9th Annual Margarita Taste Off
The 9th Annual Margarita Taste Off hosted by the Candlelighters Young Professional Group of Houston raised a record shattering $70,000 this year! 100% of the proceeds benefit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance, a nonprofit that provides emotional, educational and practical support to families of children with cancer. I was honored to be a part of this event while enjoying local margaritas for such an amazing cause!
I lost one of my best friends just after high school after a 2 year battle with a rare form of cancer. My donation was in honor of Arnold Sandoval.
The event was sponsored by Don Julio, who not only provided the tequila for the participating restaurants, but they also showcased a tasting bar from their reserve tequila line! Needless to say, this event was packed even with the ample outdoor space at Kirby Ice House! Every restaurant brought their best bartenders and bright decorations for their booths, I was impressed with how beautiful and unique each station was. The raffle prizes included jewelry from Kendra Scott, a pedal party for you and your friends, wine tours, premium tequila baskets, and more! The 9th Annual Margarita Taste Off went off without a hitch, it was incredibly organized, and they had their biggest turnout and money raised to date!
No surprise here that my fave margarita was from the winning restaurant! El Tiempo Cantina!!
Here is the full list of the award winning margaritas:
Platinum Margarita (first place) – El Tiempo Cantina- Montrose
Gold Margarita (second place) – Eight Row Flint
Silver Margarita (third place) – The Palm – Houston
Bronze Margarita (fourth place) – Habanera & the guero
Honorable Mentions (5-8 place) – La Fisheria – Houston, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse-Hous
Don Julio Critics Choice Awards – La Fisheria, Emma’s Mex Grill
Best Margarita Presentation – Eight Row Flint
Most Unique Margarita Garnish – Alma Latina
Most Original Margarita Recipe – LINE & LARIAT Restaurant/Bar/
Best Traditional Margarita Recipe – Texas Shrimp Shack
Best Booth Decor – Line & Lariat
Best Cold Appetizer – La Fisheria
Best Hot Appetizer – Los Tios Mexican Restaurants
Most Creative Margarita Recipe – Gigi’s Cupcakes Post Oak Galleria / DowntownTunnel
Most Creative Margarita Name – Berryhill Baja Grill
Most Refreshing Margarita – Cilantro’s Mexican Grill
Most Festive Bartenders – Chuy’s
Most Unforgettable Margarita – El Patio aka “Club no Minor”
Best Use of Fresh Ingredients – Emma’s Mex Grill
Best Use of Texas Ingredients – Berryhill
Most Exotic Margarita Flavor – Alma Latina
For my full album of this event, please visit my Facebook Page!
Ready to host your own fiesta? Try my Fresh Fruit Strawberry Margaritas, so refreshing and authentic!
If you would like to get involved or be a sponsor for next year’s Margarita Taste Off, please contact Candlelighters here. Until next year, cheers amigos!
