On June 13th each year we raise a glass to World Gin Day and the spirit that has certainly had its come up over the last little while. The Gold Coast boasts our very own gin distillery plus a host of bars making magic with local gins. All of which you won’t be surprised to learn we’re big fans of.

In honour of that, here are the best spots to get your gin fix on the Gold Coast this World Gin Day (or anyday for that matter). Happy sipping.

Tamborine Mountain Distillery
Tucked away on Mount Tamborine is one of Australia’s smallest and most unique distilleries with over 280 International Awards. Their gold medal award winning gin is the Lilly Pilly Gin, a pot still gin using botanicals such as Australian Lilly Pilly (Riberry), Juniper, Angelica root, Orris root, Citrus peel, Caraway, Coriander, Aniseed Myrtle, Elderflower, Mistletoe, Passionflower, Shepherd’s Purse and more. The best part about it, it’s got a delightful pink hue.
Where: 87-91 Beacon Road, North Tamborine

The Island Rooftop
It’s always a good time on the rooftop in Surfers Paradise, overlooking the city and with guaranteed good vibes. While all the sips are sweet, our recommendation is the Clover Leaf made with Beefeater gin, raspberry, lemon and egg white, so good.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Aloha Bar & Dining
How does a Saturn Juniper Uranus sound? Cool right. That’s exactly what you should order at Broady’s most colourful alleyway bar, Aloha Bar & Dining. It’s got Four Pillars gin, sloe gin, orgeat, passionfruit, lime and rosemary and it’s out of this world. The bar itself is decked out in full colour, with hidden rooms and moody, good time vibes aplenty. Follow the music down the alley and you’ll find yourself in a magical world of tiki goodness.
Where: 18 Main Place, Broadbeach

Fig & Frankies
Another delightful Broadbeach bar dedicated to exceptional sips and very good times is Fig & Frankies, also newish on the scene and also very well-loved amongst Gold Coast locals. Their cocktail list is tight and filled with delights made up of local spirits and you’ll want to try them all. Drinks are numbered rather than named and each is absolute perfection to be honest. We particularly loved Number One (aptly named) because it is made up of MAC by Brookies, clarified green apple and house lemonade and we cannot overstate tasty enough. Gather the crew and sip up a storm. 
Where: 4/2707 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Roosevelt Lounge
A must-visit cocktail bar in Broadbeach, Roosevelt Lounge is one of the city’s sexiest spots for a cocktail, capturing the seductive style and glamour of decadent New York. For World Gin Day try the Down the Rabbit Hole Signature Cocktail made up of Ink gin, in-house chimmer liqueur (pink moscato, pisco, peach & orange blossom), blueberry vinegar, citric acid and life of cha crystal tea. Delightfully served in a tea pot, this cocktail is an Instagram dream.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Granddad Jacks
The Gold Coast’s first gin distillery Granddad Jacks are, quite obviously king when it comes to gin cocktails (and gin in general). Our number one on their list is the Seymour Street with their very own Greenhouse Gin plus Eucalyptus and fresh lime juice because it’s the ultimate in Aussie-inspired freshness and it tastes top notch too. Love your work mates.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Rosella’s Bar
Oh Rosella’s, little love of our lives. A refined Australiana bar in the heart of Burleigh Heads, Rosella’s is bringing all Aussie eats and tipples to the very appreciative people. On a list of cocktails that will 100% improve your life (especially the Pet Nat Slushie – love you) but for the purposes of this article let’s chat about the Kylie Minogue Martini with Vickers Gin from Beenleigh Distillery no less, vodka, elderflower, verjus and pink peppercorn. It’ll have you spinning around in no time.
Where: 6/1743 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Lockwood Bar
Tucked away down Justin Lane behind a red velvet curtain is Lockwood Bar. They a serving up a sexy sip titled Brookie’s Aviation which fuses Brookie’s Dry Gin, lemon juice, Tempus Fugit liqueur de violette and Luxado Maraschino liqueur. Topped off with a maraschino cherry, you know it’s a goodie.
Where: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads

Suga
An intimate little space down Palmy way is Suga, a cocktail and rum bar open until late and serving up cocktails that are quite unlike anything you’ve sipped before. On World Gin Day we recommend a Gin Lippy with Larrikin Gin, citrus syrup, housemade lemonade and a whole lots of tastiness. A very tasty tipple indeed. Pop on in for a few of those this weekend.
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

The Collective Palm Beach
The Rooftop Bar at The Collective Palm Beach is a gin-lovers paradise with beloved gin-based cocktails including the Rose Hip Martini with Poor Toms Gin, hibiscus syrup, lime and grapefruit and the Unnamed Sympathy served Tiki-style with macadamia-infused Nobel Cut Gin, Bushfire Botanic Australis Gin and pine-lime allspice. Both of which are tried and tested by us and both of which are really very delicious.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Saint Helen’s Kitchen + Bar
If sipping cocktails seaside is your thing (and we know it is), you’ll love Saint Helens Kitchen + Bar signature slurp The Gin Thruster. It’s got gin, blueberry and tonic. It’s bright, refreshing and super Insta-worthy – if it lasts that long.
Where: Shop 2/78 Musgrave Street, Kirra

Words by Kirra Smith

A refreshing non-alcoholic beverage to counteract all those heavy reds you’ve been indulging in!

INGREDIENTS

½ pomegranate, pulp and seeds
½ lime, juice
Handful mint leaves
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup crushed ice
1 ½ cup sparkling water

Garnish
Pomegranate seeds
2 lime wedges
Mint leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large jug, muddle the pomegranate pulp and seeds, lime juice, lime, mint leaves and honey together.
Add the ice and top up with sparkling water.
Pour the spritzer into two glasses and garnish the glass with the pomegranate, lime and mint.
Serve immediately.

Obviously, to make an alcoholic version, just add a shot of your favourite gin or vodka.

For more great recipes by Gold Coast local Caralee Caldwell, check out her page here.

If it’s romance you want, it’s romance you’ll get here on the GC this Valentine’s Day. Hubba hubba!

We’ve compiled a list of what’s on and where, so that you can dial up the love-o-meter and treat yo’self and yo’partner to a Valentine’s Day (or night) experience to remember.

*Please note that unless indicated otherwise, all Valentine’s Day specials mentioned take place on Wednesday 14^th of February.

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Citrique
Treat your valentine (and yo’self, lbh) to a decadent five-course degustation dinner date, curated by Executive Chef Paul Smart and team of culinary experts. Accompanied by a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne, tantalise your taste buds with Kingfish and ponzu pearls, Poached Lobster and caviar, Lobster fricassee, Roasted snow fish with beurre blanc sauce and salmon pearls, Wagyu flank steak and a decadent Chocolate mousse and praline dessert to finish. Prices start at $149 per person (level up with a $59 wine pairing). Find out more here.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Oasis Shopping Centre
Roosevelt Lounge
Love is in the air at Roosevelt Lounge, and the eternal romantics are busting out all the stops – with an indulgent, four-course menu and optional wine pairing upgrade to really woo your boo, whilst the sounds of love ballads fill the air courtesy of live tunes by Teagan Mills. All wrapped up in the kind of sultry, speakeasy ambience that makes you want to cosy up and play footsies under the table like a couple’a loved up youngun’s.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Sofia’s Restaurant and Bar
If whispering sweet nothings over wine and woodfired pizza is your love language, then look no further than Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar this V-day. If there’s one thing the Europeans know how to do it’s romance, and Sofia’s has it in spades. A sophisticated, Euro-style gem lurking right in the heart of Broadbeach bedecked with crisp white tablecloths and dripping in trailing greenery – we suggest letting them take the lead with an expertly-crafted cocktail and curated, four-course menu experience for $110pp. Find out more here.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast’s stellar array of eateries are channelling their inner Cupid to sprinkle your V-day with every type of decadence imaginable. From curated, tasting menu encounters backdropped by a twinkling GC skyline, romantic Italian-style feasting to feeding your lover chocolate-dipped fruits from the chocolate fountain at Harvest Buffet. Seriously?! Surely these options have been plucked straight from the pages of a romance novel.
Go here for all the salacious deets on The Star’s Valentine’s Day food offerings.

Azure Spa & Fitness
Azure invites you and your beloved to connect and unwind with a a 45 minute Retreatment Botanic Relaxation Massage and a 45 minute Retreatment Botanic Express Nourishing Facial. Enjoy a glass of champagne post-treatment and a complimentary gift. $260 and available throughout February.

Love in Luxury
Indulge in a luxury stay at The Star Grand Hotel and The Darling, including a daily $50 dining credit, daily breakfast per guest, and a late check out until 12:00pm. You’re guaranteed 20% off the Best Available rate, leaving more in the kitty for extra cocktails. The offer is valid until 31^st May 2024.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Skypoint
Want to make your significant other’s heart skip a beat? Devouring a five-course degustation at the Gold Coast’s highest dining destination oughta do it (and if it doesn’t, we’re all out of ideas, just quietly). You’ll both be on cloud nine with an evening of live entertainment, wining and dining your way through flowing drinks, Beetroot and Ink gin cured trout and Ruby filled dark chocolate tart. Sorry, Casanovas – the Gold Package has sold out but never fear, the Silver Package is still available! At $134 per person it is the perfect place to romance your ride or die and soak up one of the best views on the Coast.
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Level 77, Q1, Surfers Paradise

QT GOLD COAST
Bazaar
February 14 sees the return of the ‘Lover’s Feast’ at Bazaar Marketplace, serving up a lust-worthy twist on its decadent buffet experience. Get your aphrodisiac fix with oodles of Sydney rock oysters, trawler-fresh seafood, slow-roasted meats, tossed salads, with some love-themed sweet treats and a flowing chocolate fountain. There’s also acoustic tunes, a love potion on arrival and even personalised chocolate love notes, from $109 per person, (with optional beverage package upgrade).

Twilight Cabana Dinner Under The Stars
LBH, Valentine’s Day in a cabana under the stars is romance 101. Spoil your QTie (get it?!) and cosy up with dinner for two à la luxury poolside cabana – including a glass of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Champagne on arrival, followed by savouring three delicious courses under the stars. Dream date alert! $320 for one cabana per couple.

Fixx Café
Grab your lover or skip the clichés and round up your squad for a Galentine’s get-together. $75 per person including coffee or tea, or $95 per person served with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne or really splurge with a bottomless spritz package for $109 per person.

Yamagen
Romance is hot on the menu at Yamagen with an extravagant 8-course menu curated by Executive Chef, Adam Lane. Think Sashimi Tacos, House-Made Wagyu Gyozas, Kushiyaki lamb cutlets, Wagyu Beef Sirloin ms6+… ’nuff said. $125 per person.

Get A Room
The thought of an evening of fanciful feasting with your heart-throb got you feeling some kind of way? Oh, GET A ROOM, already! No, we mean literally ‘Get a room’, the month-long Valentine’s celebration at QT. Just spend the night in Feb and you go in the draw to win – not just your loved one’s affections, but the contents of the whole dang room… right down to the designer bed and fluffy robes. So, why not upgrade that dinner date to a pampery, poolside staycay.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Videre
For one wonderful (or should we say wine-derful) and whirlwind evening only, RACV Royal Pines pop-up restaurant, Videre, will open its doors in the name of love. The Valentine’s exclusive event, brings a set menu of Mumm Champagne dressed Oysters & Pearls and Confit Ocean Trout to the unique, sweeping vantage of Royal Pines’ 21st floor, with wine pairings and specialty cocktails also available. Nothing but the best for you, babe.
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross Street, Benowa

Mercure Gold Coast Resort
Mercure Resort is throwing a luxurious and love-themed feast for the occasion, with a delightful 3-course menu, served within the lush surrounds and intimate ambience of The Green – for a very respectable $75 per person. Share in some creamy, Prawn Linguini (Lady and the Tramp style, of course) or mouth-watering Beef Tenderloin served with Potato gratin, followed by a Dessert Tasting Platter – a guaranteed way to win the complete adoration of any sweet lovers.
Where: 64 Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara

The Fireplace
Craving a rom-com vibing Valentine’s spent canoodling by the fire, but, y’know – in a Southern hemisphere friendly way? Enchant your valentine with an exquisite culinary showcase at The Fireplace, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove. For $149pp, toast to your true love with a welcome glass of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne, and delight in a degustation style evening featuring The Fireplace’s finest – such as Citrus cured kingfish and melt-in-your-mouth beef served three ways, surrounded by charred figs, roasted fennel, grilled zucchini and lemon myrtle jus. Be still, our beating hearts.
Where: Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

eforea spa
Indulge in the language of love this February at eforea spa Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences. Choose a romantic couples’ escape or indulge in solo pampering with personalised spa packages. As an extra touch of luxury, relish a complimentary glass of sparkling wine post-treatment. Save 10-15% off couples and singles packages.
Where: Level 2, Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences, 6 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise

voco
Craving some relaxed romance with your honey, this Valentine’s? Make a (dinner) date with Clifford’s Grill and Lounge, because love is in the air, baby! Opt to leave the choice in expert hands of Clifford’s cupid crew – cooking up an unforgettable, three-course feast, plus a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for just $89pp. Or, see where your cravings take you (straight to the dessert menu, LBH) with la carte menu also available on the night. For extra cute-points, finish it off with a moonlit saunter by the Surfer’s beachfront.. but hey, take our love advice at your peril.
Where: 31 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

Sofitel Room81
Let there be a thousand blossoms bloom, as far as Sofitel Broadbeach’s resident French darling, Room81 is concerned this La Saint Valentin.  Sweep your ma chérie’s and chéri’s off their feet with a swoon-worthy, degustation dinner-date rendezvous – city of love style. Featuring five sumptuous courses of romantic French fare, including escargot, sabayon and spatchcock, whilst savouring a crisp bottle of Minuty M Rosé together. Not to mention, there’s also the luxuriously-appointed Superior Ocean View Rooms and Suites right upstairs, if after all that you’re in the mood… to make a night of it.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

The Imperial Hotel
Imperial Hotel (formerly Palazzo Versace, in case it’s been a while between rendezvous) has put together the pièce de résistance of staycay’s to share with your sweetheart. For the month of Feb, soak up some R&R in complete luxury, with complimentary welcome cocktails in the hotel bar (to kick start you into mini-holiday mode) combined with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and decadent chocolates, buffet breakfast – and copious amounts of lagoon pool lazing – for you and your boo daily. They really have thought of everything – including an exotic, lychee-spiked Bath Bliss experience (and accompanying lychee martinis) to be enjoyed in the couples spa. Oooh-la-la.
Where: 94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Soak Bathhouse
Come one, come all, for a heaven-sent celebration of love and luxury at Soak Bathhouse this Valentine’s. For a day where romance and relaxation intertwine, both locations in Mermaid Beach and West End will be dialling up the ambience with soothing live tune serenades (we’re imaging angels softly strumming harps) romantic decor, and candle-lit surrounds to bask in. Along with serenity on steroids, Soak Bathhouse is all about that equal opportunity indulgence – with a range of amenities and packages so everyone from the lovebirds to those flying solo can partake in a spot of self-care… so, assemble the Galentines, y’all.
Where: Shop 20, 2532/2540 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Dracula’s
If you’re looking for a saucy and scintillating way to spend your V-day with bae, why not shake things up with an extra spicy, Valentine’s edition of cabaret at Draculas. A night out that’s already known for its racy and raucous ways, the kinky Drac’s crew will no doubt be descending into all-out debauchery – promising an evening that will make hearts stop and panties drop, plus a complimentary G-string rose… to do with what you will *blushing intensifies*
Where: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Elements of Byron
When it comes to Valentine’s, there’s nothing like spending a few satisfying hours with your one-and-only, luxuriating in course after course of mind-blowing morsels to dial the romance-o-meter up to max. And one recreation haven that’s no stranger to those adjectives, Elements of Byron is throwing an exquisite nine-course degustation dinner for the pinnacle of Valentine’s Day decadence. From $195, savour Carpaccio, Ceviche, Spring Vegetable Gnocchi with your significant other, and share in some Raspberry, Macadamia & White Chocolate and choc-dipped Strawberries to finish.
Where: 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay