Winners Announced for the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship Competition

Original margaritas, live musical entertainment and interactive art installations were all combined for one incredible celebration on Friday, August 2

From cherry infused margaritas to chiltepin chocolate mudslides, each of the eighteen local participating restaurants that competed at the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship brought their A-game to the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa.

On Friday, August 2, a panel of local culinary experts, guest judges and attendees gathered to celebrate culinary creativity and crown a new Margarita Champion. All proceeds helped to benefit Tucson Originals Restaurants' efforts to raise awareness of the rich and vibrant culinary community in Tucson as well as the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance's creative community arts programming.

2019 Winners

Judge's Choice for Margarita
 
1st Place: Cielos at the Lodge on the Desert – “Monsoon Margarita”
2nd Place: Casino Del Sol – “Fresa Rosada”
3rd Place: Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa – “Pomegranate Ginger Margarita”
 
People's Choice for Margarita
 
1st Place: Benson City Grille – “Cilantro Jalapeño Lime Margarita”
2nd Place: Rigo’s Restaurant - “Grilled Pineapple Margarita”
3rd Place: Bisbee Breakfast Club – “Cherry Vanilla Margarita”
 
Best Menu Sample
 
Judge's Choice: Cielos at the Lodge on the Desert – “Chiltepin Chocolate Mudslide Sensation”
People's Choice: Rigo’s Restaurant – “Traditional Carnitas Tacos” / Bisbee Breakfast Club – “Smoked Pork Posole” (TIE)

The 14th Annual World Margarita Championship was held with the support of dedicated sponsors and partners, including:

2019 Sponsors & Partners:

Tucson Original Restaurants
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa
The Town of Oro Valley
T-Mobile
Cazadores Tequila
Tucson Lifestyle
Shamrock Foods
Arizona Daily Star
Fox 11
Comcast
Cox
Yelp
Tucson Foodie
Lyft

Photos Available at: www.saaca.org/worldmargarita

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping 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.

Tucson Originals Restaurants
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.