For bartenders across Australia, the 2025 Cointreau Margarita Challenge is more than just a competition—it’s a golden opportunity to shine on a global stage. With this year’s theme, ‘No Waste Margarita – From Fruit to Leaf,’ Cointreau dares bartenders to push the boundaries of creativity and sustainability, turning every part of an ingredient into cocktail artistry.
The challenge not only celebrates innovation but also puts sustainability at the forefront. As bartenders, our work is as much about storytelling as it is about crafting exceptional drinks, and this competition offers the perfect platform to combine these elements.
Why Enter?
The Cointreau Margarita Challenge is not just about mixing a margarita or just another competition —it’s a career-defining opportunity to showcase your talent and it’s about transforming your career.
Winners gain entry into the exclusive Cointreau Collective, a Keeley McAlinden, Australian 2024 Finalist mentorship program that connects them with an elite global network of bartenders. Past champions have used this platform to make their mark, achieving international acclaim and reshaping the mixology world.
This year, the stakes are higher. The Australian National winner will earn a trip to Angers, France, to compete in the international finals in June —the birthplace of Cointreau and the epicentre of mixology inspiration. The global prize includes a €5,000 guest shift at a world-renowned bar anywhere in the world and international recognition as a leading mixologist along with a trip for 2 to France!
Keeley’s Journey: A National Finalist’s Perspective
Keeley McAlinden, a standout from last year’s Australian finals, describes the competition as a transformative experience. “This challenge is like no other,” she shares. “It pushed me to explore ingredients I never thought I could use and taught me to approach mixology with a fresh perspective.” Keeley believes the sustainability-focused theme encourages bartenders to think critically about their craft while delivering exceptional results.
Her advice? “Dive in with an open mind and let your creativity flow. The experience will refine your skills and connect you with an inspiring community of bartenders who share your passion.”
The Theme: ‘No Waste Margarita Challenge : From Fruit to Leaf’
This year’s competition embraces sustainability with a theme inspired by the natural world. At Cointreau, their commitment to cocktails extends beyond the glass. They believe in crafting Margaritas that honour both the planet and the palate. From the fruit peel to the herb stems, every part of the ingredient has value. They pledge to use every element of the selected fruit, minimizing waste and maximizing flavour. 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 25ml of Cointreau and salt.
What’s Expected?
This year’s competition theme, ‘From Fruit to Leaf,’ challenges participants to craft Margaritas that honour every element of an ingredient. The judging criteria are clear:
- Skill (40%): Showcase your talent in incorporating sustainability into your mixology. This year’s Cointreau’s Margarita Challenge celebrates innovation, sustainability, and creativity. Entries will be judged on how skilfully participants utilize every part of the fruit to craft their Margarita.
- Ingredients (30%): Use every part of a fruit—from the flesh to the peel and leaves—while featuring at least 25ml of Cointreau and salt. Beyond this, bartenders will have to showcase many elements of a single ingredient and demonstrate sustainability-mindedness.
- Storytelling (20%): Craft acompelling narrative that connects your cocktail to the competition’s theme. Behind every great Margaritais an evocative story. Participating bartenders should submit compelling narratives that complement their concoctions, offering insight into the inspiration behind each.
- Presentation (10%): Create a visually stunning drink that captures attention at first glance. Every cocktail tasting experience starts with the eye. Bartenders should craft visually striking drinks and ensure their submitted photographs accurately represent the uniqueness and personality of their creation.
Key Dates
- Competition Submissions Close: Friday, February 28, 2025
The competition is open to professional bartenders across Australia.
- Australian National Final: Monday, April 7, 2025
Venue: Wentworth Bar
Address: 61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney
The Australian finals will take place with eight talented mixologists competing for the national title. The Australian Finalist will win $1000 and there are great prizes for the 2 runners up. The winner of the Australian finals will embark on an unforgettable journey to Angers, France. For three days, they will immerse themselves in the art of mixology, engage in exciting challenges, and compete against the best from around the world. Angers, with its rich history and deep connection to Cointreau, provides the perfect backdrop for the international grand finale.
- International Grand Final: Week of June 9, 2025, in Angers, France
Our Australian champion will then compete for the International title at the international grand finale in Angers, France, where the Australian champion will vie for the ultimate accolade.
The Rookie of the Year Award
For newcomers to the industry, the Rookie of the Year category offers a chance to stand out. Designed for bartenders with less than two years of experience, this award encourages emerging talent to showcase their innovation and enthusiasm. If you’re new to the scene but eager to prove yourself, this is your moment. So, if you think you don’t have enough experience, think again, this could be your chance to show your talent.
Join the Margarita Revolution
As the 2025 competition heats up, the spotlight is on Australian bartenders to redefine the Margarita while championing sustainability. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this challenge is your chance to be part of something extraordinary.
Submit your entry via the official competition page by February 28, 2025, and join a legacy of excellence. With creativity, skill, and sustainability at the heart of the challenge, the world is waiting to see what Australia’s best bartenders will shake up next.
What are you waiting for? The world is waiting to taste your Margarita masterpiece— submit your creation now!
For more details and entry criteria and to enter visit:
https://www.cointreau.com/int/en/cointreau-margarita-challenge
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https://www.instagram.com/cointreau_au
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