Cointreau Margarita Challenge

The Margarita Challenge 2024 Results

2,086 RECIPES | 79 COUNTRIES | 10 FINALISTS | 1 WINNER

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The 4th Cointreau Margarita Challenge edition exceeded all expectations! 10 of the world’s most talented bartenders were invited to reinterpret the iconic Original Margarita recipe, evoking the unique flavour and pizazz of their city.

The 10 finalists and new members of the Cointreau Collective travelled to Angers, France in mid-June to compete and live the Cointreau experience. The spotlights were on, the mood had never been so joyful and intense, but only one could be crowned the winner!

THE JURY NAMED THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER…


Jienming Liao! (from Shanghai, China)

Jienming Liao takes Top Honour with his masterful reinterpretation of the Original Margarita. The jury was won over by his unique mixology skills and ingredients from China, which allowed him to win this year’s title. Raise a glass to Jienming! 

“Go to as many competitions as you can, and don't be afraid to lose, I have gained a lot of experiences from losing actually. I think that's how, I became who I am today.”


Jienming LIAO, Bar manager from FLAIR, China and Cointreau Margarita Challenge 2024 Winner.


Jienming’s creation:

Autumn Colour

The recipe: 

  • 25 ml Cointreau Original

  • 30 ml Pagoda Chinese Yellow Wine Semi Dry

  • 25 ml Osmanthus Verjus 

  • 5 ml Sotol La Higuera 

  • Spray: Sotol

  • Rim: Dried Plum Powder


DISCOVER THE SECOND AND THIRD PLACE WINNERS


Big congratulations to Patrick Rowson from Dubai, United Arab Emirates for his 2nd place and to Patty Dennison from New York, United States of America for her 3rd place!

Both of them have mastered the competition thanks to their reinterpretation of the Original Margarita, with Chakalakita for Patrick and The Fold for Patty.


PATRICK ROWSON

2nd place

Patty Dennison

PATTY DENNISON

3rd place

MEET THE OTHER FINALISTS …

Florencia Ocampo

Winner of the Cointreau Argentina Margarita Challenge 2024 from Verne Cocktail Club. Straight from Buenos Aires, she created for the 2024 Cointreau Margarita Challenge the Iberá.

Keeley McAlinden

Winner of the Cointreau Australia Margarita Challenge 2024 from Centro 86. Straight from Sydney, she created for the 2024 Cointreau Margarita Challenge the Tan Line.

Emilio Giovanazzi

Winner of the Cointreau United Kingdom Margarita Challenge 2024 from The American Bar at Gleneagles Hotel. Straight from Perth, he created for the 2024 Cointreau Margarita Challenge The Underdog.

Shaina Yeh - MC 2024 Finalist & Cointreau Collective Member

Shaina Yeh

The Rookie of the Year of the Cointreau Margarita Challenge 2024 from 28 Hongkong St. Straight from Singapore, she created for the 2024 Cointreau Margarita Challenge the Family Ties.

Lian Alviz

Finalist of the Cointreau Margarita Challenge 2024 from La Unica Madrid. Straight from Madrid, he created for the 2024 Cointreau Margarita Challenge the Corn Treau.

Brandon Green

Finalist of the Cointreau Margarita Challenge 2024 from Harbour 60. Straight from Toronto, he created for the 2024 Cointreau Margarita Challenge the 6ix.

Matteo Freguglia

Winner of the Cointreau Italy Margarita Challenge 2024 from Argot Secretbar. Straight from Rome, he created for the 2024 Cointreau Margarita Challenge the Fil Rouge.

Meet the Jury

WORLD’S BEST ONLY

Rory J. Shepherd

World’s 50 Best Bars awardee and Former creative Director of The Little Red Door in Paris, France.

Lola Liu

2023 Margarita Challenge Grand Prize winner and World’s 50 Best Bars awardee for Hope & Sesame Bar in Guangzhou, China.

Patrick Pistolesi

World’s 50 Best Bars awardee for Drink Kong in Roma, Italy.

Margarita Sader

World’s 50 Best Bars awardee for Paradiso in Barcelona, Spain.

an exceptional competition, growing steadily each year

“The Margarita Challenge is an exceptional competition, growing steadily each year alongside the number of participants. The level of competition intensifies annually, showcasing increasingly masterful techniques from both participants and the discerning jury. Beyond the technical prowess, it's heartening to witness the kindness and support shared among competitors. I'm proud that our ten finalists are now members of the Cointreau Collective”.


Kévin Sueiro, Global Brand Ambassador Cointreau

THE COINTREAU COLLECTIVE


Being a finalist in the Cointreau Margarita Challenge is not just about participating in a competition, it's about joining a family. The 10 finalists each year become members of the Cointreau Collective.  The bartenders didn't just compete , they opened the doors to a club that will allow them to grow. 

This community aims to unite all its members under common values such as team spirit, putting quality and experience at the heart of every cocktail, and promoting a responsible attitude. Its bartenders are the proud ambassadors of this community, and will continue to convey these values of sponsorship and mutual support.

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