The era of opulence is alive and well at Broadbeach’s newest bar – The Vault Bar and Tapas. Sip on high-end whisky and specialty cocktails in the glossy art deco interior, while snacking on internationally-inspired tapas (think potato, chorizo and manchego croquettas or saltbush and mountain pepper fried squid). Thirsty? Order the unique Monkey Jam cocktail, where Monkey Shoulder Whiskey is mixed with citrus, strawberry jam and orange bitters. Shop 21, 90 Surf Parade Broadbeach. thevaultbar.com.au

Homewares store by day, wine bar by night. We like it. Relaxing with a wine or champagne at Destino, tucked away in the Marine Village of Sanctuary Cove, is like having drinks with friends at their beautifully designed, decorated and curated home. It’s an open house that you’ll want to return to time and again. 4601 Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove. destinosc.com.au

Old church pews have been refurbished to form the long bar at Palm Beach’s newest venue – Scott’s Luncheonette and Bar. Specialising in stacked sandwiches with bread from The Bread Social in Tweed Heads that pair perfectly with a good glass of red, the food and beverage menu is small, but tight. This is the kind of place where you can settle in for hours. 1114 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach. scottspalmbeach.com.au

A laid-back urban small batch distillery in Burleigh Heads, Capricorn Distilling Co. creates tropical spirits (think spiced, coffee and pineapple rum). Go on a (free) tour to see how the award-winning gin and rum are made and then settle back with a drink or two. Order a cheese board to accompany your drinks, or you can even BYO food. 21 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads. capricorndistilling.com

The new moody Miami-based bar SPEC (named for the owner’s son who is part of a special forces unit stationed overseas) has made quite an impact on the Gold Coast drinks scene. It’s an indoor-outdoor venue that prides itself on local brews, tapas with a punch (don’t go past the tacos) and quality live music. 2176 Gold Coast Highway, Miami. specgoldcoast.com.au