Cointreau’s Margarita Challenge

Cointreau returns in 2026 with a bold new direction for its global Margarita Challenge, built around one simple idea, Shake It Up. This year is not about playing it safe. It is about breaking habits, pushing creativity, and rethinking what a Margarita can be. Bartenders are challenged to step outside their comfort zone and create something unexpected, expressive, and completely their own.

At the centre of this year’s competition is a new mechanic designed to test true creativity. Once registered, bartenders will access a digital shaker. With one shake, they will unlock one of ten secret ingredients that must be used in their Margarita.

No swaps. No second chances.

This element of surprise forces bartenders to adapt, think on their feet, and turn limitation into inspiration. It is a test of flavour, balance, and originality, all built around the versatility of Cointreau.

Now in its sixth year, the Cointreau Margarita Challenge has become one of the most respected bartender competitions in the world, known for spotlighting talent and pushing the craft forward. The journey once again leads to France, with finalists travelling to Paris and Angers, the home of Cointreau, where they will take part in immersive experiences, hands on workshops, and present their Margaritas to a panel of leading global industry figures.

Entries will be judged on creativity, balance, technical execution, presentation, and how each bartender brings the Shake It Up concept to life.

How to Enter

Entries are now open and close on 31st May 2026.

Professional bartenders can enter via the official Cointreau Margarita Challenge platform on cointreau.com.

Register online now!

Shake the digital shaker to reveal your secret ingredient.

Create and submit your Margarita using Cointreau.

Bring the Shake It Up concept to life in your entry.

The countdown is on.

Follow Cointreau for updates, regional selections, and the road to the global final in Angers.