Going out for a drink has always been a treat, but it’s becoming increasingly tough to justify that second cocktail. And in a city where hospitality is king, it’s changing how Gold Coasters drink.
From beach picnics to backyard parties, socialising has become a little smaller, a little smarter – but no less spirited.
The phoenix rising from the ashes? The margarita.
No one knows this better than Jessie and Tommy, the dynamic duo behind Billinudgel’s AZTECA Margarita.
“I mean the margarita was pretty much built for the Gold Coast,” says Jessie, “hailing originally from the hot deserts of Mexico. It’s satisfyingly thirst-quenching and refreshing, with sugars, salts, vitamin C, B6, folate, potassium, antioxidants – all the things we need when we’re overheating and drinking.”
While tequila’s global popularity continues to rise, it’s on the coastlines of Australia that the margarita is really hitting its stride. Whether you’re poolside, beachside or throwing a long lunch at home, its zesty simplicity makes it an easy favourite.
And with going out becoming increasingly expensive, many are looking for quality options they can enjoy at home.
“Going out is really expensive right now and, to be honest, a lot of margaritas at venues aren’t that good,” Jessie admits. “We’re definitely seeing a lot more home drinking!”
That demand has led to some clever product innovations – like AZTECA’s Cowboy Cubes, a bulk-format margarita mix designed for sharing. Dreamt up in response to rising interest from weddings, events and group holidays, the Cubes offer the same handcrafted liquid in a more practical, transport-friendly format.
“We were getting a lot of requests for bigger gatherings, but our usual glass bottles just didn’t make sense for that,” Jessie says. “The Cowboy Cubes are about making it easier to have great drinks anywhere. It’s the same liquid, in all four flavours – just cheaper.”
Don’t worry: the local bar scene isn’t going anywhere just yet. It’s always going to be hard to resist a good night out, and other alternatives to hand-made cocktails – like cocktails on tap – show the shift towards affordability.
But still, according to CGA data, more Australians are choosing to drink at home more frequently than in previous years.
Venues across the Gold Coast are doubling down on what makes a night out worth the price: quality ingredients, fresh flavours and a strong sense of place. Think curated cocktail menus, rooftop bars with a view and clever food pairings (all of which we have no shortage of on the Gold Coast).
At the same time, local businesses like AZTECA are improving our at-home offering with always fresh, always delicious cocktail mixes. And then there’s the ready-to-drink market, which has seen impressive growth in recent years. Maybe things aren’t so bad for consumers after all?
Our biggest takeaway: the margarita isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s coming home with you.
