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Cointreau Margarita Challenge
Get Ready for the 6th Anniversary of the Cointreau Margarita Challenge!
Cointreau is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the Margarita Challenge, celebrating its 6th anniversary! Prepare yourself for another year of exhilarating competition as we pay homage to the iconic Margarita and the unrivaled excellence of Cointreau.
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THE CHALLENGE
Now firmly established as one of the world’s most respected bartender competitions, the Cointreau Margarita Challenge has helped launch the careers of internationally recognised talent, with past winners and finalists going on to earn honours such as Asia Bartender of the Year and to work in bars featured on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
A jury of renowned bartenders and industry experts will have the difficult task of judging these innovative Margarita creations, evaluating them on creativity, flavour, presentation, and their embodiment of the 'Shake It Up' ethos.
“Can you shake up the classic and challenge a little mystery?”
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The Theme
Shake It Up' Margarita Challenge
This year, the competition returns bigger, bolder, and more global than ever, inviting bartenders worldwide to push boundaries and Shake up their Margaritas, echoing the new brand’s tagline 'Shake It Up'.
Once registered via a dedicated webpage, each participant will shake the online shaker to reveal one of ten secret ingredients they must include in their creation. This surprise element pushes competitors beyond their comfort zones, encouraging versatility and inventive flavour exploration while transforming constraint into inspiration.
THE TIMELINE
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APRIL 1 – MAY 31
PHASE 1: ENTER THE CHALLENGE
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JUNE 15 – JUNE 22
PHASE 2 – STEP 1: NATIONAL WEEK LISTING
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JUNE – JULY
PHASE 2 – STEP 2: SEMI FINALS
 "Timeline of Margarita Challenge 2026 – Phase 2 Finalists")
SEPTEMBER
PHASE 2 – STEP 3: FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
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NOVEMBER
PHASE 3: THE GRAND FINALE
THE EVALUATION CRITERIAS
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SKILLS: 40%
Entries will be judged on how skillfully participants utilize their secret ingredient to craft their Margarita.
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RESPECT OF THE THEME: 40%
This year’s Cointreau’s Margarita Challenge celebrates innovation and creativity through a little mystery. Participating bartenders will have to create a recipe using their secret ingredient. Your margarita must include at least 25ml of Cointreau (1oz) and salt is a mandatory ingredient (you can work it the way you want).
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Storytelling: 10%
Behind every great Margarita is an evocative story. Participating bartenders should submit compelling narratives that complement their concoctions, offering insight into the inspiration behind each.
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PRESENTATION: 10%
Every cocktail tasting experience starts with the eye. Participating bartenders should craft visually striking drinks and ensure their submitted photographs accurately represent the uniqueness and personality of their creation.
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ARE YOU A ROOKIE?
The cheers will be even louder this year as we bring back 'The Rookie of the Year' category for our 2026 competition! This special award shines a spotlight on up-and-coming bartending stars with less than two years of experience. If you've got a passion for cocktails and a talent for innovation, this is your chance to shake things up and show the world what you've got!
“What’s new in the 6th edition”
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The 1 week listing
This year, we are introducing the 1 week Listing.
After submitting the recipe, 10 bartenders per country will be selected as “potential market champion”. If selected, their margarita recipe must be available on their bar menu for a week between the 15th to 22nd of June.
An anonymous jury will be sent to evaluate the quality of the drink, the bar’s hospitality and the overall experience.
Each winner will receive the prestigious title of 'Cointreau's Margs of Choice', and will be gifted a plate to hang on their bar.
“What’s exciting about the 2026 Margarita Challenge”
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THE PRIZE
The 2026 Cointreau Margarita Challenge Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from 12 semi-finalist bartenders who will fly to France for a gripping three-day finale. During this exclusive event, participants’ creativity and skills will be tested with three carefully crafted challenges.
The winner will not only leave their mark on the Original Margarita’s legacy, but will also win a five thousand euros voucher to do guest shift anywhere in the world, along with a trip for 2 to France!
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12 SEATS IN FINALE
Building on last year's success, our global final once again expands to 12 seats! 10 regional competitions will decide the first 10 finalists. Adding to the thrill, one exceptional newcomer will claim the coveted Rookie spot, while a Wild Card finalist, handpicked by our esteemed jury, will round out the lucky 12—so get ready to shake up your best margarita creations!
MEET THE JURY
ONLY THE BEST
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ROBBE DUPON
Founder of Cocktails & Talks and Bar Jacobius, and our reigning 2025 Margarita Challenge Champion.
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CHRIS LEAVITT
Not just a bartender, but a staple on the bar scene and acclaimed content creator.
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ANNA SEBASTIAN
Founder of Anna Sebastian Hospitality and Celebrate Her, a nonprofit community of women in the drinks industry.
Mix, Mingle, and Master:
The Cointreau Collective, Your Ultimate Bartending Community!
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A COMMUNITY BUILT ON PASSION AND EXCELLENCE
Cointreau Collective is an advocacy and mentorship program tailored for professional bartenders. Grounded in four essential pillars—the quality of the cocktail, a responsible attitude, team spirit, and the joy of mixology—the Cointreau Collective cultivates a close-knit community of skilled bartenders.
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ONGOING SUPPORT AND CONNECTIONS
Once a member, always a member. Members gain access to invaluable resources and support to develop business opportunities, enhance their careers, and engage in valuable networking that accelerates their professional journeys.
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A DYNAMIC ONLINE COMMUNITY
The Cointreau Collective serves as an exclusive online community where bartenders can connect at any time, sharing ideas and insights with one another. Membership provides access to specialised content designed specifically for bartenders.
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Participate
Enter the challenge!
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