Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Here’s Who Won The 2025 World Margarita Championship (PHOTOS)

World Margarita Championship 2025 Judge's Choice Best Margarita Chef Roderick LeDesma (Photo by Julian Ibarra)

Here’s Who Won The 2025 World Margarita Championship (PHOTOS)

Jun 23, 20252 min read

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)
World Margarita Championship 2025 Judges’ Choice (tied) Best Bite winner, Fried Guacamole & Duck Totopa by Gap Kitchen (Photo by Julian Ibarra)
World Margarita Championship 2025 Judges’ Choice (tied) Best Bite winner Humo Cocina Mexicana (Photo by Julian Ibarra)
PEOPLE’S CHOICE – BEST BITE

Bashful Bandit Barbecue: Smoked Beef Cheek Tacos

World Margarita Championship 2025 People’s Choice Best Bite winner, Smoked Beef Cheek Tacos by Bashful Bandit Barbecue (Photo by Julian Ibarra)
JUDGES’ CHOICE – BEST MARGARITA

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place (Tie)

World Margarita Championship 2025 Judges’ Choice Best Margarita Chef Roderick LeDesma (Photo by Julian Ibarra)
Bisbee Breakfast Club handing out Blackberry Blaze Margaritas at the World Margarita Championship 2025 (Photo by Julian Ibarra)
World Margarita Championship 2025 Orange Dreamsicle Margarita from Dante’s Kitchen & Cocktails (Photo by Julian Ibarra)
World Margarita Championship 2025 Judges’ Choice Best Margarita third place (tie) Gap Kitchen (Photo by Julian Ibarra)
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

World Margarita Championship 2025 People’s Choice winner Margarita del Sol by Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen (Photo by Julian Ibarra)
World Margarita Championship 2025 People’s Choice Best Margarita winner Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen (Photo by Julian Ibarra)
World Margarita Championship 2025 People’s Choice Best Margarita 2nd Place Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar (Photo by Julian Ibarra)
World Margarita Championship 2025 (Photo by Julian Ibarra)

Tickets for upcoming SAACA events are available now at saaca.thundertix.com.

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer and photographer. 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.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments and petting pets.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. No spam.

Take us with you.

Discover the best local spots, browse the dish database, build and share your to-visit lists, support local, and join the Foodie Club when you're ready.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.2K followers
@Heartswellbooks GRAND OPENING PARTY is happening this Friday, October 16, from 10am to 8pm.💐📚🍷

@Yogawaja, @knghtmvs, @slowbodybeer, @lalalinks.tucson, @ensenadastreetfood, and their neighbors at @dilunacandlestore will also be open and joining in on the celebration!

Vegan & gluten-free options🎉@Heartswellbooks GRAND OPENING PARTY is happening this Friday, October 16, from 10am to 8pm.💐📚🍷 @Yogawaja, @knghtmvs, @slowbodybeer, @lalalinks.tucson, @ensenadastreetfood, and their neighbors at @dilunacandlestore will also be open and joining in on the celebration! Vegan & gluten-free options🎉
Foodie mixer at @kindeethaiaz!🌸 Thank you to Kin Dee Thai and everyone who came out to enjoy the evening with us!

Want to explore Tucson’s restaurant scene, eat at exclusive dinners with local chefs, and get $7,500+ in perks at 130 local spots? Tap the Tucson Foodie membership link in bio.Foodie mixer at @kindeethaiaz!🌸 Thank you to Kin Dee Thai and everyone who came out to enjoy the evening with us! Want to explore Tucson’s restaurant scene, eat at exclusive dinners with local chefs, and get $7,500+ in perks at 130 local spots? Tap the Tucson Foodie membership link in bio.
IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.