The 2023 Tucson Cocktail Challenge has returned for another round and will take place from 5:30 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 5 at St. Philip’s Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
In the biggest edition yet of this popular annual showdown, eight top mixologists from Tucson City of Gastronomy Certified Restaurants will compete for their specially created craft cocktail to win the title “Tucson Cocktail of the Year.” Perhaps the best part is that voting will be conducted by all who are attending the event.

In addition to tastings of the finalist cocktails, the evening will include hors d’oeuvres and live DJs.
Tickets are $75 per person and include cocktail samples, small bites, and live entertainment. Also, if you’re a Tucson Foodie Insider, look for the $10 discount in the Tucson Foodie App as well as an email with a promo code.
The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Tucson City of Gastronomy managing the designation.
The Tucson Cocktail Challenge will be held at St. Philip’s Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
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Article written by:

Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.















