The 2024 World Margarita Championship wrapped up with a night full of amazing margaritas and delicious bites. Presented by Tucson Originals Restaurants and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and held at the beautiful Westward Look Wyndham Grand Hotel & Resort, this annual event is always a blend of innovation and tradition, showcasing some of Tucson’s finest mixologists and culinary talents.

Like many other members of the Tucson Foodie team that came before me, I had the privilege of judging, along with Ari Montes (SAACA Board Member), Jim Harris (Food Photographer), Nelda Reiz (Southwest Folklife Alliance), John Aldecoa (Brother John’s BBQ), Wesley Source (The Tucson Tasty Show), and Annie Pryor (Ermanos). Over 600 event attendees also cast their votes for the People’s Choice awards.

Let’s dive into the highlights and celebrate the 2024 winners!

Judges’ Choice for Margarita

• 1st Place: Bisbee Breakfast Club – “Desert Refresher” (Cucumber Lemonade Margarita)
• 2nd Place: Nana’s Kitchen – “Marco’s Secret” (Agua Fresca Margarita)
• 3rd Place: Zio Peppe – “Sandia & Chill”

People’s Choice for Margarita

• 1st Place: Nana’s Kitchen – “Marco’s Secret” (Agua Fresca Margarita)
• 2nd Place: Saffron Indian Bistro – “Blue Skies over Mumbai”
• 3rd Place: Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen – “El Carrizal”

Best Menu Sample

• Judges’ Choice: Bashful Bandit Barbecue – “Chicken Salad & House-Made BBQ Chips”
• People’s Choice: TIE – Palm at Westward Look – “Ancho BBQ Pulled Pork Taco” & Dante’s Fire – “Miso-Glazed Pork Belly”

Like all of SAACA’s events, this wasn’t just about food and drink. Attendees enjoyed live music, folklorico dancing, a “walking luchador” experience with Rockstar Wrestling Alliance’s “The Prophet,” art installations by Team Studio Create, and a raffle with thousands of dollars in prizes donated by SAACA and Tucson Originals community partners.

Every year, the World Margarita Championship directly supports ongoing programming for local arts, arts education, and preserving and advancing our community’s culture—a fact that feels particular important today as we just learned on Saturday that the Arizona State Legislature passed a FY2025 budget that included a 60% reduction in funding for the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

SAACA is actively recruiting restaurants, chefs, and mixologists for their next signature event—the Salsa, Tequila, & Taco Challenge, coming to El Conquistador in Oro Valley on August 24, 2024, from 5 PM – 8:30 PM. Grab your tickets today at: SAACA’s website. If you’re interested in competing, register here.

Cheers to all the winners and see you at the next event! 🥂

All photos by Julian Ybarra.