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17th Annual World Margarita Championship
June 14, 2024 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm MST
Tucson Originals Restaurants and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) will once again raise a glass to the art of cocktail creativity as they invite local mixologists and chefs to go head-to-head for a chance to win the 17th Annual World Margarita Championship. The trademark foodie event features a total of eight Judges’ and People’s Choice awards, including for Best Margarita and Best Menu Sample. It will be presented in part by Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, where this year’s festivities will be taking place.
The competition features a barrage of refreshing and unique twists on the iconic margarita, and also offers regional restaurants a chance to compete for the best complimentary bite. Attendees will have the chance to indulge in over 20 expertly crafted margarita samples and food pairings.
Previous World Margarita Championship winners have brought nopal and passion fruit-infused margaritas, smoked cocktails with chocolate-covered bacon garnishing, sesame-glazed drinks, and much more to the table. This year, Tucson Originals Restaurants like Dante’s Fire, Kingfisher, and Zio Peppe are on board to amaze with their delectable cocktail creations and entree offerings.
The event will also feature live music, art installations, and a raffle throughout the evening. Raffle baskets include hundreds of dollars in prizes donated by community and event partners; tickets are on sale now for only $10 for two tickets and $20 for 5.
“The participants at the World Margarita Championship go beyond a simple, classic margarita and transform them into masterpieces,” says Mat Cable of Tucson Original Restaurants. “Using inspiration from local ingredients, stunning garnishes, great tequila, and Southwest flair, these inspired drinks are elevated into true works of art.”
A team of local celebrity judges will be on-site to award one proud local restaurant with the title of “Best Margarita”.
2023 WINNERS
Judges’ Choice for Margarita
1st Place: Nana’s Kitchen – “Sonoran Passion Margarita”
2nd Place: The Red Light Lounge at the Downtown Clifton – “‘Is This Thing Tiki?’ Margarita”
3rd Place: El Rustico – “Nopal Margarita”
People’s Choice for Margarita
1st Place: Nana’s Kitchen – “Sonoran Passion Margarita”
2nd Place: Casino del Sol – “Sandia Negra”
3rd Place: La Botana – “Morada Margarita”
Best Menu Sample
Judges’ Choice: Malta Joe’s Baked Goods – “Southwestern & Pinchi Bean Pastizzi”
People’s Choice: Dante’s Fire – “Lemon Herb Pork Belly”
Tickets for the 17th Annual World Margarita Championship are on sale now. General Admission $80, VIP $100.
This is a 21+ event. The event includes libation and menu samplings from participating restaurants and purveyors. Proceeds from the event help support the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance’s (SAACA) creative arts programs throughout Arizona and Tucson Original Restaurants’ efforts to raise awareness of Tucson’s rich and vibrant culinary community.
TREAT DAD TO THE ULTIMATE STAYCATION AT WESTWARD LOOK WYNDHAM GRAND RESORT & SPA
Stay at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa with a special guestroom rate of 10% off for a one-night stay or 20% off for a two-night stay. Get your exclusive discount now by visiting https://www.saaca.org/worldmargarita.html
World Margarita Championship
When: Friday, June 14, 2024 – 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, 245 E. Ina Rd., Tucson, AZ 85704
Tickets: GA – $80; VIP – $100 (Must be 21+ and have valid ID for entry)
Online: https://www.saaca.org/worldmargarita.html
Phone: (520) 256-9162
Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages.
Tucson Originals
Formed in 1999, the Tucson Originals is Tucson’s premier group of independently owned, fine dining, casual and neighborhood restaurants. They promote the value of Tucson’s independent restaurants and support Tucson’s culinary diversity. Tucson Originals have been the driving force and model for similar groups all across America who are working to preserve the culinary spirit of their communities. With the rapid rise of chain eateries, this alliance has helped many of Tucson’s signature restaurants survive and thrive.