The 2025 World Margarita Championship, hosted by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and Tucson Originals Restaurants, concluded on Saturday, June 14 at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa.
With a list of worthy contenders, these bartenders and chefs took home the prizes.
JUDGES’ CHOICE – BEST BITE (Tie)
- Gap Kitchen: Fried Guacamole & Duck Totopa
- Humo Cocina Mexicana: Mole Enchilada Bites
PEOPLE’S CHOICE – BEST BITE
Bashful Bandit Barbecue: Smoked Beef Cheek Tacos
JUDGES’ CHOICE – BEST MARGARITA
1st Place
- Chef Roderick LeDesma: Desert Blossom Margarita
2nd Place
- Bisbee Breakfast Club: Blackberry Blaze
3rd Place (Tie)
- Dante’s Kitchen + Cocktails: Orange Dreamsicle Margarita
- Gap Kitchen: Grilled & Chilled Margarita
PEOPLE’S CHOICE – BEST MARGARITA:
1st Place
· Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen: Margarita del Sol
2nd Place
· Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar: Mr. Pepino
3rd Place
· Scratching the Plate: Pomegranate de Tigre
Tickets for upcoming SAACA events are available now at saaca.thundertix.com.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
