Who loves a dirty martini? Ummm, we do! And we love any excuse to drink one… enter: International Gin Day. June 14 is basically our second birthday – okay, technically it’s gin’s, but we’re claiming it.

Luckily for us, the Gold Coast is shaking (and stirring) things up with a bunch of bars serving epic gin creations using top-shelf local spirits.

So in honour of the juniper juice we all know and love, here are the best spots to get your gin fix this Gin Day – or, let’s be honest, any day ending in “y”.

Happy sipping, gin lovers.

Panezski Artisan Distillery

Bringing a splash of Polish tradition to the Gold Coast, Panezski Artisan Distillery is a family-run gem crafting premium small-batch vodka and gin with heart, heritage and a whole lot of flavour. While vodka might traditionally be a northern hemisphere affair, Panezski is proving that Aussie soil can produce spirits with just as much soul. From their meticulous distilling process to their beautiful bottling, it’s clear this crew doesn’t cut corners. Drop in for a taste of Europe, GC-style.

Our pick: Northside Rickey – Panezski Gin, lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves and dry ginger ale. Cool, crisp and straight-up refreshing.
Where: Unit 2/2 Sierra Place, Upper Coomera

White Oat Distillery

Tucked away in an industrial shed near Harbour Town, this gin haven is serving up serious style (think festoon lights, a swoon-worthy pink vee-jay counter, and shiny copper stills that deserve their own Instagram account). Their gin spirits are stellar, and they taste even sweeter in the form of their cocktails.

Our pick: The Mango Weis Bar cocktail with mango gin, mango nectar, lemon juice, vanilla sugar and aquafaba does it for us!
Where: 211 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters

Granddad Jacks

If there’s one place that knows its way around a gin cocktail, it’s the OG of Gold Coast distilling – Granddad Jack’s. They’ve seriously upped the ante with their bold new cocktail menu inspired by the Seven Man-Made Wonders of the World. Each drink is a flavour-packed tribute to an architectural icon – think a dry martini-style nod to the Great Wall of China with bold mandarin and umami notes, or a silky, spiced number inspired by the Taj Mahal. There’s even a foamy, tart twist on Chicha Morada repping Machu Picchu. Honestly, it’s a round-the-world trip without leaving Miami (and without needing a passport – bonus!).

Our pick: The Seymour Street, made with their house Greenhouse Gin, fresh lime juice and a dash of eucalyptus. It’s like sipping on an Aussie summer in a glass.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Familiar Spirits

Far more than your standard distillery, Familiar Spirits focuses on crafting tailor-made spirits for cocktails, ensuring each drink is as smooth as a well-aged whiskey. Now we’re talking! Their signature cocktail menu rotates with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try.

Our pick: The Not So Familiar Negroni, with Macadamia Fat Washed Pudding Gin, Lemon Myrtle Campari and Rosso Vermouth is calling our name.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads

Wildflower Distillery

Meet the small-batch distillery that packs a big punch! Found on Scottsdale Drive in Varsity Lakes, Wildflower Distillery crafts exceptional and award-winning gin that can be deemed as ‘Burleigh in a bottle’. Crafted with locally grown botanicals, including cardamom, lemon myrtle and coriander, plus a little drop of honey from the owner’s very own Burleigh backyard, you can now understand why. It’s a very easy drinking drop, a little bit floral and paired perfectly with either tonic, solo over ice (tried and tested) or in their famous ‘Basil Fawlty’ cocktail- delish!

Our pick: The Basil Fawlty cocktail is worth the trip alone
Where: 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes

Burly Gin

If you’re chasing sleek, sophisticated and seriously sippable, Burly Gin in Currumbin is your go-to. This dreamy gin bar is packed with artisan bottles so pretty, you’ll be turning them into vases when they’re empty (because why not have flowers and gin on display?). The team behind Burly serves up their entire gin range in a lineup of dazzling cocktails, each one more Insta-worthy than the last. The space itself is chic, the vibes are chilled, and the drinks? Let’s just say you’ll want to try the entire menu twice.

Our pick: Italiano Spritz – Citrus Burly Gin, Sanbitter, Grapefruit, Rosemary Shrub & Prosecco. Bellissimo!
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Loborn

Bringing a taste of Italy with a distinctly Aussie twist, Loborn Distillery is shaking (and stirring) up Tamborine Mountain’s sip scene in the most delicious way. Tucked among the leafy charm of Main Street, this boutique distillery is the perfect pit stop for a tasting or a cheeky cocktail session. Whether you’re vibing an Aperol Spritz in the sunshine or settling in for something stronger, Loborn delivers the goods with style, flavour, and plenty of mountain magic.

Our pick: The Classic G&T – Loborn Original Gin, Indian tonic water and an orange twist. Simple. Timeless. Perfect.
Where: Shop 4, 46-48 Main Street, Mt Tamborine

Husk Farm Distillery

Home of the iconic colour-changing Ink Gin, Husk Farm Distillery is the ultimate gin-lover’s day trip destination. Set on a stunning working farm in North Tumbulgum, this spot is part cellar door, part bar, part café – and 100% worth the drive. While they’re also the brains behind Husk Virgin Cane Rum and Spiced Bam Bam, today we’re here for the gin (obviously). Expect garden-fresh vibes, paddock-to-glass pours, and cocktails that are as pretty as they are delicious.

Our pick: Ink Sloe Fizz – Ink Sloe & Berry Gin, lemon, soda. Light, bright, and berry delicious.
Where: Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

What comes to mind when you think of the humble Piña Colada? Tropical getaways lazing by a pool with a balmy sea breeze rustling through the palm fronds most likely spring to mind. And the vast majority of people will probably agree with you.

The cocktail is a favourite worldwide and has origins in 1950s Puerto Rico, hence the tropical flavours and name. If you do love Piña Coladas (but not getting caught in the rain), you should be excited to learn next month celebrates a day dedicated to the drink on Saturday 10^th of July. Because all the best things deserve a day wholly devoted to them, right?

In honour of such an exciting occasion, our list highlights the bars where you can celebrate in fabulous fashion and give thanks to these lush-styled drinks from the Caribbean.

Aloha
If you haven’t found yourself sipping tiki-style libations in this back-alley Broadbeach haunt, then quite frankly, where have you been? When it comes to slinging the best drinks with a sprinkling of fun, you won’t find anywhere else that does it quite like these guys. There is always something going on here, so grab your best Hawaiian shirt and let Aloha take care of the rest.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach

Café Catalina
Right on the water’s edge in the Broadwater Parklands, Café Catalina has steadily become a crowd favourite due to its stunning water views and modern menu. We all know what goes best with water views, don’t we? That’s right, a sweet, sweet Piña Colada, of course. The café is famously pooch-friendly, so grab your furry mate and settle in for a couple of cocktails.
Where: 10/11 Broadwater Parklands, Southport

The Island Rooftop Bar
Surfers Paradise’s largest rooftop bar is a favourite for any sunny Sunday sessions. The Island Colada fits this bustling and subtropical scene to a tee, constructed with love — including pineapple juice, coconut cream and Havana Charta — meaning it’s a traditional-style Piña Colada with some extra island vibes thrown in to get you and the party started.
Where: The Island, Corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Beach Road, Surfers Paradise

Naami
This relative newcomer to the Burleigh Heads bar scene is already garnering the right kind of attention for innovative signature drinks; the like of which you can sip and discuss with a friend/colleague/tinder date for hours with ease. The Pav is Mine is a clever adaptation of the classic Piña Colada that deserves to be tried, and as it’s a vegan-made cocktail, there are absolutely no excuses!
Where: 4/57 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Taboo Tiki
The tiki sensations are intense with this one — and that’s putting it lightly. With an upbeat setting and consistent line-ups of quality D.J.s, we suggest you pencil in this Surfers Paradise venue for celebrating international Piña Colada Day come next month. If you can’t wait that long, be sure to head along to one of their many party nights from Thursday through to Sunday to get a taste of the action.
Where: 19 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Cowch
When the words dessert and cocktail can be found in close proximity to one another, you know things are looking up. So, when Cowch opens a flagship venue in The Oracle Broadbeach next week, you can expect sweet and alcoholic things to collide in an udderly (pardon the pun) delish way. The Hoola Girl is a whipped cream and lollipop garnished version of the Puerto Rican classic you simply must try.
Where: 1 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Sticky Rice
The original naughty but nice excuse for a mid-week tipple or two: if Sticky Rice can’t get you out of the house for some next-level Thai cuisine accompanied by some seriously delish cocktails, nothing or no one can. The Pina Coladyboy (Dark Rum, Malibu, blended with fresh pineapple, coconut cream, lime & orgeat) is at the top of their cocktail list for a reason. Turn up the chilli in your Duck Red Curry and mellow out with the pick of the tropical cocktails.
Where: Shop 7, 443 Golden Four Drive, Tugun

Crafty’s
Finding yourself amid a shopping frenzy can not only be a hit to your bank balance but a trigger for an unquenchable thirst, the type that can only be satisfied with some top-notch cocktails, of course. Crafty’s is the optimum spot to lighten the load and get your lips around a tasty little Piña Colada. Their take, The G.O.A.T., has lashings of pineapple-infused rum and should make the second half of your shopping spree a breeze.
Where: Harbour Town Eats, Biggera Waters

Edgewater Dining & Lounge
The attention to detail taken by this venue with their drinks offering is nothing short of remarkable. The drinks list is titled, Liquid Journey and from cover to cover, you can see this Isle of Capri restaurant has placed great emphasis on having great food and the drinks to match. Their signature Pirate on the Beach takes the modest classic and completely revamps it with deluxe inclusions of Fireball, Amaretto, and nutmeg.
Where: Shop 3 G7, Capri on Via Roma, Surfers Paradise

Ms. Margots
If you find yourself on the shiny side of town and think a couple of sophisticated cocktails are in order, then you need to consider Ms. Margots at The Hilton Surfers Paradise. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; the venue has you covered for when you feel like pushing the boat out a little. As Piña Coladas come, the house version is aptly named Beach Blonde Jenny and twists the original with the addition of macadamia nut liqueur and cacao: thus, you have a delicious drink that is also health-conscious. Ingenious stuff!
Where: The Hilton, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

2016 has been an eventful year to say the least. With a lot of negative news from David Bowie, Prince, George Michael and Carrie Fisher passing away to Donald Trump as the new President of the United States.

Buuuut on a positive note, the Gold Coast has experienced the biggest invasion of new eateries, cafes and bars yet. Which ones made our list of the best openings of 2016?

Here’s some of our favourite openings of 2016:

Southport

Swannie’s
Swannie’s is the perfect spot for business meet-ups, casual lunch or Friday arvo knock-off drinks.
Read our blog here!
34 Nerang Street, Southport

Surfers Paradise

Latitude 28
Dangling light fixtures made of rope, light wood tables, a killer teal-blue bar and plenty of architectural detail makes Latitude 28 an impressive date night spot. 
Read our blog here!
Paradise Centre, Cavill Avenue Mall Surfers Paradise

TAPS
The first pour your own beer bar (PYO) on the Gold Coast.
Read our blog here!
Tenancy 2, The Mark Building 3- 3/15 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Island Rooftop
The largest rooftop bar on the Gold Coast opened! The Island Rooftop takes full advantage of Gold Coast’s blue skies, green palms and pastel high rises.
Read our blog here!
3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

California Cantina
California Taco’s sister restaurant in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Read our blog here!
Capri on Via Roma, 15 Via Roma, Isle of Capri

Chevron Island

Fu Manchu
Fu Manchu mixes seductive décor with succulent European and Asian flavours for a night diner’s won’t forget.
Read our blog here!
44 Thomas Dr, Chevron Island

Ravens Lounge Bar
A  diverse space, somewhere everyone is welcome, where the girls can let their hair down and the boys can play jenga.
Read our blog here!
49 Thomas Dr, Surfers Paradise

Broadbeach

Garden Kitchen and Bar
One of the Gold Coats’s new favourite hangouts at Jupiters Casino. High ceilings, grand floral displays, soft soothing colours and live music make it the perfect spot to Sunday sesh. 
Read our blog here!
Jupiters Casino, Broadbeach Island, Broadbeach

Hatch & Co
With its great location (the corner of the Oasis building and across from the Broadbeach park) it’s the perfect spot to pop in for a drink while you are out and around Broadbeach.                                     
Read our blog here!
75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Bin 89
It’s perfect for date night, a catch-up with friends, or even a drink alone at the bar. (Get A Kracken Good Time!!!) You’re going to love it.
Read our blog here!
Shop 105, 89-91 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair
The new Pacific Fair is nothing short of mind blowing! With so many new food outlets your spoilt for choice. Some you have to try are Lello Lello, Cowch and Rivea.
Pacific Fair, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose
The Loose Moose is centrally located under the Oasis, next to Hatch & Co.  and offers a seriously sophisticated setting.
Read our blog here!
75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Society of Florida 
Society of Florida is fully licensed (hello Sunday brunch) and has a pretty impressive selection of native beer, wine and spirits.
Read our blog here!
1 Naranga Avenue, Florida Gardens 

NXT Door
Situated directly next door to Grocer and Grind, diners get to sit back at the bar, on the lounge or amongst the communal tables in a sensual, industrial-luxe environment and enjoy everything super food.
Read our blog here!
1/1 Sunshine Blvd, Broadbeach

Mermaid Beach

Apres Surf
Vintage decor, laid back staff and ridiculously good food plus great deals and specials on all week!
Read our blog here!
2376 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Lush Coffee Lounge
Lush Coffee Lounge, adjacent to Lush Hair and Beauty has good coffee, tasty treats, and an optical illusion view that will take you a million miles away.
Read our blog here!
2570 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Little Mermaid
Out with the old and in with the new! With no trace of the old K-bar and Meze in sight, the newly renovated space, Little Mermaid brings a bright and beachy eatery to Mermaid Beach.
Read our blog here!
1a/2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Ballboy Meatballs          
This funky little joint is eye catching and an Instagrammers dream come true! The philosophy behind Ball Boy is do one thing and do it well. This one thing is meatballs, and yes, they are done well, (beef, pork, chicken and vegetarian all done well).
Read our blog here!
1/2475 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Finger and Bones
A passion for food, teachings from renowned chef Jamie Oliver and a love for sunshine, the Gold Coast was lucky enough to become the new home for Leigh and Dennis Duncanson’s cafe. Diners can choose from a fresh and homely menu that is changed every month.
Read our blog here!
2364 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Nobbys

Fire Cue Bar & Grill
A tapas bar which offers Latin American, Mexican, Spanish and Argentinean inspired food, zesty cocktails, tap beers from Gold Coast locals and smooth tunes.
Read our blog here!
2243 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Gemellini
Unlike its airy Broadbeach brother Gemelli, Gemellini is a small intimate space serving up Italian favourites. Some may say they make the best pizza on the Coast.
Read our blog here!
2/2247 Gold Coast Hwy, Nobby Beach

Miami/ Robina

The Kitchens
Robina Town Centre’s foody playground ‘The Kitchens’ is home to over 28 restaurants for you to discover – wanna know who? Read our blog here!
Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

Double Barrel Kitchen
This once Greek restaurant was transformed into a smoking new hotspot. Utilizing dark recycled timber, large custom windows, handpicked pendant lights and fresh flowers. An intimate space any creature of comfort would be happy to cosy up in.
Read our blog here!
Shop 4 Waterway Shopping Village, Cnr Karbunya Street & Sunshine Blvd, Mermaid Waters

Burleigh

Jimmy Wahs
Choose between bar seating, a table or opt for a street view at the large, open picture window. The decor is clean and simplistic leaving a giant portrait of Jimmy Wah to steal the spotlight.
Read our blog here!
1724 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads 

Salvador Deli
Lower Gold Coast Highway has welcomed its newest edition, Salvador Deli, a one stop Mediterranean deli shop and restaurant and best of all – byo!
Read our blog here!
1848 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads

Palm Beach/ Tugun

8th Ave Terrace
Palm Beach rooftop dining at its best. 8th Ave have kept it simple with menu choices and gone above and beyond when it comes to quality.
Read our blog here!
1176 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Wildernis
Astro turf, red, terracotta bricks, hanging pot plants and timber floors… if it was outside, the team at Wildernis have brought it in.
Read our blog here!
1166 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Balboa Italian Restaurant
If it’s not the mouth-watering Italian cuisine and the delicious cocktails, it’s at the very least the phenomenal fit-out, the glamorous chandelier or the bright red Vespa that will leave you speechless.
Read our blog here!
1069 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

The Collective
Five kitchens, a breathtaking rooftop bar and more greenery than Mount Tamborine. No taste bud will be left unsatisfied, The Collective Palm Beach has opened its doors on Boxing Day 2016 and with a sold out New Year’s Eve party, the good times will keep on rolling well into the New Year.
Read our blog here!
1128 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach

Backbone Bar
What do you get when you put together two guys with a love of beer and Asian cuisine? You get something with a bit of Backbone, an Asian tapas bar fit for friends, family and good times. 
Read our blog here!
12/489 Gold Coast Hwy, Tugun

Coolangatta

Eddie’s Grub House
Cooly’s go-to place for finger lickin’ fried chicken, burgers and whiskey.
Read our blog here!
171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta

Poboy Cajun and Creole
Josh and Brock Clapin have taken their knowledge of Southern Cajun and Creole cooking and applied it to their modest southern kitchen down in Cooly. If you’ve never pinched a tail and sucked a head, get your mind out of the gutter and get down to Poboy’s.
Read our blog here!
12/110 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Kirrabelle Kitchen & Alley Bar
An old classic has been revitalised, The Coolangatta Sands Hotel has said goodbye to its darker days and welcomed a fresh coat of crisp white paint, a fully renovated restaurant and a completely restyled menu.
Read our blog here!
Cnr Griffith & McLean Sts, Coolangatta

By Louisa von Ingelheim