Tucson’s World Margarita Championship will feature pineapple-habañero-candied bacon margaritas, smoked beef cheek tacos, mole-stuffed apples and other delectables.
And it’s on Father’s Day weekend, so if Dad likes tequila and wildly innovative tastes, a ticket could be the right gift.
The 18th annual event, sponsored by SAACA and Tucson Originals Restaurants, features chefs and restaurants competing for Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards for Signature Margarita and Best Bite. Attendees vote for their favorites.
Southern ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Arts & Cultural Alliance and Tucson Originals Restaurants host the annual World Margarita Championship.
The championship is held at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, 7000 N. Resort Drive, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14.
Ciaran Wiese from Agustin Kitchen at a previous World Margarita Championship.
Participants:
Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar: Margarita: Mr. Pepino — infused cucumber tequila with pineapple; food: quesabirria — slow-cooked braised beef quesadilla. Gluten-free.
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Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon and BBQ: Margarita: BroJo’s Smoked BBQ Margarita — pineapple, habañero and candied bacon; Food: pork belly tacos with homemade corn tortillas. Gluten-free.
Westin La Paloma: Margarita: Fruit De La Passion — tequila, passion fruit, lime, agave and habañero; 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 yaco with pico de pájaro — simmered beef in corn tortilla with pico. Gluten-free.
Those attending the World Margarita Championship on June 14 will get to sample nibbles from an array of Tucson Originals restaurants.
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 with chicken. Gluten-free.
Bashful Bandit Barbecue: Margarita: A-Maize-Arita — tallow-washed tequila and elote liqueur; Food: smoked beef cheek tacos.
GAP Kitchen: Margarita: Grilled & Chilled Margarita — grilled lime sorbet and prickly pear salt; Food: fried guac & duck totopa — fried guacamole with confit duck nested.
Reforma Modern Mexican. Mezcal + Tequila: Margarita: Pepino Picante — spicy cucumber and jalapeño.
Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen: Margarita: Margarita del Sol — spicy, piña, coco and Aperol; Food: shrimp mango ceviche.
Highwire: Margarita: Hibiscus Margarita — a bold, vibrant take on a classic drink.
The Royal Room: Margarita: Coconut Margarita; Food: cheezy tots. 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 TaquerÃa y CervecerÃa: Offerings: Authentic Sonoran taquerÃa 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.
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.
Whiskey Del Bac: Offerings: Award-winning American single malt whiskey distilled in Tucson.
Art experiences included
Ballet Folklorico Los Mextucaz; DJ David Jimenez and Humphouse Media; Emcee Frank Powers; Live painting by Jesse Perry, Donovan White; strolling entertainment with Dr. Penguin (magician), The Prophet (Luchador Wrestler); Classical guitar performance, VIP Lounge, Eduardo Costa; live music poolside, Miguel Melgoza (pop/soul).
Tickets
Tickets are $80 for general admission, which includes libation and menu samplings from local Tucson Originals Restaurants and Purveyors; or $100 for VIP, which includes early admission, a welcome tequila toast, and a private closing dessert reception with live music. Ten percent off tickets with discount code SAACA. 21 & Over Event. Tickets are expected to sell out at: .
All proceeds support SAACA community arts outreach programs and Tucson Originals restaurants.
