Alma Finca Orange Liqueur set out to find Bartenders to reimagine the Mexico's most iconic cocktail, the Margarita, and return it to its true origin in their first-ever Shake That Citrus Competition 2025. After calling on Bartenders in Mexico and the U.S. to step up to this challenge, eight Bartenders were selected as the Finalists for their original cocktail creations reinterpreting the Margarita with Alma Finca Orange Liqueur. The stage was set against the vibrant backdrop of Mérida in Mexico’s citrus capital, Yucatán, for the Grand Finale. Over the course of three intense rounds, the eight finalists reimagined the Authentic Mexican Margarita, celebrating the citrus soul of Yucatán and the essence of Alma Finca—the only Mexican orange liqueur crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the Yucatán Peninsula.
After a fierce and passionate showdown of creativity, technique, and flavor, the judging panel—composed of Keven Tocino (Aruba Day Drink, Tijuana), Amanda Gunderson (Another Round Another Rally and recipient of the Pioneer Award at Tales of the Cocktail), and Joshua Monaghan (Shaker Room)—named Crystal Marie Rios as the competition’s grand winner with her cocktail “Sal al Sol.”
The final event was hosted by Mica Rousseau, Global Ambassador for Casa Lumbre and one of the most renowned bartenders on the international scene, who served as MC for the night. The finale brought together eight standout bartenders from Mexico and the U.S., each one honoring the roots of the Authentic Mexican Margarita through Alma Finca—the first Mexican orange liqueur made with fresh citrus and local botanicals from Yucatán.
As the grand prize, Rios has the opportunity to choose between two of the most prestigious certifications in the hospitality world:
• The BAR 5-Day Program® in New York, widely considered the most comprehensive spirits and mixology program.
• WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust), the global benchmark in wine and spirits education.
Driven by Another Round Another Rally and Shaker Room, in collaboration with Alma Finca, this competition was born to return the Margarita to center stage and reconnect it with its roots—celebrating the culture, heritage, and flavor of Mexico’s most iconic cocktail. Alma Finca: The Citrus Soul of the Mexican Margarita.
For more information on Alma Finca Orange Liqueur, visit - almafinca.com
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