The event returns for its seventh year on Thursday, May 19th, at Tampa River Cente
(May 12th, 2022 – Tampa, Fla.) — Margarita Wars is back for its seventh year with 16 local bartenders competing to win the title of Tampa Bay’s Ultimate Margarita on Thursday, May 19th, at Tampa River Center (402 W. Laurel St. in Tampa). Tickets are on sale now at margaritawarstampabay.com
Margarita Wars gives attendees a unique opportunity to sample their way around margaritas by more than a dozen local bartenders representing restaurants, bars, and businesses throughout the Tampa Bay area. Each attendee will be able to vote on-site for the competitor they believe created the best version of the classic cocktail as they enjoy Mexican-inspired bites, downtown waterfront views, and more. This is an all-inclusive event and all sampling is included with a ticket purchase.
The tequila competition is open to the public and features three ticket levels: VIP Admission, General Admission Plus, and General Admission. Advance ticket prices offer up to a $25 savings; prices go up day-of. A portion of proceeds to benefit Laundry Project.
Featuring margaritas by:
Besito Mexican
“Blackberry Kiss”
Tres Generaciones Reposado tequila, muddled blackberries, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice and orange liqueur, shaken and served with a sugar rim
Blood Brothers
“Blood Brothers Margarita”
El Tesoro Reposado tequila, organic blue agave, lime juice, and water
Bogota Kitchen + Bar
“The Sonoma Margarita”
Hornitos Plata tequila, Gran Gala, lime juice, agave, pinot noir, and roses
Bouzy
“Spicy Cucumber Margarita”
Tres Generaciones Reposado tequila, lime, cucumber water, serrano pepper-infused agave nectar, and a Tajin rim
Cipresso at Seminole Hard Rock
“Peach Margarita”
Hornitos Plata tequila, grappa, peach nectar, peach syrup, fresh lemon, and lime juice
COCKtail St Pete
“El Gallo Grande”
Tres Generaciones Plata tequila, grapefruit super juice, thyme-infused agave syrup, Lo Fi Aperitifs Gentian Amaro, Fever Tree Soda Water, and a rainbow sea salt rim
Datz
“Who Lives In a Pineapple?”
Tres Generaciones Anejo tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde Liqueur, pineapple-jalapeño shrub, cilantro, lime, and a spicy rim
Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro
“Spicy Jalapeño Margarita”
Tres Gen Plata tequila, Natalie’s Margarita Mix, and fresh muddled jalapeños
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
“The Horny Habanero Margarita”
Hornitos Reposado tequila, triple sec, fresh squeezed lime juice, housemade agave, mango purée, Fuzzy’s Honey Habanero Sauce, and a Fuzzy Dust rim served with a lime wedge
Gigglewaters
“Pineapple Express”
Tres Gen Anejo tequila, pineapple, citrus gomme, and Cayman Jack
HEW Parlor & Chophouse
“Prohibita”
Hornitos Plata tequila, lime, agave, Amaro Tropical Liqueur by Dark Door Spirits, tajin, and charred orange
No Vacancy
“Island Boi”
El Tesoro Reposado tequila, passion fruit, agave falernum, lime, tajin, and White Claw Surf Citrus Yuzu Smash
Pineiro Hospitality
“Mi Alma”
Hornitos Blanco tequila, strawberry, lemongrass, watermelon, aji amarillo peppers, lime, black salt rim, and a flower garnish
Sea Dog Cantina
“Spicy Mango Margarita”
El Tesoro Blanco tequila infused with habanero, cold-pressed agave, fresh lime juice, Mango Reàl, house sweet and sour mix, and Rey Azul Mango
Social Roost
“Lady Elote”
Tres Generaciones Reposado tequila, sweet corn, ancho chili, cilantro, agave, lime, and chili-lime salt
World of Beer
“This Means War”
Tres Generaciones Plata tequila, Passoã Passion Fruit Liqueur, fresh lime, cream of coconut, ginger, guava and salt rim
Plus, light bites by:
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Mini Nachos • Fresh chips, queso, housemade garlic sauce, fresh pico, & feta cheese
HEW Parlor & Chophouse
Sweet & Savory Margarita Cheesecake Bites
Tajin Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Strips & Grand Marnier gastrique
Taco Bus
Chips & Salsa
And VIP-only passed apps by Good Food Catering:
Devil Crab Croquette
Sweet Corn & Refried Black Bean Quesadilla
Beef Empanada
Margarita Grilled & Chilled Shrimp
Carnitas
Hearts of Palm “Ceviche”
Tickets are on sale now at margaritawarstampabay.com with less than 50 VIP tickets remaining.
VIP Includes:
• Two hours early entry at 6 p.m.
• VIP-only hour from 6-7 p.m.
• VIP & GA Plus-only hour from 7-8 p.m.
• Heavy passed appetizers during VIP-only hour
• One complimentary full-sized beer
• VIP gift
• Margarita samples from each competitor
• Light Mexican-inspired hors d’oeuvres
• Vote on Tampa Bay’s Ultimate Margarita
• Access to photo opportunities
GA Plus Includes:
• One hour early entry at 7 p.m.
• GA Plus & VIP-only hour from 7-8 p.m.
• One complimentary full-sized beer
• Margarita samples from each competitor
• Light Mexican-inspired hors d’oeuvres
• Vote on Tampa Bay’s Ultimate Margarita
• Access to photo opportunities
GA Includes:
• 8 p.m. entry
• Margarita samples from each competitor
• Light Mexican-inspired hors d’oeuvres
• Vote on Tampa Bay’s Ultimate Margarita
• Access to photo opportunities
Previous Margarita Wars winners include:
2019, Mandarin Heights, “The Outclaw” by Philipp VanHorn
2018, First Chance Last Chance Bar, “The Sunsine-Rita” by Mo Pickering
2017, Besito Mexican, “Not Your Average Margarita” by Julia Sowa
2016, Datz, “Kelly Kapowski” by Morgan Zuch
2015, Salty’s Gulfport, “The Foster Child: a Bananas Foster Experience” by Kat McKenna
2014, Datz, “Rosy the Pig” by Morgan Zuch
Special thanks to sponsors: Hornitos, Tres Generaciones, El Tesoro, White Claw, Cayman Jack, Rey Azul, Zing Zang, Datz Restaurant Group, and Corona.
For more information on Margarita Wars 2022, visit margaritawarstampabay.com
For more information on Laundry Project, visit laundrybycurrent.org
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