FAQ: Cointreau Margarita Challenge

Why should I take part?

Since its creation, 175 years ago, Cointreau has become a mainstay of the world’s best bars and an indispensable ingredient in over 500 iconic drinks, including the Original Margarita invented in 1948. The Cointreau Margarita Challenge is an incredible opportunity for bartenders from all walks of life to contribute their chapter to the story of this legendary liqueur—and take their own bartending careers to the next level in the process.

Who can participate?

The competition is open to all professional bartenders anywhere in the world, even if they are not currently working. If you are currently not employed, you will simply need to let us know the name of the last bar you worked in.

Here is the link to register and participate to the competition: https://www.cointreau.com/margaritachallenge

When will the competition take place?

Key dates are as follows:

• End of the registration phase: 28th February 2025
• Regional Finals: April 2025
• Reveal of Finalists: Margarita Week, May 2025
• Final in Angers, France: June 2025
• Winner Announced: June 2025

How is the 2025 competition different from previous years?

• New Edition, New Theme
  This year’s competition embraces sustainability with a theme inspired by the natural world. At Cointreau, our commitment to cocktails extends beyond the glass. We believe in crafting Margaritas that honor both the planet and the palate. From the fruit peel to the herb stems, every part of the ingredient has value. We pledge to use every element of the selected fruit, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor. Cointreau is challenging participants to showcase the full bounty of nature in their Margarita creations, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices by crafting innovative Margaritas – using every part of a fruit—from flesh to peel to leaves – with at least 25 ml of Cointreau L'Unique and salt.

   

• Rookie of The Year
  Similar to last year, Cointreau is bringing back "The Rookie of the Year" category for our 2025 competition! This special award shines a spotlight on up-and-coming bartending stars with less than two years of experience. This initiative is a proof of Cointreau’s commitment to nurture the talents of tomorrow and support the bright future of bartending. Let’s cheers on this budding talent as it makes his/her mark in the world of bartending.

   

• 12 Seats in Finale
  The 2025 Cointreau Margarita Challenge is getting bigger! With an increase in talented bartenders, we’ve expanded the global final to 12 seats. This year, 10 regional competitions will decide the first 10 finalists. But that's not all – one exceptional newcomer will snag 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!

Who is on the jury?

This year, the participants advancing to the final in France will be evaluated by a prestigious panel comprised of internationally renowned leading bartenders, all of whom hold positions within the World’s 50 Best Bars Awards:

• Jienming Liao - Margarita Challenge 2024 Winner, World Class Global Final Top 8 2024, Hope & Sesame - Global General Manager
• TBD
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How will the final work?

Once the submission period has ended, 12 regional finalists will be chosen and flown to France for three days of immersive visits and mixology challenges, culminating in a final hosted at Cointreau’s historic mansion in Angers, where the story began. There, after 3 rounds of challenges the best three participants will be selected, and the first-place winner crowned.

What’s the grand prize?

The grand prize winner will walk away with an additional trip for two to France and a sponsor budget of five thousand euros which will allow them to take off on a tour to promote their own creative take on the Original Margarita in the best cocktails bars selected by Cointreau.

Can I submit two drinks?

Only one recipe submission will be accepted per participant: We want only your absolute best.

Can two or more bartenders from the same bar take part in the competition?

Yes! As long as each participant only submits one drink.

Can I use another liqueur in addition to Cointreau?

Yes, just as long as it’s not a triple sec or another orange liqueur.

Do I need to have my drink photographed by a professional?

While it’s true that the jury will take each drink’s presentation into account, a professionally-shot photograph is by no means required. We expect you to get creative and that your drink, staging & picture express the theme at its best.

Can I submit my recipe in a language other than English?

The Cointreau Margarita Challenge is an international competition that brings together participants from all around the world. As a result, we ask that all recipes be submitted (and if selected, presented to the jury) in English.

Are there any mandatory ingredients to include?

Only two: At least 25ml of Cointreau L’Unique and salt. The rest of the recipe is entirely up to each participant, but all the other ingredients you use for this edition, must be local & representative of your city.
 

What are the selection criteria?

Skills & Techniques (40%): This year’s Cointreau’s Margarita Challenge celebrates innovation, sustainability, and creativity. Entries will be judged on how skillfully participants utilize every part of the fruit to craft their Margarita.

Ingredients (30%): All recipes should feature at least 25ml or 0.75oz of Cointreau L’Unique and salt. Beyond this, participating bartenders will have to showcase many elements of a single ingredient and demonstrate sustainability-mindedness.

Storytelling (20%): 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.

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.

Will I receive feedback on my submission?

Due to the volume of entries expected, the jury will not be able to provide feedback to each individual participant. Only finalists will have the opportunity to discuss their creations with the judges.

We don’t have Cointreau in our bar: Will this be counted against me?

No, you can still participate regardless. That said, given how many iconic cocktails include Cointreau, what are you doing without it?

Do I have to salt the rim?

Salt is a mandatory ingredient, but you’re free to use it any way you like.

Can I use any glassware?

Of course! Use whatever glass feels most appropriate for your recipe and that you consider it fits best with the given theme.

Can our bar attend as a team?

Sounds fun—but no! The competition is about highlighting individual talent and creativity: It’s one drink per bartender, and one bartender per drink.

Can I share my entry on social media?

Sure, but likes and social media attention are not part of the selection criteria and will not be considered by the jury. If you do post, we kindly ask you to use our official hashtag #MargaritaChallenge and tag us @Cointreau

Should I make ingredients from scratch?

It is highly recommended. Creating your own infusion, syrup, cordial, soda, and so on gives you more control over each flavor—and often leads to a higher-quality drink. Last but not least, using homemade ingredients it’s a proof of you mastering the needed skills and techniques, a criterion for the competition.

Can I use Cointreau Noir?

No. As the competition is an ode to classic cocktails, you must use Cointreau l’Unique—the one, the only, the icon.