Paradise Gin inspired by Gold Coast’s iconic Surfers Paradise set to ignite tastebuds across globe

A unique Surfers Paradise-inspired gin is set to further cement the Gold Coast’s reputation as one of Australia’s burgeoning innovation hubs.

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A BOUTIQUE gin that encapsulates the essence of Gold Coast’s iconic Surfers Paradise during its heyday is set to ignite tastebuds thanks to a uniquely Australian ingredient.

Paradise Gin is the brainchild of fifth-generation Australian Debby Lo-Dean and her husband Conrad Dean and features Kakadu plum, a native bushfood found naturally in open woodland in northern Australia.

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Gold Coast entrepreneurs and locals Debby Lo-Dean and husband Conrad Dean have created a unique Surfers Paradise-inspired gin using a secret ingredient Photo: Scott Powick

Distilled in Burleigh Heads, the high-end gin is being privately launched on November 23, but already liquor connoisseurs are lining up to get their hands on the Gold Coast-inspired drink.

The name and label of the spirit is a nod to Mrs Lo-Dean’s history of growing up in Surfers Paradise, where her grandfather owned the Tien Loong in Cavill Ave and had a dining room called the Paradise Dragon Dining Room.

“I grew up in Cavill Ave and we had a babysitter who lived in the flats above our restaurant and she used to take us to all the hotels to swim in the pools – we would just walk in, you could back then,” said Mrs Lo-Dean.

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Paradise Gin is the brainchild of a Gold Coast couple who hope the new spirit helps to propel the city into the global spotlight as a hub of innovation Photo: Scott Powick

“Our labelling is reminiscent of the Chervron Hotel, the Sheraton Mirage, the Tiki Hotel and all the pool areas where locals and visitors used to lounge.

“With a 1960s feel, it represents the Gold Coast during its heyday and the glamorous and elegant lifestyle it offered.”

Mr Dean said two days of blind-tasting Kakadu plums, that had to be specially flown in, came up trumps. He said the native botanical was the dominant flavour ahead of hints of orange peel, juniper, lemon and pepper.

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Surfers Paradise is the inspiration behind Paradise Gin – the brainchild of Debby Lo-Dean and husband Conrad Dean. Photo: Scott Powick

“There’s over 10kg of botanicals that go into making one batch and the plum is about 40 per cent of this.”

TB’s Liquor in Ferry Road is set to be the first outlet to stock the spirit.

“After the year we’ve had it’s exciting to be able to share the story of our exquisitely handmade gin story and time to show the world what the Gold Coast can produce,” Mrs Lo-Dean said.

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