It’s the drink on everyone’s lips and it’s all over our social feeds. Yep, cold foam is having a moment, and we are so here for it.

It all started down south (Melbourne, of course) when a little cafe on Lygon Street called Good Measure brewed up liquid gold in the form of a Mont Blanc.

Good Measure’s magical concoction of Code Black batch brew crowned with aerated sweet cream adorned with orange zest and grated nutmeg had foodies frothing over it, literally. It’s served both hot and cold at GM, and once word got around, there was a line down Lygon with everyone wanting a sip.

As its popularity grew, cafes near and far created their own Mont Blancs, and now, the foam trend has become an artform, especially on the GC. It’s not just Mont Blancs anymore, baristas have whipped up their own creations inspired by the signature drink, and some might just rival the OG.

Let’s get our froth on for these foamy faves.

‘94

Palm Beach’s newest obsession, ’94, is giving cold foam royalty with its dreamy lineup of silky-topped sips. Matcha meets creamy cloud heaven with the cult-fave Salted Caramel Matcha, while the zesty Dark Blanc with velvety foam is so smooth it deserves its own fan club (or should we say foam club?). Each drink is handcrafted, house-syruped and totally preservative-free.
Where: 1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

Daark Espresso

Chirn Park’s Daark Espresso is keeping things seriously cool with its trio of cold foam showstoppers: Iced Biscoff Latte, Pistachio Matcha and Tiramisu Cold Brew. Each sip is creamy-meets-dreamy, where bold espresso or velvety matcha gets crowned with a silky foam cloud that melts in your mouth.
Where: 2/41 Musgrave Avenue, Labrador

Public Supply

Public Supply is serving cold foam dreams with a side of scrolls and sunshine. Their signature Matcha Clouds and Mont Blancs take your regular caffeine fix and float it straight to cloud nine with silky espresso or matcha topped with whipped foam that’s delicious and dangerously addictive. Pair it with one of their oozy cinnamon scrolls and you’ve got the ultimate sweet-meets-smooth combo. But be warned, those cinny scrolls are as popular as their cold foam counterparts and sell out fast.
Where: 1/21 Stuart Street, Tweed Heads

Mudjira Village Eatery

Mudgeeraba’s cafe darling, Mudjira Village Eatery, is celebrating ten years of good vibes and great coffee with a serious glow-up and a new cold foam crush. Their Mont Blanc with orange-vanilla foam, fresh orange zest and a sprinkle of nutmeg is a summer lovin’ sip.
Where: 3 Swan Ln, Mudgeeraba

Sun Devil

Yeehaw, caffeine lovers! There’s a cold foam cowboy in town. Sun Devil Drinks Company has galloped into Strange Days Store, slinging frothy creations that pack a punch and a wink of Americana. Their signature Sun Devil Special is the stuff of legend – a bold cold brew topped with velvety cream foam and a hit of spice that’ll have you tipping your hat for more. Cowboy Alex runs the bar with charm and swagger, serving up caffeine, conversation and vintage cool.
Where: 28-30 Bay St, Tweed Heads

Hazel Espresso

Hazel Espresso is brewing up some cold foam magic in the heart of Southport’s Chinatown. This tropical-meets-trendy cafe has perfected the art of creamy-meets-cool with sips like the Coconut Matcha, a light coconut water topped with a lush matcha foam, and the Sea Salt Cream Coffee, a bold Robusta blend crowned with velvety, salty-sweet foam. It’s Vietnamese flavours meet Gold Coast sunshine, where every sip feels like a mini holiday.
Where: 9 Davenport St, Southport

Butter Bodega

Butter Bodega is brewing up Big Apple energy with cold foam coffees that look as good as they taste. Their Caramel Popcorn Iced Latte is a full-blown blockbuster, crowned not just with foam but popcorn too. Or try the Biscoff Latte that delivers biscuity bliss in every sip. Served in classic New York-style cups, these drinks are pure cafe couture.
Where: Shop 15, 300 Marine Pde, Labrador

Next Door Espresso

Just outside the chic St Barts homewares space, Next Door Espresso in Burleigh is serving up cold foam dreams for sun-soaked days. Their Freddo of double espresso topped with velvety vanilla cloud foam and a sprinkle of choccy powder is pure Gold Coast in a cup. Or go luxe with a Banana Pudding Matcha or Dirty Chai Cloud. It’s a surefire way to fuel your shopping spree.
Where: 24 Junction Road, Burleigh

Janus Deli

Janus Deli in Molendinar has nailed the cold foam brief, pairing their famous donuts and stuffed sandos with smooth, dessert-inspired cold foam drinks that are pure deli-sh. Biscoff Iced and Tiramisu Cold Brew are both creamy and perfectly chilled to balance those loaded subs.
Where: Shop 14, Crestwood Plaza, 458 Olsen Ave, Molendinar and 12 Hanlan St, Surfers Paradise

MADE

MADE’s cold foam creations are as slick as their fades. Their Nitro Coconut Cold Brew is the ultimate spring sip, leveling up a classic with a dreamy house-made vanilla foam. It’s ideal for post-surf pick-me-ups, beach strolls or to sip on while you get a trim.
Where: 2B/417 Golden Four Dr, Tugun and Corner of Musgrave & Miles St, Kirra

Sonder

The cold foam game is next level at Broadbeach’s newest hangout, Sonder. The mid-century-inspired cafe is all vinyl tunes and vibes as sweet as the crema in your cup. With owner Marc Nanfro hailing from Melbourne, Sonder’s Mont Blanc coffee comes straight from the source of the OG, with smooth cold brew, brown sugar syrup and velvety cream topped with orange zest and nutmeg.
Where: 1/12 Philip Avenue, Broadbeach

Pour Good

Just over the border, cold foam is a main event at Pour Good at Burringbar. Take the Elwood Mont Blanc, with smooth house cold brew crowned with fluffy Valencia orange cream and a dusting of grated chocolate, served over ice for the perfect balance of rich and refreshing. Or indulge in the decadent Gopita Garni, where double espresso meets vanilla coconut cream and fig jam, all shaken over ice and topped with silky, cloud-like foam.
Where: 29 Broadway, Burringbar

Words by Lisette Drew

Get in loser, we’re going shopping (and eating, and brewery-hopping, and sight seeing, and exploring street art, and… you get the idea)

Now you might be wondering why we’re throwing around random movie quotes to kick off this list (in our defence there is a Mean Girls line for *every* occasion) – but if suburbs were Mean Girls characters, Miami would for sure be the one to utter this iconic line. Miami has it all, and it knows it. Take one glance at just some of the epic spots we’ve lined up and you’ll soon see why all the other suburbs wish they could be this cool.

Granddad Jacks

It used to be that Granddads were good for stealing our noses and sneaking us butter candy, but in Miami, Granddad Jacks is good for plying us the finest locally distilled spirits, gin making classes, distillery tours and of course and just an all-round cool haunt to sit back with a top notch bevvy and let our mullets run free. These masterful wizards didn’t amass a whopping haul of awards by getting distracted by anything other than distilling, so it’s BYO food too (and surely that means more to spend on the good stuff!). Make sure you try the 65 Miles Gin, recently crowned the Hottest Aussie Gin for a third year in a row!
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Miami Fish Market

It would be shell-fish of us not to include Miami Fish Market, as much as we would love to keep this absolute pearl a secret. They hook the Gold Coast up with responsibly sourced, premium seafood from Australia and New Zealand (unlike heading home empty-handed from your holy grail fishing spot). Take some of their freshest and finest home to enjoy, or pull up a stool in their courtyard oyster and sashimi bar for a shuck-tastic time. Now offering a full (fancy-pants) fish and chips menu. Potato scallops and caviar, anyone?
Where: 1/54 Paradise Ave, Miami

Miami Marketta

The Coast’s OG street food night markets that put Miami on the map as a must-visit destination for foodies and live music lovers alike. The first venue of it’s kind to Miami and perhaps even the Coast, Marketta quickly grew to establish itself as a mainstay among the GC scene, bringing good vibes, live music and great food galore via the eclectic creative and cultural hotspot for over ten years now. Our beloved market brings us all our favourite tastes of the world as well as that same buzzing atmosphere that’s favoured by families especially, for rounding up their rowdy broods for an easy night out that everyone can enjoy.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami

Pizzey Park

We have a grand idea for ya! Why not take those freshly shucked oysters to-go and hit the picturesque Pizzey Park for a bougie picnic? It’s one of the biggest parks on the coast, a local icon, and a hub for sports, clubs, recreation, and fun times for all ages. There’s an aquatic centre, playgrounds galore, a wheely epic skate park, the Gold Coast’s first and Australia’s largest asphalt pump track and, let’s not forget, the off-leash dog area for our four-legged BFFs. In fact, paw out of five dogs agree that Pizzey is the best park for zoomies on the GC.
Where: 80 Pacific Ave, Miami

Bar Monte

One of Miami’s most recent (and appreciated) additions is Bar Monte. This Italian eatery is so good it’s saving us a trip to Rome. They’re bringing the classic trattoria to us, with a modern twist, by blending international influences with fresh, local ingredients. The result is a menu as bold as it is delizioso.

The space is stylish yet inviting, striking the perfect balance between high-end sophistication and relaxed coastal charm. Pasta lovers will swoon over the Rigatoni, Vodka Sauce, Nduja and Stracciatella, and don’t even get us started on the wine list; curated by world-renowned sommelier Andrea Martinisi.
Where: No.3 Mountain View Ave, Miami

Street Art

It’s no secret us Gold Coasters are quite partial to doing what we can to our put our best #lewks forward, and over the last few years the streets of Miami have also been undergoing somewhat of a glow up themselves (and #spoileralert – there’s no filler to be found here folks). The suburb is at the heart of a thriving GC art and cultural boom, with a bunch of incredible artists transforming the local laneways into a destination in and of themselves. There’s even the Art Roll website dedicated to mapping out the best routes for your own self-led street art tour.

And the event that started the movement, Surface Festival returns at the end of June, set to transform the local footpaths, fence lines, laneways and walls with some art-mazing fresh new works to admire and we’re here. for. it.
Where: Check the Art Roll website for locations

Miami Hill

Okay, now it just feels like Miami is showing off and 501 (no kidding) Google reviews can’t be wrong. At first glance those deceptively colourful trademark stairs might look all sunshine and rainbows, but one thing’s for sure – conquer that climb and you will be rewarded with one of the best vantages on the coast. With stunning views of the coastline from Surfers right down to Burleigh, there’s only one thing left to say: How’s. the. serenity. (and maybe a hearty dose of *heavy breathing* depending on how many times you decide to take on those stairs #cardi-no thanks)
Where: At the south end of Miami (you can’t miss it) 

Broken Hearts Burger Club

If you love a good smash burger (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), Broken Hearts Burger Club in Miami is calling your name. Born from one guy’s lockdown obsession with nailing the perfect LA-style burger, this cult-favourite joint keeps things simple – and seriously delicious. Choose between a classic or fancy burger, stack it up with one, two, or three patties, and let the molten cheese and house-made pickles do the talking. Throw in some loaded fries, a thick shake, and that retro diner aesthetic, and you’ve got yourself a one-way ticket to burger heaven. #sorrynotsorry
Where: 1934 Gold Coast Highway, Miami

The Shores Miami

Move over, high-rise hotels – motels of the Gold Coast are getting a makeover, and boy, are they impressing. Exhibit A- The Shores Miami. Nestled just 200 metres from Miami Beach, this 1970s Gold Coast gem has recently undergone a multi-million dollar transformation, blending retro vibes with modern comfort to create its perfect nostalgic charm.

Inside, find bright, modern rooms, orange sun lounges with overhead striped cabanas, a gorgeous pool, lush greenery, and soothing pastel colours. Outside; endless adventure, starting with this list! Staycation, anyone?
Where: 2016 Gold Coast Highway, Miami

Whyld Coffee Roasters

There will always be room on the Gold Coast and in our hearts for another coffee roastery (get rid of the servos; we just need coffee). However, by no means is Whyld ‘just another’ coffee bar, channelling the strength of a triple espresso since 2021. That’s what we’re talking about! They promise ‘genuine connection fuelled by bloody good coffee’ and serve it up in a warehouse space/micro-roastery cuter than your grandma’s knitted blankets. Take your organic specialty coffee to go, or take a seat on one of their vintage couches and soak up the good vibes (the recommended take).
Where: 8/43 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Well Bread & Pastry

You can’t beat having a neighbourhood bakery (a carb-load close to home), particularly a European-inspired one. An ideal day on a plate for us would look like a warm, buttery fruit Danish for breakfast (washed down with a mighty good coffee), a ham, cheese and pickle baguette sandwich for lunch, followed by a basket full of buttery, flaky pastries for dessert. No veggie in sight! He he.
Where: Shop 5/1934 Gold Coast Highway, Miami

Roji Cat

Japanese beer + Japanese street eats = heaven. Therefore, heaven can be found in Miami at the suburbs’ very own Japanese beer bar, Roji Cat. Here, you’ll be transported (at Shinkansen speed) to the neon-lit districts of Tokyo and Osaka, with an interior decorated to resemble their authentic alleyways, down to the signage and lanterns.

What else will you find? Twelve Japanese brews on tap and twenty-four types of sake, for starters! Then there’s the nosh, a curation of elevated Japanese street food that’ll have you sighing ‘oishii’, with every bite. Think Robata Skewers, sweet and spicy Roji Cat Karaage, Gyoza, Sashimi, Miso Corn (love you) and burgers including a Bug Burger with a tempura Moreton Bay Bug, spicy Japanese coleslaw and Kewpie mayo. We’ll take all of that, thank you so much.
Where: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami

UGG Since 1974

It’s almost time to pack away the budgie smugglers and slip into something a little more cosy as we edge closer to the cooler months. Enter UGG Since 1974 – churning out wearable warm hugs for your feet since, well, 1974. Don’t be feeling sheepish if you didn’t know they’ve expanded their range to include a huge selection of colours, styles and options to customise including monogramming (cute!), as well as paw-dorable pet accessories (even cuter!) With factory tours running right out of Miami, the only thing better than supporting locals is treating your tootsies to a cloud-nine experience in the process.
Where: 23 Christine Ave, Miami

Precinct Brewing Co

Have you worked up a thirst reading this list? Thankfully, we’ve saved everyone’s favourite brewery (yep, we called it) for last- Precinct Brewing Co. Step through their doors and you’ll be welcomed into one sleek space; all white with high ceilings, wooden beams, a couple more murals and some massive brew kettles in the background of it all. You can see why people say it’s the place to beer! Don’t forget to grab one of the tasty pizzas coming from the onsite kitchen, too…
Where: 17 Christine Ave, Miami

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

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