Jose Cuervo is challenging bartenders all over Ireland to mix things up by creating a Cuervo Tradicional margarita with a twist and submitting their entry on cuervomargarita.ie. The most impressive margaritas will be invited to a live final in Dublin on the 14th May where finalists will compete to win the title of Ireland’s Best Margarita in front of a panel of expert judges.

The star spirit for the competition, Cuervo Tradicional Silver, is an authentic 100% blue agave tequila, made using the original recipe created by Jose Antonio de Cuervo. Irresistibly refined, it is carefully bottled to conserve its flavour and finish, making it the perfect tequila for a sensational margarita.

Jose Cuervo started promoting the margarita as early as 1945 aiming to build morale after World War II with a campaign called “Margarita – more than just a girl’s name”. Jose Cuervo has become synonymous with the margarita ever since and is dedicated to inspiring and educating bartenders in the world of tequila and this classic cocktail.

By definition, a margarita is made by using tequila, sweetener and citrus but this competition is set to mix things up as bartenders are encouraged to use their imagination when creating their innovative cocktails. Using Cuervo Tradicional Silver, the criteria for judging includes inventiveness and quality in both the recipe and presentation, as well as a high level of technical skill. Entrants are encouraged to keep sustainability in mind as well as the latest cocktail trends. Each entry should be fun and full of passion showcasing the inspiration and story behind their take on the margarita.

As well as being awarded the envied title of Cuervo’s Best Margarita in Ireland, the margarita champion will win an unforgettable trip to the home of Jose Cuervo in Tequila, Mexico.

During the trip, the winner will witness, first-hand, the production process of Jose Cuervo; from exploring the agave fields & learning how the tradition of the Jimador has been passed down generation to generation right through to distillation and maturation

They will step back in time and walk down into the private family cellar, the only place in the world where Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia is finished and will savour a dram straight from the barrel!

Oli Pergl, Tequila Educator for Jose Cuervo and head judge for the competition says; “The margarita owes its character to tequila, which is the spirit that captures the heart and soul of Mexico, including its traditions, its magic, and its history. Tequila infuses the margarita with fun and intensity and gives it an edge over other cocktails and spirits. Being a versatile cocktail, I look forward to seeing some unique recipes unfold during the competition”.

Last year, Andrew Ennis from Peruke & Periwig won over the judges with his imaginative twist on the classic cocktail. Andrew was inspired by the terroirs of two unique ingredients; Cuervo tequila and Irish Orange Blossom honey. The two ingredients combined perfectly together and with a note of sherry and citrus to add a salty complexity. This beautiful and balanced cocktail was served over hand-carved ice in an Irish clay mug.

Create your own innovative margarita at home using Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver or stick to the classic Tommy’s Margarita.

TOMMY’S MARGARITA

Recipe

50ml Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver 100% De Agave
30ml Fresh Lime Juice

15ml Agave Syrup (available in your local health shop)

Wedge of lime to serve

Method

  • In a rocks glass combine Cuervo Tradicional, fresh lime juice and agave syrup over ice
  • Garnish with lime

Bartenders who are 18 years or old and legal residents of Ireland, can enter the competition between 22nd February – 22nd April (midnight) by submitting their own creative twist on the classic margarita on cuervomargarita.ie.