Cointreau Margarita Challenge 2025 Emphasizes Sustainability and Creativity

The Margarita Challenge 2025 is about to kick off, with the registration deadline just a week away. Until February 28, Cointreau invites top bartenders worldwide to join a five-month competition to create the best original Margarita recipe for 2025. This fifth edition of the Cointreau Margarita Challenge introduces the theme "From Fruit to Leaf," focusing on sustainability and zero waste. Cointreau aims to highlight the value of every ingredient, from fruit peels to herb stems, in crafting cocktails that respect both the planet and the palate.

Participating in the Margarita Challenge 2025 offers bartenders a unique chance to shine on the international stage. Winners gain recognition from industry experts and cocktail enthusiasts, often propelling their careers to new heights. The competition has become a global sensation, attracting bartenders eager to push creative boundaries and showcase their talents. Last year's theme, "Flavor of Your City," saw participation from nearly 80 countries, resulting in almost 2,000 unique recipes.

This year, the competition reaches new heights with a focus on meaningful impact. The grand prize winner will be chosen from 12 finalists who will travel to France for a three-day finale. The winner will leave a mark on the Original Margarita's legacy and receive a five-thousand-euro voucher for a guest shift anywhere in the world, along with a trip for two to France.

The 2025 Cointreau Margarita Challenge expands to 12 finalists, with 10 regional competitions determining the first 10 spots. An exceptional newcomer will earn the Rookie spot, while a Wild Card finalist will be selected by the jury. Participants are encouraged to create their best Margarita recipes, embracing the "No Waste Margarita Challenge: From Fruit to Leaf" theme.

Cointreau's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the glass, urging participants to use every part of the fruit, from flesh to peel to leaves, in their Margarita creations. Each recipe must include at least 25 ml of Cointreau L'Unique and salt. A jury of renowned bartenders and industry experts will evaluate the creations based on creativity, flavor, presentation, and alignment with the "Fruit to Leaf" ethos.

The judging criteria include skills (40%), focusing on how well bartenders use each part of the fruit in their Margarita version. Ingredients (30%) require at least 25 ml of Cointreau L’Unique and salt, showcasing multiple elements of a single ingredient and a commitment to sustainability. Storytelling (20%) emphasizes the narrative behind each Margarita, providing context to the creation. Visual quality (10%) assesses the cocktail's visual impact and the quality of submitted photographs.

Bartenders interested in participating can submit their recipes on Cointreau's international website. The deadline for entries is February 28, 2025. More information and registration details are available at www.cointreau.com/margaritachallenge.