Patrón launches 2019 Margarita of the Year contest

Bacardi-owned Patrón Tequila has launched its 2019 search for the Margarita of the Year, giving members of the public the chance to vote on their favourite creation.

The Margarita Amore, made by Cristian Bugiada in Rome, contains apple and chilli pepper

Patrón’s Margarita of the Year contest features eight twists on the classic Tequila-based cocktail, each influenced by the local area of its creator.

To create the Margaritas, Patrón recruited bartenders from around the world, including Jacyara de Oliveira in Chicago, Adrian Martinez in Guadalajara, Cristian Bugiada in Rome and Jay Khan in Hong Kong.

This year, consumers will be able to choose from the Paseo Margarita, made with coconut and basil; the Pasifika Margarita, which contains pineapple and coconut; the Golden Hour Margarita, containing turmeric and pineapple; and the Flamingo Park Margarita, which contains grapefruit.

The Paseo Margarita was created by Jacyara de Oliveira in Chicago

This year’s selection of Margaritas also includes the Margarita Caliente, with passion fruit and chipotle; the Margarita Amore, which contains apple and chilli pepper; Dynasty Margarita, made with lychee and ginger; and the Wild Rose Margarita, which includes juniper and rose.

Lee Applbaum, global chief marketing officer at Patrón Tequila, said: “There’s tremendous merit in a bartender who can craft a simple, classic Margarita with the finest quality and freshest ingredients, but these eight bartenders have truly transformed them into masterpieces.

“Using inspiration from local ingredients, stunning garnishes and, of course, the perfect Tequila – Patrón – these globally inspired drinks are elevated into true works of art.”

Margarita fans can vote for their favourite creation at margaritaoftheyear.com, with the triumphant Margarita being crowned the winner on 25 April in a global final at Patrón’s brand home Hacienda Patrón in Jalisco, Mexico.