If that sounds like your current predicament, we have some excellent news – there is a brand-new contender for summer sundowners, it’s called Six-Tricks Distilling Co. and here’s everything you need to know about this mighty impressive new sip spot …

Hidden down an unassuming Mermaid Beach cul-de-sac is where you will find Six-Tricks Distilling Co. Overlooking the Broadbeach skyline, the incredible $2-million venue is the realisation of a long-held dream for founders and Gold Coast locals Chris Macklin and Teagan Peake, who have put their blood, sweat and tears into creating the full-service rum and whisky distillery, tasting room and cocktail bar that will officially swing open its doors on November 16.

The name is a nod to the six core spirit types (whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin and mezcal), which will eventually all be produced from scratch in their onsite production facility. The pair have big plans for Six-Tricks, including distillery tours hosted by Chris as well as an offsite barrel-ageing space.

Rather than just create a bar or a distillery, the plan, he tells us, was to create an immersive experience with education at the forefront. “Our guests can be a part of the journey and understand the process from raw ingredients to exceptionally crafted cocktails.”

It’s hard not to be entranced when Chris and Teagan speak about their love for the craft. The Six-Tricks story begins eight years ago, Chris was working in sales and importing spirits. He attended a masterclass on bourbon with his employer. Fascinated, he wondered how this top-shelf bourbon got to be. “It started life as a corn on a cob waving in the breeze in a Kentucky field,” he said. “Fast-tracked 23 years and it’s the holy grail of bourbon – it’s called Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old.”

That night, he went home and bought his first still. “It was a coffee urn with a copper pot dome,” he recalls. “I started in my laundry before moving to my shed and then a shipping container, trying to hone the craft.” Having finally perfected his runs, the time was ripe for Teagan to put her experience in sales and marketing to work and launch Six-Tricks.

Once you’ve had the tour of the production facility, it’s time to further your spirit education in the state-of-the-art tasting room, which features a spacious indoor bar, sunset deck and private cask room. Designed by Bridgette from Arch Interiors, the tasting room is nothing short of gorgeous, with exposed brick, warm timber accents and plush emerald-green velvet.

Behind the bar you’ll find head bartender/mixologist James Burrell (Rosella’s, Marilyn’s Bar and Diner, to name just a few) in his happy place creating a little bit of magic. “We pride ourselves on our commitment to handmade craftsmanship, we make exceptional spirits and want to showcase these in a premium and upmarket environment,” says Chris about the tasting room. “From the distillation process of our spirits to the mixology mastery behind our bar, the magic will happen right here for all to see.”

James has created a hyper-seasonal selection that walks the line between classics done well and alchemy. The house-made cucumber and sage soda is guaranteed to be an opening stand-out. For those feeling a little peckish, there will be a limited selection of charcuterie and grazing plates available to snack on as you sip.

Six-Tricks Distilling Co. officially opens this Thursday November 16. Head to our Stumble Guide for the address details and opening times.