The Cointreau Margarita Challenge is back for a fourth year! Cointreau is once again challenging bartenders from around the world to create the best Margarita on earth. Until 31 March 2024, all mixologists are invited to reinterpret the iconic Original Margarita recipe, evoking the unique flavor and pizazz of their city.
Cointreau Margarita Challenge
THE CHALLENGE
THE CHALLENGE
FOR THE 4TH EDITION OF THE MARGARITA CHALLENGE, the cocktail pioneer invites the world’s most talented bartenders to bring their city and roots to the creation of this iconic Cointreau cocktail.
After a smashing success in 2023, where it celebrated the Original Margarita's 75th birthday with over 1,200 exquisite recipe submissions, Cointreau is thrilled to unveil the 4th edition of its Margarita Challenge. This time, the challenge won’t just put an iconic cocktail center stage—it will capture the very essence of global cities in a drink.
The Theme
The Theme
The 2024 edition of Cointreau’s annual Margarita Challenge celebrates this mixology milestone, inviting bartenders around the world to brew their own spin on the Margarita, evoking the unique flavor and pizazz of their city. As a nod to the versatility of the classic cocktail, we're inviting professional bartenders to integrate local ingredients and pay a spirited homage to their culture and identity. This is a toast to their roots, offering a journey into culture with every sip.
Only four easy rules :
- Use at least 25ml of Cointreau l’Unique
- Salt
- Focus on the use of local ingredients where possible
- The look of your drink must reflect the city it refers too.
The creativity and expertise of each participant will determine the rest.
Can you express the flavour of your city in a Margarita?
THE PRIZE
THE PRIZE
Once selected, ten finalists will be flown to France for three days of immersive visits and mixology challenges, culminating in a final hosted at Cointreau’s historic mansion, in Angers. There, the best recipe will be selected, and the first-place winner will walk away with an additional trip for two to France, a sponsor budget which will allow them to take off on a tour to promote their own creative take on the Original Margarita in the best cocktail bars selected by Cointreau.
THE BONUS
THE BONUS
You’ll also get the chance to meet and to be assessed by a jury of only World Best Bars!
Moreover, If you are part of the 40 best Margarita you will have a worldwide visibility on our website.
The evaluation criteria
Skills - 40%
Cointreau’s Margarita Challenge is a celebration of craftmanship. You are encouraged to experiment with homemade, local products and incorporate traditional or innovative methods unique to your region.
Ingredients - 30%
The only must-haves? At least 25 ml of Cointreau l'Unique and salt. Beyond this, you will have to focus on the use of local ingredients where possible.
Storytelling - 20%
Come up with an evocative name and a vivid story that takes the jury on a sensory journey as much as your recipe does.
Presentation - 10%
Tasting begins with the first glance. The jury will be looking at visual presentation and the photo you provide.
MEET THE JURY - World 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 Drinks Kong in Roma, Italy.
SURPRISE
A 50 Best awardee, to be revealed soon!
ARE YOU A ROOKIE ?
ARE YOU A ROOKIE ?
In an exciting twist, The 2024 edition will introduce “The Rookie of the Year” category, offering a golden opportunity for a budding bartender with less than two years of experience to shake and stir their way into the spotlight. Take your chance!
FILL IN THE FORM TO PARTICIPATE
⚠️ For professional bartenders only ⚠️
For any question contact us at margaritachallenge@cointreau.com
