Mixologist Aaron DeFeo had only been with the Casino del Sol Resort about a month when he brought home bragging rights from the inaugural Southern Arizona Salsa and Tequila Challenge last year.
"Vengeance & Fashion," the craft cocktail he created using Private Herradura Double Barrel Reposado, fig syrup, fresh-squeezed lime juice and a hint of absinthe topped with a violet almond foam, had won the popular vote.
"It was fabulous," recalled the 30-year-old DeFeo, who as the property mixologist designs the cocktails served throughout the resort.
Look for DeFeo to return to this year's challenge on Saturday with an entirely new way to showcase the reposado, which is a more nuanced type of tequila than the margarita-friendly silver.
Competitions such as the Tequila Challenge give people a chance to see the resort's dedication to raising the bar for its cuisine, he said.
About 2,000 people attended the Southern Arizona Salsa and Tequila Challenge held last year at La Encantada.
Organizers expect up to 3,000 this weekend, putting it on track to be one of the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance's biggest fundraisers. Proceeds benefit arts education programs and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
In the salsa competition, Virginia Wooters, the executive chef at Jax Kitchen and The Abbey, took first in people's choice in the restaurant category, while Evan Phillips, the executive chef at The Grill at Hacienda del Sol, won over the judges.
In the tequila competition, which prohibited margaritas, Eric Albert, a mixologist at JW Marriott's Salud, took first with the judges for his B.L.T (basil, lemon and tequila) cocktail.
DeFeo, who started the Tucson chapter of the United States Bartenders' Guild last year, said it takes him about an hour to sketch out a new cocktail. He starts with pen and paper before experimenting with flavor.
"Tequila and absinthe are actually a great match," he said. The Herradura Reposado, aged for 11 months, inspired the fig syrup, he said, while the anise taste of the absinthe also pairs well with figs.
It was also a pretty cocktail - the drink itself was a pale reddish purple, while the foam had a light violet hue that was luscious yet light and airy, he said.
DeFeo said the resort, at 5655 W. Valencia Road, has served variations of the drink at special events.
If you go
Southern Arizona Salsa Challenge
• What: Tastings of up to 30 salsa recipes made by student chefs from the Art Institute of Tucson and professional chefs. There also will be performances by Ballet Folklorico La Paloma and Tesoro, along with salsa dance lessons, and children's activities.
• When: 5 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: The center courtyard at La Encantada Shopping Center, 2905 E Skyline Drive.
• Tickets: $20. Tickets are limited, so organizers recommend buying in advance at www.saaca.org
Participating restaurants:
• Acacia Real Food & Cocktails.
• Blanco Tacos + Tequila.
• Boca.
• Brushfire BBQ.
• California Pizza Kitchen.
• El Saguarito.
• Fini's Landing.
• Jax Kitchen.
• La Fuente Restaurant.
• Las Cazuelitas de Tucson.
• Macayo's Mexican Kitchen.
• R&R Family Kitchen.
• Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain.
• Royal Café.
• Salud! At JW Marriott.
• Tequila Factory at Casino Del Sol.
• The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol.
• Wildcat Grill.
• Lodge on the Desert.
Southern Arizona Tequila Challenge
• What: Gourmet food and tequila-based mixed drink pairings from more than 25 local restaurants, along with flamenco dancing, and Latin fusion music.
• When: 6 p.m. Saturday.
• Cost: $70, includes Salsa Challenge.
• Competing restaurants include most of the salsa competitors in addition to: Elliot's on Congress; Harvest Restaurant; Renee's Organic Oven; Signature Grill at JW Marriott; Tavolino Ristorante; and The Abbey.
