Suncliffe Showdown

Now in its fourth year, the Suncliffe Showdown returned to The Churchill in Phoenix on Monday, April 14th, a multi-round cocktail competition built to spotlight Arizona's bartending talent and the ingredients that make this landscape what it is.

The first round was judged by a lineup of Phoenix pros, Delena Humble-Fischer and Jax Donahue, and our live judging panel for the finals brought together Christian Siglin, owner of Happy Medium in San Diego (who also partnered with us on an afterparty pop-up at Sidewinder featuring their signature Bluegronis), and renowned local chef and forager Tamara Stanger.

Bartenders came in from across the state, and the night turned into exactly what we hoped for: creativity flowing, new friendships forged, ideas traded across the bar, and a room full of community. That's what it's all about.

Between the DJs, flash tattoos, and live screen printed t-shirts, it felt more like a party than a competition.

Congratulations to our winner, David Royer, @royalcraftaz on Instagram, who took home the $500 cash prize with The Sonoran Bloom. In his own words:

"The Sonoran Bloom is a tribute to my family history in Arizona and the ingredients and colors echo the rich, indigenous Mexican culture that roots my ancestors to this land. I wanted to capture the warmth of the Sonoran sun, the spice of its chiles, and the delicate sweetness of its desert blooms, all in one glass."

Huge thanks to everyone who competed, judged, and showed up to drink with us. Nights like this are exactly why we do what we do.