The first edition of the Cointreau Cocktail Competition in Malta brought together 15 bartenders to showcase their creativity, technical skills and passion for mixology.
Farsons Beverage Imports Company Limited (FBIC) recently hosted the first edition of the Cointreau Cocktail Competition in Malta, bringing together 15 talented bartenders for a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and innovation in cocktail making.
Held on 8 October at The Apothecary Cocktail Bar in St Julian's, the competition provided a platform for local bartenders to demonstrate their skills and showcase their individual interpretations of cocktails featuring Cointreau, the renowned orange liqueur from the French Maison Rémy Cointreau.
Throughout the competition, participants were challenged to create cocktails that demonstrated originality, balance and a strong understanding of flavour, while incorporating Cointreau into their recipes. Entries were evaluated on presentation, skills and technique, as well as the creativity, balance and overall quality of each cocktail.
The competition was assessed by a panel of judges with experience across the hospitality, bartending and spirits industries, including Roberto Molaro, FBIC Spirits Ambassador; Aleksandar Zivadinovic, technical judge; and Pierre Stafrace, representing Farsons' extensive experience in the beverage industry.
Following the judging process, three bartenders were recognised for their outstanding creations:
First Place - Vinay Kale, Kuch Kuch, with Mango Lassi
Second Place - Veronica Guzman Chavarria, Sip n Sail, with Ary
Third Place - Bibin Krisha, The Chapels Gastrobrewpub, with Mela Imqaret
In recognition of his winning creation, Vinay Kale was awarded a trip to the Athens Bar Show, including flights and accommodation. The prize offers an opportunity to experience the international bartending scene, discover new trends and gain further inspiration from industry professionals.
The winning creations reflected the diversity of ideas and approaches brought forward by the participants, highlighting the creativity and talent present within Malta's bartending community.
Beyond the competition itself, the event offered an opportunity for bartenders to connect with fellow industry professionals, exchange ideas and celebrate the craft of mixology. It also highlighted Cointreau's longstanding association with cocktail culture and its versatility as an essential ingredient in both classic and contemporary serves.
FBIC remains committed to supporting the local hospitality industry by creating opportunities that encourage professional development, product knowledge and creativity among bartenders and hospitality professionals.
The successful first edition of the Cointreau Cocktail Competition marks an exciting milestone for the brand in Malta, recognising the people behind the bar and celebrating the innovation that continues to shape the local cocktail scene.
FBIC congratulates all the participants, with special recognition to the three winners, and extends its thanks to everyone who contributed to making the inaugural competition a success.
Cointreau is imported, marketed and distributed by FBIC, a subsidiary of the Farsons Group.