Local Restaurants To Mix It Up at the 2024 World Margarita Championship

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 that features a total of eight Judges’ and People’s Choice awards, including for Best Margarita and Best Menu Sample, is happening from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14 at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, 245 E. Ina Rd.

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 taste more than 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 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.”

Get Your Tickets!

$80 | General Admission

• Admission is at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Tickets include libation and menu samplings from local Tucson Originals Restaurants and purveyors
• A total of 400 General Admission tickets will be sold
• Buy Tickets

$100 | VIP Tickets

• General Admission benefits plus early admission at 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Tickets include all General Admission benefits, one-hour early access to the event, a welcome Tequila Toast, and a private closing dessert reception from 7 – 8:30 p.m. with live music
• A total of 150 VIP Tickets will be sold
• Buy Tickets

Foodie Club member Perks

• If you’re a Foodie Club member, you can get 15% off
• Open the Tucson Foodie App to score the deal

World Margarita Championship Participants

• Nana’s Kitchen (2022 and 2023 Winners)
• Dante’s Fire
• Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen
• Reforma
• Kingfisher Bar and Grill
• Zio Peppe
• La Botana
• Pure Poke
• Cancion Tequila
• Dirty T Tamarindo
• Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
• [POPPED] Artisan Popcorn
• More TBA soon…

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.

Treat Dad to the Ultimate Staycation

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 online.

The World Margarita Championship is happening at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, 245 E. Ina Rd. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit saaca.org.