publisher@scoutmagazine.com.au
Instagram
Instagram

Category: Eat + Drink

Home Category: Eat + Drink (Page 9)

Raise your glass: Spring-approved cocktail recipes

It’s time to shake up your cocktail game. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or looking for an excuse to enjoy the warmer weather, do it with one of these cocktails in hand.

Pro tip: Swap in non-alcoholic spirits to make any of these cocktail recipes virgin.

Elderflower Gin Spritz

A floral, effervescent cocktail perfect for warm spring afternoons.

Ingredients

  • 50ml gin
  • 25ml elderflower liqueur
  • 15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Soda water
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Lemon wheel (for garnish)
  • Ice cubes

Method

Fill a glass with ice cubes. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice. Top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel for an extra touch of spring.

De Luxe French

Sweet and sour, this floral cocktail is the ultimate refresher.

Ingredients

  • 30ml Nemiroff De Luxe
  • 25ml lemon (fresh)
  • 15ml sugar syrup
  • 10ml elderberry syrup
  • 100ml dry prosecco

Method

Shake all ingredients except prosecco in a shaker. Pour into a chilled glass, then add prosecco.

Fruitage Perfect Serve 

Refreshing, sweet and sour, cherry flavour.

Ingredients

  • Rodenbach Fruitage
  • Slice of Lime
  • Mint

Method

Pour a can of Rodenbach Fruitage into a glass of ice, add a slice of lime and mint to taste.

Cucumber Basil Margarita

This herb-infused twist on a classic margie is light and invigorating.

Ingredients

  • 50ml tequila
  • 25ml lime juice
  • 20ml agave syrup
  • 3 cucumber slices
  • 3 basil leaves
  • Salt (for the rim)
  • Ice cubes

Method

Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it in salt. Muddle the cucumber slices and basil leaves in a shaker. Add tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice, and shake well. Strain into the glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a basil leaf and a cucumber slice for a fresh, vibrant look.

Mint Melon Splash

Sweet and refreshing

Ingredients

  • 30ml Yellowstone Bourbon
  • 10ml Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 20ml Mint Simple Syrup
  • 100ml Watermelon (muddled or puree)

Method

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with a handful of ice, shake until cold. Strain into cocktail glass over cracked ice. Garnish with watermelon and mint leaves.

DIY tip for mint simple syrup: Combine equal parts sugar and water. Microwave on high until sugar is dissolved, stirring as needed. Add mint leaves to hot sugar syrup. Let cool completely.

Strawberry Basil Smash

Bursting with the sweetness of strawberries and a hint of basil, this cocktail is a springtime delight.

Ingredients

  • 4 fresh strawberries
  • 4 basil leaves
  • 50ml vodka
  • 25ml lemon juice
  • 20ml simple syrup
  • Soda water
  • Ice cubes

Method

Muddle the strawberries and basil leaves in a shaker. Add vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass over ice and top with soda water. Garnish with a strawberry slice and a basil leaf for a burst of colour.

Nemiroff Negroski

With a herbal, cherry flavour, this drink is perfect for when you’re craving something bittersweet.

Ingredients

  • 20ml Nemiroff De Luxe
  • 20ml Campari
  • 20ml Red Vermouth
  • 10ml Hering Cherry
  • 1ml Orange Bitter

Method

Pour all ingredients to a stir glass and stir it until well chilled, strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass. Garnish with the cherry and orange flaming peel. Heat the peel with a lighter, squeeze the orange oil into the flame above the glass.

Irish Maid

Smooth and zesty, you’ve never tasted Irish whiskey quite like this.

Ingredients

  • 45ml Teeling Small Batch Irish whiskey
  • 15ml St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
  • 25ml fresh lemon juice
  • 15ml sugar syrup
  • 2 inches of cucumber, plus a slice for garnish

Method

Muddle cucumber in the bottom of cocktail shaker. Add all the ingredients and shake. Strain into ice filled glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

Read More

Pop’s proves milk bars are so back

It’s a winning combo – a menu full of reinvented classics, an old school fit out and even more old-fashioned service. And by tapping into our longing for the ‘old Gold Coast,’ Pop’s Milk Bar could be the ultimate testament to the power of nostalgia.

It may be a new venue, but Pop’s has its roots firmly planted in the past. Inspired by the milk bars of the 1950s and 60s, Pop’s is about more than just food – it’s about memories.

Owner Jem Jacinto says the milk bar came about through good old-fashioned connections. The landlord of two of his Brisbane venues (Jem created Goldie favourites Finn Poke and Two Yolks, too) told him about a new opening at Southport Park, and the wheels started turning.

“Southport Park has two clear demographics – older people and families with kids,” Jem explains. “None of our existing brands would have worked there, so we created one.”

For some, Pop’s Milk Bar is a tribute to their childhoods. For others, it’s a novelty. In an era where fast food chains and Instagram-able fit outs reign supreme, Pop’s aims to remind us of simpler times.

“Good old-fashioned service, a smile, and a chat can make all the difference,” says Jem. “For some people, this might be their big outing of the week, so we try to make it fun. We already have a few regulars who love the old rock and roll music we play.”

One such regular is Leo, an older gentleman who, despite using a walker, can’t help but move a little faster when he hears the tunes from outside.

The menu is a nostalgic journey in itself, featuring classics like jaffles and fish and chip shop burgers, but with a modern twist.

“We make our own gelato and hand form our own patties,” Jem adds. “We like to do everything from scratch throughout our venues. With Pop’s, it’s our homage to the past, but it’s done our way. It’s those little things that make the experience special.”

It’s a good point. The décor, with its glass shelves and wood panelling, may draw people in, but it’s the food and hospitality that keep them coming back. And in an industry where venues seem to close as quickly as they open, Pop’s stands out by tapping into something timeless.

“People love nostalgia, and we’re hoping to become a place where people can relive those memories – or create their own,” says Jem. “The Gold Coast is a young city, but it’s growing so fast. We’re trying to provide the essence of those memories in our way.”

Read More

New Gold Coast restaurants to try this spring

A new season means new restaurants to try – and we have plenty to choose from. Here are six of the best new Gold Coast restaurants to dine at this spring.

George’s Pizza Wine Bar

Finally! Burleigh’s most elusive residence has thrown open its doors, revealing a wine and pizza bar inspired by the Greek isles. No longer must we settle for taking photos in front of its iconic white and blue facade – now we can actually go inside, every Friday and Saturday from 5pm, and enjoy pizza and wine creekside. Yassou indeed.

www.georgesparagon.com.au

Cadillac Supper Club, Palm Beach

The cool older sibling to Cooly favourite Bar Evelyn, Cadillac Supper Club set tongues wagging even before its name or concept had been unveiled. The closing of the beloved Scottish Prince meant locals were anxious to see what would take its place – so far, with its curated food menu and impressive drinks list, it’s filling those mighty big shoes.

www.cadillacsupperclub.com

Piada Co., Burleigh

James Street certainly isn’t lacking in food spots – but you can’t have too much of a good thing, right? Even in a saturated market, Piada Co. feels like its catering to a specific (and hungry) crowd. They’re serving up casual, authentic Italian street food – most notably, a kind of flatbread called piadina – from morning to night.

www.piadaco.com.au

Costa Taco, Broadbeach

Okay, so this isn’t *technically* a new restaurant, but we’re always excited to see an old favourite expand – especially if, selfishly, it draws crowds away from our local. The line out the door of Costa Taco’s Palm Beach location proved fans were coming from far and wide to enjoy their fresh Mexican food. Now, northern Gold Coasters don’t need to travel quite so far. Everyone wins!

www.costa-taco.com

Moustache, Nobby

The Oxley just got even better. From the restaurateur behind Seadog and Buoy comes Moustache, a Europe-inspired hole-in-the-wall dishing up breakfast, lunch and dinner – and warm weather catch ups over a glass of wine (or three). Their extensive drink selection is topped only by the menu; the brainchild of the chef behind Paper Daisy and Little Truffle.

www.instagram.com

Pop’s Milk Bar, Southport

Milk bars are so back. Combining nostalgic dishes with old school hospitality – and the kind of value for money that’s hard to find nowadays – is Pop’s, the new milk bar that’s settled into Southport Park. Expect such classics as bean jaffles and chocolate sundaes, as well as a few modern takes on your old favourites. Crème brulé waffles, anyone?

www.instagram.com

Hungry for more? Check out five of the new restaurants that opened in winter, right here. 

Read More

The scout six: The best acai bowls on the Gold Coast

As we head into the warmer months, there are three things we’re looking forward to: eating fresh produce, cooling off with frozen treats and enjoying breakfast on the beach after a morning dip. These acai bowl spots tick all the boxes. Here are the six best acai bowls on the Gold Coast, as chosen by our readers.

Disclaimer: For consistency’s sake, these venues have been selected based on their standard acai bowls.

The Salt Mill, Currumbin

The seemingly constant line out the door of this hole-in-the-wall café tells you everything you need to know about the quality of their acai bowls (say nothing of the coffee and baked treats). The balance of sweet strawberries and bananas, crunchy granola and chewy coconut is what summer dreams are made of – though we usually skip the cacao nibs.

P.S. Found yourself south of the border? The Salt Mill also has locations in Brunswick Heads and Kingscliff.

Cardamom Pod, Southport

The Gold Coast’s OG vegetarian café, Cardamom Pod’s longevity is testament to its menu – it’s ‘standard’ pod acai bowl includes a mermaid tail, for crying out loud. Though the carefully cut fruits and blue and pink swirl are undeniably beautiful, it’s the addition of coconut water and mango mousse that makes us love this acai bowl so.

Nobbys Shack, Nobby

Whether you stop by en route to the beach or pull up a chair in their sunny courtyard, no visit to Nobby’s Shack is complete without picking up one of their acai bowls. Being home to some of the best smoothies on the Gold Coast, they’re experts in blending – the granola, desiccated coconut and fresh fruits are just the cherries on top.

Tugun Fruit and Flowers, Tugun

They may only do two things, but man – they do them well. Tugun Fruit and Flowers is the ultimate spring pit-stop: strolling out with a fresh bunch of flowers in one hand and a fresh acai bowl in the other is our idea of the perfect morning. We especially love how they top their bowls with whatever fruits are in season, so two visits are rarely the same.

Yo-Chi, various locations

Did you know the Gold Coast’s favourite fro-yo also serves up acai? Though acai bowl purists will protest that the best bases come straight from the blender, we think the ability to choose your own toppings – from dozens of options – makes Yo-Chi worthy of a mention.

Little Mermaid, Mermaid Beach

Last but certainly not least, Little Mermaid has been a staple on the Mermaid food scene for years now – which, in a suburb with no shortage of breakfast stops, is really saying something. They’re particularly beloved for their acai bowls. They have three to choose from, so there’s something for every acai lover. Oh, and they all come served in a coconut bowl, of course.

Love this series? Check out the six best tacos on the Gold Coast next.

Read More

The scout six: The best tacos on the Gold Coast

Welcome to the scout six, the series where we track down the best food and drinks the Gold Coast has to offer (i.e., an excuse for us to wine and dine while on the clock). This time, we’re sharing our top six places to grab tacos on the Gold Coast.

Costa Taco, Palm Beach

Many a Palmy local will lament that their local secret is well and truly out, but honestly, it was only a matter of time. Beloved for its fresh ingredients, laidback vibe and reasonable price point, Costa Taco is the perfect after-surf lunch spot or relaxed dinner location. They’ve already opened up shop in Byron, but we think they’d do well to set up a second GC location, too – perhaps a little further north?

Order: The beef birria tacos, with the consume.

www.costa-taco.com

Mexicali, Nobby Beach

Everyone knows Mexicali. Even if you think you don’t… you do. Those IG posts you’ve seen of people walking up the stairs, punny margarita-related sign in the background? That’s Mexicali – and it’s famous for a reason. The only thing better than their extensive margarita offering is their list of tacos. We can’t prove it, but we’re pretty sure they put fish tacos on the Gold Coast map all those years ago.

Order: You can’t go wrong with any, but the combination of halloumi and black bean is hard to beat.

www.mexicali.com.au

Pancho’s, Mudgeeraba

With no less than seven (seven!) taco fillings to choose from, Pancho’s is always worth the drive to Mudgeeraba. Not only do they serve up mouthwatering Mexican food, but this roadhouse-style restaurant oozes old Gold Coast charm – and knows how to throw one hell of a party.

Order: The garlic prawn tacos. Need we say more?

www.instagram.com

Agave Rosa, Kirra

The only thing that rivals Agave Rosa’s list of taco fillings – other than their Instagram-ready fitout – are their signature dishes. Yucca fries. Scallop tempura. Chipotle popcorn prawns. Need we say more? Indulge in a margarita (virgin or otherwise) and you’re all but guaranteed a great night out.

Order: The hibachi chicken achiote tacos. Or the crispy pork belly. We actually can’t choose.

www.agave-rosa.com

Frida Sol, Palm Beach

Yep, Palm Beach locals are truly blessed when it comes to Mexican food – it’s like the Gold Coast’s unofficial taco capital. Fun, fresh and overflowing with options, Frida Sol is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for something a little more special than a simple post-beach feed. They have two lists of tacos, for crying out loud: classic and premium. No one’s doing Mexican quite like Frida.

Order: The Surf & Turf Mexicana. You just have to.

www.fridasol.com.au

Hail Mary, Burleigh Heads

Looking for a fresh, filling feed before a night out? Hail Mary’s it is. Nestled in Burleigh’s nightlife precinct, this place is a pink-hued, plant-filled haven – complete with tequila. Being so close to Burleigh beach makes it a solid lunch option, too. And at $25 for three tacos (around $8 a piece) it’s a relatively affordable one. Muy bien.

Order: The snapper and mango taco.

www.hailmaryburleigh.com.au

Read More
Menu