The fifth annual Chattanooga Margarita Festival presented by Don Julio Tequila has come to a close. Twenty-eight of the Scenic City’s most loved bars and restaurants went head-to-head with tastings of their best margaritas. Attendees sampled margaritas, played games in the Corona Premiere Game Central, made memories in the LeaderOne Financial photo booth, danced the night away and voted on their favorite Margarita.
At the end of a very happy night, one restaurant was crowned “Best Margarita” and earned a trophy and bragging rights.
This year’s margarita champion was none other than Whiskey Thief at the Edwin Hotel. Their “Whiskey Thief Margarita” made with Don Julio Blanco tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and house-made triple sec, was the crowd favorite, winning the title of Best Margarita for the 2024 festival.
In second place was Moxy Chattanooga Downtown, which had its “Lemonberry Margarita” topped with edible glitter. Kai Bistro took third place with their “Lychee Margarita” - impressive, considering this was their first year competing at Margarita Festival.
Produced with community engagement in mind, Chattanooga Margarita Festival benefited the Chattanooga Market and brought together local restaurants, residents and businesses in an interactive, fun environment.
With margarita choices like the “Pineapple Cucumber Margarita,” “Puckett's SmokeyRita,” “Strawberry Mint Margarita,” “Cantarito el GüeroTraditional Margarita,” “Peachalicious Margarita” and many more, festival attendees were the real winners of the night.
The impressive lineup of Chattanooga Margarita Festival competitors included: 423 Taco, Agave & Rye, Amada Tapas & Wine, Bonefish Grill, Common House, The Edwin Hotel, El Meson, High Rail, Kai Bistro, Kinley Hotel Chattanooga, Little Koyote, Massey's Kitchen, Matilda Midnight, Malone’s, Mayan Kitchen, Mexiville, Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina, Molcajete Mexican Restaurant, Moxy Chattanooga Downtown, Naked River Brewing Company, Nic & Norman’s, Puckett’s, Read House, Ruby Sunshine, Santis Mexican Grill and Sports Bar, Southside Social, State of Confusion, STIR and Whiskey Cowgirl.
For 2025 festival updates, follow Chattanooga Margarita Festival on social media @chattanoogamargfest. More information is available at chattanoogamargfest.com.