When it comes to drinking, the Gold Coast does it well. From boutique breweries to European wine bars, there are plenty of places to farewell the workday or keep your Saturday night going. But what about when you’re not drinking? Turns out, we do that pretty well, too. In honour of Dry July, here are the best mocktails on the Gold Coast.
A beachfront aspect and multi-cuisine menu aren’t Siblings’ only bragging rights – it’s also a great place to grab a drink. Whether it’s accompanying your entrees or the main course, their cocktail menu is second to none – and their mocktails are no different. Our top pick? The ‘I Can Drive, Marg!’, an alcohol-free take on a classic margarita made with Burleigh-distilled Clovendoe Sprout ZERO, fresh lime and OJ, and agave syrup. Switch it up with their coconut or chilli variations (or both, if you’re feeling really wild!).
This Palm Beach favourite was made for the indecisive. With four restaurants to choose from – and the option to order from all of them – it figures that The Collective has a great selection of drinks, too. Their mock margaritas are hard to pass up, but if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the ‘Peach Star’. With Raco and Jetsetter (a non-alcoholic gin and aperitif, respectively, from Aussie brand Sammy Piquant), peach, lime, vanilla and pineapple, it’s exactly the kind of drink you want to sip on while soaking up the sun at a rooftop bar by the beach.
With striped umbrellas, shady palm trees and pulsing beats, Sueño is our version of a Spanish rooftop bar close to home. And the non-drinkers get to enjoy it too, thanks to their range of elevated mocktails. Our personal favourite is the Amaretti Sour – a notoriously tough drink to make non-alcoholic, that Sueño takes on effortlessly. The hero ingredient is the Lyre’s Amaretti, shaken with lemon and foamy aquafaba. If you’re after something more refreshing, they also do an elite margarita and bellini spritz.
If you thought you had to stick to sunny rooftop and beachside bars to find a good mocktail, think again. The Roosevelt is the Gold Coast’s premier cocktail lounge, moody and sophisticated with 1920s charm. Whether you’re taking the night or the month off drinking, you’ll be well-looked after here. In addition to the expected non-alcoholic offerings, the Roosevelt has two mocktails to choose from – and the ‘Garden Party’ is our favourite. Floral, sweet and a little sour, it’s the perfect blend of jasmine tea, apple, falernum (a Caribbean syrup), lemon and kaffir lime oil. You may as well tell the bartender to keep ‘em coming.
Formerly known as Hyde Paradiso, Valentina is the rebranded, remodelled bar-restaurant overlooking the Surfers esplanade. Back with Mediterranean flair, it specialises in family-style fare and a sun-soaked drinks menu. While their cocktails are expectedly excellent, Valentina is the kind of place where opting for a mocktail doesn’t feel like a downgrade. The Lemon Tart Daisy is our top pick, made with Lyre’s Gin and Amaretto and lemon sherbert – it’s so good, you’d almost believe it’s the real thing.
Ask any southern Gold Coaster and they’ll tell you, Pipi’s is the ultimate ‘special occasion spot’. Perched at the southernmost tip of the Gold Coast, Pipi’s boasts 220-degree ocean views, Mediterranean inspired cuisine, and a delicious drinks menu – mocktails included. Our personal favourite is the ‘Bastia’, made with Lyre’s Agave Blanco, Lyre’s Orange Sec, mandarin juice and sugar syrup. It’s the perfect starting point for a long lunch, or grand finale after a day in the sun.
