Planning on heading out to the Arizona Taco Festival this weekend? If you’re on the fence (um, tacos, tequila, and margaritas…jump on over that fence) I have something that is really going to seal the deal! This year introduces the inauguration of the Margarita Expo Tent!

In previous years at the Arizona Taco Festival, there was a tequila tent on Saturday and then alternate activities took place on Sunday. The folks behind Affordable Food Festivals received a lot of feedback from folks that were bummed out that didn’t have the chance to continue the tequila party on Sunday. This is how the Margarita Expo Tent was born!

Margarita Wars Conclude at Margarita Expo Tent

If you’ve been paying attention on social media in the last few weeks, you’ve likely caught wind of the Margarita Wars. The Margarita Wars started up back in July at Counter Intuitive and paired up competitors from several hot local watering holes. The events ended being high energy and a lot of fun. No need to have a case of FOMO, you can catch all of the competitors at the Margarita Expo Tent on Sunday, October 16th and sample all of the competition margaritas. You’ll even have the opportunity to vote for your personal favorite.

The people’s choice vote on Sunday will be the final battle in the Margarita Wars. The overall winner of the entire series will be awarded with some serious bragging rights as well as a trip to Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. Tales of the Cocktail is the spirit industries annual meeting place to exchange new ideas, products, and techniques. The best of the best in the cocktail and mixology world will be there, and with this competition, it’s guaranteed that one of your local favorites will be there representing the great beverage programs that we have here in Arizona.

Make sure to get your special wristband for the Margarita Expo Tent so you don’t miss a sip or any of the action. The wristbands need to be purchased in addition to your entrance to the event. The wristbands for the Expo are $20 and can be purchased online, which is a safe bet since the event is expected to sell out. (Plus, the price goes up to $21 the day of the event.) Your wristband will get you 10 sample sized tastes within the tent.

Who is Participating in the Margarita Expo Tent?

Bitter & Twisted

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails

Cien Agaves

Clever Koi

Crudo

Jade Bar at Sanctuary Resort & Spa

Modern Margarita

Obon Sushi & Ramen

Okra

PY Steakhouse

The Ostrich

The Watershed

Make sure to check out all the great videos that were made featuring the competitors of the Margarita Wars and prep for the final battle!

Hope to see you there!

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© Taryn Jeffries 2016