18th Annual World Margarita Championship

The 18th Annual World Margarita Championship is turning up the heat on Tucson’s culinary scene! With the highly anticipated release of chef and bartender menus, guests can now get a sneak peek at the bold flavors and creative pairings that will take center stage on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa.

Presented by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and Tucson Originals Restaurants, this signature summer event brings together some of the region’s most celebrated chefs and bartenders, each crafting unique margaritas and dishes that reflect the spirit of Tucson’s diverse culinary landscape. From inventive cocktails to perfectly paired bites, the World Margarita Championship promises an unforgettable evening of flavor, artistry, and community celebration in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.

Preview the Menus – A Taste of What’s to Come:

Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar
Margarita: Mr. Pepino – Infused cucumber tequila with pineapple
Food: Quesabirria – Slow-cooked braised beef quesadilla. Gluten-free

Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon and BBQ
Margarita: BroJo’s Smoked BBQ Margarita – Pineapple, habanero, and candied bacon
Food: Pork Belly Tacos – Pork belly with homemade corn tortillas. Gluten-free

Westin La Paloma
Margarita: Fruit De La Passion – Tequila, passion fruit, lime, agave, and habanero
Food: Rojo & Verde Salsa – Red and green salsa. Vegetarian

Westward Look
Margarita: Sonoran Candy – Smoky, sweet, and desert-inspired heat
Food: Quesabirria Tacos – Crispy birria tacos with bold flavor. Gluten-free

The Garden Bistro at Tohono Chul Park
Margarita: Spicy Pomrita – Pomegranate, lime, Cointreau, jalapeño, and agave
Food: Chul Beef Barbacoa Taco with pico de pájaro – Simmered beef in corn tortilla with pico. Gluten-free

Scratching the Plate
Margarita: Pomegranate de Tigre – A sweet spin on leche de tigre
Food: Molé Manzana – Hibiscus-brined apple stuffed with mole. Gluten-free

St. Cruz Restaurant at The Leo Kent
Margarita: Ancho Rosa Margarita –Deep robust southwest flavor
Food: Chile IPA Braised Pork – Rich flavor of toasted chile and malt. Gluten-free

Humo Cocina Mexicana
Margarita: Humadera – Mango with cucumber and jalapeño
Food: Mole Enchilada Bites – Mole enchilada with chicken. Gluten-free

Bashful Bandit Barbecue
Margarita: A-Maize-Arita – Tallow-washed tequila and elote liqueur
Food: Smoked Beef Cheek Tacos – Beef cheeks smoked, taco’ed, and sauced

GAP Kitchen
Margarita: Grilled & Chilled Margarita – Grilled lime sorbet. Prickly pear salt
Food: Fried Guac & Duck Totopa – Fried guacamole with Confit Duck nested

Reforma Modern Mexican. Mezcal + Tequila
Margarita: Pepino Picante – Spicy cucumber, jalapeno margarita

Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen
Margarita: Margarita del Sol – Spicy, piña, coco, and Aperol
Food: Shrimp Mango Ceviche – Mango, shrimp, pico de gallo, and sauces

Highwire
Margarita: Hibiscus Margarita – A bold, vibrant take on a classic drink

The Royal Room
Margarita: Coconut Margarita
Food: Cheezy Tots – Tater tots with cheese. Vegetarian

Borderland Spirits
Offerings: An exclusive portfolio of artisanal Bacanoras—rare, small-batch agave spirits that showcase the bold, smoky flavors of Sonora, Mexico.

Casa Asada Taquería y Cervecería
Offerings: Authentic Sonoran taquería offering traditional thick-cut steak tacos, tostadas, and fresh aguas frescas.

Dirty T Tamarindo
Offerings: Authentic array of mexican candies made here in Tucson – Dried Mango, Dirty Worms, and Rim Dip!

Charred Pie
Offerings: Neapolitan-inspired pizzeria featuring wood-fired pizzas, pastas, salads, and desserts, all made with top-notch ingredients.

Cielos at Lodge on the Desert
Offerings: Contemporary, seasonal cuisine that pays tribute to Southwest ingredients, complemented by classic craft cocktails featuring local spirits.

Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea
Offerings: Craft hard tea brewed in Tucson, combining black and hibiscus tea, lemon, organic agave, and distilled spirits.

Dante’s Kitchen & Cocktails
Offerings: Family-owned scratch kitchen offering fine food in a casual atmosphere, featuring craft cocktails and an award-winning menu.

Maynards Kitchen & Bottle Shop
Offerings: Known for offering a curated selection of wines, craft cocktails, and gourmet dishes in the center of Downtown Tucson.

Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria
Offerings: Renowned for Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas and a commitment to community values.

Whiskey Del Bac
Offerings: Award-winning American single malt whiskey distilled in Tucson.

Event Highlights Include:
Judge’s Choice & People’s Choice Awards
Margarita Tastings from Tucson’s top mixologists
Culinary Pairings from Tucson Originals Restaurants and guest chefs
Live Music & Interactive Arts Experiences
Meet & Greet Access with the culinary creators behind the competition
Raffle Drawings for over $2,000 in local gift cards and prizes
Event Details
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time:
VIP Admission: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Includes early entry, a welcome tequila toast with live music.
General Admission: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Includes all tastings and entertainment.
Location:
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa
245 E. Ina Rd., Tucson, AZ 85704

Ticket Information
$100 VIP Admission
One-hour early entry at 5:30 PM
Welcome tequila toast
All general admission benefits
$80 General Admission

Access to margarita tastings, culinary pairings, and entertainment:

Tickets Available Now at: https://saaca.thundertix.com/

Event Details – World Margarita Championship – SAACA

Make it a Father’s Day weekend to remember with a staycation at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa. Enjoy upscale accommodations surrounded by 80 acres of Sonoran Desert beauty, with special room rates starting at $118++ for event attendees.

Proceeds from the World Margarita Championship directly support the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and its mission to strengthen community connections through the arts, culture, and culinary experiences. At a time when creative industries face increasing challenges—from funding shortages to rising costs of producing accessible community programs—the arts need more support than ever. By attending this event, guests aren’t just enjoying Tucson’s vibrant food and beverage scene—they’re helping to sustain year-round educational initiatives, cultural festivals, live performances, and artist opportunities that keep Southern Arizona’s creative economy alive and thriving. Every ticket sold helps ensure that the arts continue to inspire, connect, and bring people together for generations to come.

Reserve Your Spot Today!
Tickets are available now at saaca.thundertix.com/. Sip Boldly. Vote Proudly. Celebrate Tucson’s Flavor.

About SAACA
The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the community through arts, culture, and creativity. Through innovative collaborations, SAACA creates dynamic programs and events that promote cultural engagement, economic development, and artistic excellence.

About 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.