Tucson, AZ – May 29, 2025 – The 18th Annual World Margarita Championship is turning up the heat on Tucson’s culinary scene! With the highly anticipated release of chef and bartender menus, guests can now get a sneak peek at the bold flavors and creative pairings that will take center stage on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa. Presented by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and Tucson Originals Restaurants, this signature summer event brings together some of the region’s most celebrated chefs and bartenders, each crafting unique margaritas and dishes that reflect the spirit of Tucson’s diverse culinary landscape. From inventive cocktails to perfectly paired bites, the World Margarita Championship promises an unforgettable evening of flavor, artistry, and community celebration in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Preview the Menus – A Taste of What’s to Come: Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar - Margarita: Mr. Pepino – Infused cucumber tequila with pineapple
- Food: Quesabirria – Slow-cooked braised beef quesadilla. Gluten-free
Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon and BBQ - Margarita: BroJo’s Smoked BBQ Margarita – Pineapple, habanero, and candied bacon
- Food: Pork Belly Tacos – Pork belly with homemade corn tortillas. Gluten-free
Westin La Paloma - Margarita: Fruit De La Passion – Tequila, passion fruit, lime, agave, and habanero
- Food: Rojo & Verde Salsa – Red and green salsa. Vegetarian
Westward Look - Margarita: Sonoran Candy – Smoky, sweet, and desert-inspired heat
- Food: Quesabirria Tacos – Crispy birria tacos with bold flavor. Gluten-free
The Garden Bistro at Tohono Chul Park - Margarita: Spicy Pomrita – Pomegranate, lime, Cointreau, jalapeño, and agave
- Food: Chul Beef Barbacoa Taco with pico de pájaro – Simmered beef in corn tortilla with pico. Gluten-free
Scratching the Plate - Margarita: Pomegranate de Tigre – A sweet spin on leche de tigre
- Food: Molé Manzana – Hibiscus-brined apple stuffed with mole. Gluten-free
St. Cruz Restaurant at The Leo Kent - Margarita: Ancho Rosa Margarita –Deep robust southwest flavor
- Food: Chile IPA Braised Pork – Rich flavor of toasted chile and malt. Gluten-free
Humo Cocina Mexicana - Margarita: Humadera – Mango with cucumber and jalapeño
- Food: Mole Enchilada Bites – Mole enchilada with chicken. Gluten-free
Bashful Bandit Barbecue - Margarita: A-Maize-Arita – Tallow-washed tequila and elote liqueur
- Food: Smoked Beef Cheek Tacos – Beef cheeks smoked, taco’ed, and sauced
GAP Kitchen - Margarita: Grilled & Chilled Margarita – Grilled lime sorbet. Prickly pear salt
- Food: Fried Guac & Duck Totopa – Fried guacamole with Confit Duck nested
Reforma Modern Mexican. Mezcal + Tequila - Margarita: Pepino Picante – Spicy cucumber, jalapeno margarita
Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen - Margarita: Margarita del Sol – Spicy, piña, coco, and Aperol
- Food: Shrimp Mango Ceviche – Mango, shrimp, pico de gallo, and sauces
Highwire - Margarita: Hibiscus Margarita – A bold, vibrant take on a classic drink
The Royal Room - Margarita: Coconut Margarita
- Food: Cheezy Tots – Tater tots with cheese. Vegetarian
Borderland Spirits Offerings: An exclusive portfolio of artisanal Bacanoras—rare, small-batch agave spirits that showcase the bold, smoky flavors of Sonora, Mexico. Casa Asada Taquería y Cervecería Offerings: Authentic Sonoran taquería offering traditional thick-cut steak tacos, tostadas, and fresh aguas frescas. Dirty T Tamarindo Offerings: Authentic array of mexican candies made here in Tucson – Dried Mango, Dirty Worms, and Rim Dip! Charred Pie Offerings: Neapolitan-inspired pizzeria featuring wood-fired pizzas, pastas, salads, and desserts, all made with top-notch ingredients. Cielos at Lodge on the Desert Offerings: Contemporary, seasonal cuisine that pays tribute to Southwest ingredients, complemented by classic craft cocktails featuring local spirits. Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea Offerings: Craft hard tea brewed in Tucson, combining black and hibiscus tea, lemon, organic agave, and distilled spirits. Dante’s Kitchen & Cocktails Offerings: Family-owned scratch kitchen offering fine food in a casual atmosphere, featuring craft cocktails and an award-winning menu. Maynards Kitchen & Bottle Shop Offerings: Known for offering a curated selection of wines, craft cocktails, and gourmet dishes in the center of Downtown Tucson. Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria Offerings: Renowned for Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas and a commitment to community values. Whiskey Del Bac Offerings: Award-winning American single malt whiskey distilled in Tucson. | 
