2017 World Margarita Championship Winners Announced

Over 20 restaurants competed to prove their margarita magnificence.

The Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort in the Town of Oro Valley was a magnificent setting for the 12th Annual World Margarita Championship, presented by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Tucson Original Restaurants. Over 800 attendees were treated to outstanding food and drink recipes and were then able to vote on their favorite margarita.

More than twenty restaurants participated, contributing superb cuisine and spirits to the evening. Live music by Mariachi Los Potrillos provided lively entertainment during the event, and the Nathaniel Burnside Trio charmed guests at the after-party in the Colibri Lounge.

The judges panel used their foodie expertise to choose the superlative margaritas in Friday nights' competition. The panel included:

Mark Whitaker, Tucson Weekly, Homeskillet Blog and Chow Writer
Jeff Lewis, Restauranteur and jazz musician
Devon Sanner, Downtown Kitchen & Cocktails and Carriage House
Donna DiFiore, Delectables Catering
Sandra Joy Paul, Delectables Catering
Marv Kirchler, SAACA Director and Hem & Her Bridal

And the winners are:

Judges Choice

1st Place: Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria -- Limoncello Margarita
2nd Place: Tequila Factory -- Mexican Passionflower
3rd Place: Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails -- Desert Rose

People's Choice

1st Place: Tequila Factory -- Mexican Passionflower
2nd Place: Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails -- Desert Rose
3rd Place: Chef Chic -- Tropical Creamsicle

2017 World Margarita Championship
When: Friday October 6, 2017 at 6:00pm.
Where: Hilton El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort 10000 N Oracle Rd
Cost: $55
Online: https://www.saaca.org/worldmargarita.html
Phone: (520) 797-3959

All funds raised go directly to support SAACA arts education and arts therapy programs, as well as to support Tucson Original Restaurants.  

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available