Patrick “Pat” Rowson’s winning margarita, the ‘Chakalakita’, has earned silver at the 2024 Cointreau Margarita Challenge Finals.
South Africa (24 June 2024) — Earlier this year, on Margarita Day, a regional competition was hosted at a hotel in Dubai to find the best margarita and its maker. Proudly, South African bartender Patrick “Pat” Rowson took the top prize with his Chakalaka-inspired drink and earned a spot in the global competition, which took place last week in France.
Pat took his “Chakalakita” along to France for the Cointreau Margarita Challenge 2024 final, where 10 of the world’s most talented bartenders competed for the top prize. Competing bartenders stirred up their unique ingredients from their cities in their margaritas according to this year’s challenge theme, “Capture the flavour of your City.” They hoped to take home the coveted title; however, only one could be crowned the winner.
Pat’s inspiration for the Chakalakita was based on the homegrown favourite Chakalaka.
“It was an absolute honour and pleasure to have represented UAE 🇦🇪 Aswell as share my South African heritage 🇿🇦 Through my cocktail Chakalakita on the global stage.” – Pat Rowson
Originally from Northern Johannesburg, Pat has travelled the world and settled at the international restaurant and bar COYA in Dubai. Here, he has worked in prime locations in the UAE and Greece, serving delicious drinks to international travellers. He is today the senior bartender and has a passion for making good drinks.
Pat was over the moon with his placement. While it’s not the top spot, it is a major boost to his career and
“Being a finalist in the Cointreau Margarita Challenge is not just about participating in a competition, it’s about joining a family. The 10 finalists each year become members of the Cointreau Collective.
This community aims to unite all its members under common values such as team spirit, putting quality and experience at the heart of every cocktail, and promoting a responsible attitude. Its bartenders are the proud ambassadors of this community and will continue to convey these values of sponsorship, mentorship, and mutual support.” – The Cointreau Collective
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