Meet the 2016 World Margarita Champions

Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance and Tucson Originals presented the 11th annual World Margarita Championship on September 30, 2016.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - ​The band was hot and the drinks were tangy. Restaurants from across Tucson brought new life to the classic margarita as they battled for the title of World Margarita Champion. From vegetable infused to a bacon garnish these cocktails were anything but traditional.
 
On Friday, September 30th, a panel of local culinary experts, as well as the event attendees, voted for their favorite margaritas paired with small bites including Sonoran shrimp ceviche from Bisbee Breakfast Club, Kobe beef tacos from Casino Del Sol, and Seafood Albondigas from Kingfisher Bar & Grill to name just a few. 

​At the end of the evening four new Margarita Champions were crowned:
 
Judges Choice
 
First Place – Pastiche, Eric Brenner  
Eric’s Mesquite Margarita
House made Mesquite Bean Orgeat Accented Mezcal based Margarita.

Second Place – Tequila Factory at Casino Del Sol, Aaron Defeo
Sol De Tucson Margarita
A version of a classic margarita featuring flavors of desert honey & hibiscus, as well as exotic spice and calamansi.  
 
People’s Choice
 
First Place – Ghini’s French Caffe, Coralie Satta
Raspberry Rose Margarita
Fresh squeezed limeade, fresh raspberries and chambourg French rose' and tequila make for a fresh and light cocktail.
 
Second Place – Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, John Aldecoa
BroJo’s Tropical Margarita
BroJo's Tropical Margarita is made with all fresh ingredients, a special blend of spice, fruit, lime special seasonings.
 
2016 World Margarita Championship
Event photos: www.saaca.org/worldmargarita.html
Phone: (520) 797-3959
 
NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available
 
Tucson Originals
Formed in 1999, the Tucson Originals is Tucson’s premier group of independently owned, fine dining, casual and neighborhood restaurants. They promote the value of Tucson’s independent restaurants and support Tucson’s culinary diversity. Tucson Originals have been the driving force and model for similar groups all across America who are working to preserve the culinary spirit of their communities. With the rapid rise of chain eateries, this alliance has helped many of Tucson’s signature restaurants survive and thrive.
 
Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages.