For those looking for a cocktail that’ll knock their socks off, keep scrolling. The Tucson City of Gastronomy is shakin’ up the perfect event this month.
From 5:30 – 9 p.m. on Friday, October 21, six of Tucson’s finest mixologists will be creating concoctions and hoping for your vote in this year’s Cocktail Challenge. The crafty occasion is happening at The Monica, located at 40 E. Congress St.
The bartenders competing in the challenge are all mixologists from restaurants certified by the Tucson City of Gastronomy. The cocktails will showcase local and heritage ingredients with a big emphasis on the city’s terroir and gastronomic history.
Cocktail Challenge Mixologists
- Donna Francis, Union Public House
- Alfredo Aguilar, Zio Peppe
- Luis Alcala, The Delta
- Sherra Whittaker, Blue Willow
- Carlos Rodriguez, PY Steakhouse
- Katie Wisdom, The Parish
The local beverage magician that stirs and mixes up the best cocktail will receive $250 and their cocktail will be named “TCoG Cocktail of the Year.” Over time, the cocktail will be featured at other various happenings in Tucson.
Tickets to this year’s event are $70 per person and include hors d’oeuvres prepared by chef Danny Perez, tastings of each cocktail, and then an opportunity to vote.
Cocktail Challenge Dinner Menu
- Shrimp Crudite – with a cucumber Fresno relish
- Hola Hemp Chipotle Tamalito – with a cilantro crema
- Chicken Artichoke Skewer – with herb gremolata
- Mushroom Bruschetta
- Tepary Bean Hummus,
- Top Chef’s Blackberry Carne Seca
- Poblano Crema De Elote Soup Shooter
- Cotija Corn Rib
The event is a fundraiser for the non-profit Tucson City of Gastronomy, which is the organization managing UNESCO’s designation of Tucson. Whenever possible, the group behind the scenes promotes talent and creativity among local farmers, ranchers, chefs, food workers, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and local food businesses.
The Monica is located at 40 E. Congress St. For more information and to purchase a ticket, 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.
