Cointreau is inviting Australian bartenders to submit their twist on the Margarita for their chance to win a trip to France and secure the top honour.

Bar talent have the opportunity to flex their foundational skills in the Margarita Challenge, which requires bartenders to produce a drink that has a twist on the original creation.

The cocktail must feature Cointreau and salt and be made using equipment that was available during the 1940s.

Entrants are required to give the drink an “evocative name and vivid story that takes the jury on a sensory voyage as much as the recipe does”.

Jury members include former winner Jonathan Stanyard, World’s 50 Best Bars award recipient Rory J Shepherd, Journalist Kelly Magyarics and Cointreau Master Distiller Carole Quinton. 

The panel will select the top 10 finalists based on technique, ingredients, storytelling and presentation, with the final group to be flown to France.

Bartenders will participate in mixology challenges before attending the final round to be hosted at the historic Cointreau mansion in Angers where the first-place winner will be announced.

The grand prize includes a trip to France for two and a $5,000 Euro budget allowing the recipient to tour and promote their winning drink.

Entries are open until 12 February.