Do This: Margarita Wars takeover at TPepin’s

One of my favorite CL events, Margarita Wars, makes its return to Tampa this week.

Hosted at TPepin's Hospitality Centre, the cocktail competition pits nearly 20 local bartenders against each other throughout the evening. In between Mexican-inspired snacks and free Premier Photo Booths of Tampa sessions, your tipsy-judging skills will determine which restaurant or bar takes home the title of Tampa Bay's Best Margarita.

Kat McKenna, formerly of Salty's and now at Hula Bay, mixed up a bananas Foster 'rita and walked away victorious in 2015. This year, expect creations like the New Orleans-style Easy Does It (passion fruit creole shrub, Red Bull Tropical, basil agave) from Big Easy Bar's Scooby Olivier, Jessie Babbitt of Surfside Taphouse's FloRita (cream of coconut, lime, agave, Grand Marnier), an adult snow cone called Sandia Silvestre (shaved watermelon-cucumber ice, blueberry caviar, citrus foam) by RJ Hunt of Marchand's Bar & Grill, and the Jerked Mango Margarita (agave, lime, jerked mango, black sea salt) from Tricia Wilsion at Sea Sea Riders.

Greek chips and salsa from Acropolis Greek Taverna, Besito Mexican's fresh guac and chips, Datz's Sriracha-Cheddar popcorn, stuffed poblano rellenos from District Tavern, and Hablo Taco's customizable mini tacos are also planned. See you there!

This article appears in Jul 21-28, 2016.