glass (Carel 34cl wine glass) for this cocktail from their new range.