Why Non-Coffee Beverages Are Taking Over Café Culture

Non coffee beverages are having a massive moment, and honestly, it's about time. Whether you're caffeine-sensitive, pregnant, or just not vibing with coffee, there's a whole world of epic drinks waiting for you at your local café.

Top Non-Coffee Beverages to Try:

• Hot Options: Matcha lattes, chai, turmeric lattes, hot chocolate
• Cold Treats: Milkshakes, frappes, iced chai, smoothies
• Fresh & Healthy: Cold-pressed juices, kombucha, fresh fruit smoothies
• Specialty Drinks: Monthly cold foam specials, herbal teas, golden milk

I'm Janice Kuz , owner of The Nines, and in my 20+ years in hospo, I've watched non coffee beverages evolve from basic hot chocolate to creative masterpieces that rival any flat white. We've built our reputation on serving drinks that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious, and our monthly specials keep regulars coming back for more.

From our monthly cold foam specials (think Ube Taro and Iced Matcha Taro) to classic smoothies and fresh juices , we've got something for every taste bud.

The Ultimate Guide to Non-Coffee Beverages

Look, we get it – not everyone's a coffee person, and that's absolutely fine by us. In fact, we reckon having a killer range of non coffee beverages is what separates the good cafés from the great ones. It means we can welcome absolutely everyone through our doors, from the health-conscious legends to the little tackers, and make sure every single person leaves with a full belly and a smile.

At The Nines, our non coffee beverages are stars in their own right. We've spent years perfecting each one, and honestly, some of our regulars are way more excited about our monthly cold foam specials than any flat white. It gives us heaps of room to play around with flavours, keep things fresh, and show off a bit with creative combinations you won't find anywhere else on the Sunshine Coast.

Warm & Comforting: Hot Non-Coffee Beverages

When the weather decides to be a bit cheeky and cool down, or you just need that cozy, warm hug in a mug feeling, our hot non coffee beverages are absolutely where it's at. These beauties pack serious flavour and often come with some pretty impressive health benefits too.

Our Matcha Latte is a vibrant green powerhouse that's become a total favourite with folks seeking a gentle, sustained energy boost without the coffee jitters. This finely ground green tea is loaded with antioxidants and has this earthy, slightly sweet flavour that, when combined with perfectly steamed milk, creates something smooth, creamy, and seriously satisfying. Then there's our Turmeric Latte , often called "Golden Milk." This beauty is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, and when we combine it with warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, it becomes a seriously comforting and wholesome drink. It's completely caffeine-free, making it perfect for any time of day.

Our Chai Latte is pure comfort in a cup – this spiced tea concentrate mixed with steamed milk creates a warming blend of black tea infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. You also can't go wrong with a classic Hot Chocolate . Ours is creamy, indulgent, and exactly what you need when you're craving a sweet treat. We whip ours up to be perfectly smooth and comforting – a damn good choice for any sweet tooth.

Cold & Indulgent: Shakes, Frappes & Iced Drinks

When that Sunshine Coast sun is absolutely blazing, or you're just in the mood for something seriously cool and indulgent, our range of cold non coffee beverages is ready to absolutely deliver. These are the drinks that make you feel like you're properly treating yourself – because, well, you bloody well are! We make sure they're not just refreshing but also visually appealing, because good food and drinks should fill your belly and your camera roll!

Our Milkshakes and Thickshakes are pure joy in a glass—creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavour. Choose your classic fave: chocolate, caramel, vanilla, or strawberry . Go all-in with whipped cream and choc drizzle, or keep it simple and silky. For the little legends, our Kids Shake comes topped with sprinkles and a lolly snake. Big sip energy, zero coffee required.

For an extra level of indulgence, our Frappes are the way to go. These creamy, blended concoctions—think Choc Frappe or spiced Chai Frappe —are blitzed with ice for that ultra-smooth sip and come crowned with whipped cream. Prefer your favourite sips on ice? We’ve got you. Iced Choc , Iced Chai , and Iced Matcha deliver the same beloved flavours in a refreshing, cool twist—perfect for those warm Queensland days or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Fresh & Fruity: Smoothies and Juices

For our health-conscious crew, or anyone just looking for a burst of natural goodness, our fresh juices and smoothies are absolutely your go-to. We're all about packing in the good stuff, making it ridiculously easy to get your daily dose of vitamins while feeling properly pumped.

Our Smoothies ($9.80) are a carefully crafted blend of fresh, frozen fruits and other wholesome ingredients, designed to be both delicious and nutritious. They're a more filling option and adaptable for vegan or dairy-free diets. The Pinata Colada is a tropical holiday in a glass, the Monster Mash is a solid, comforting hit of energy, and the Berry Bang is a burst of berry goodness with a hint of indulgent chocolate.

Nothing beats the taste of freshly squeezed juice though. It's pure, vibrant, and squeezed to order to ensure you get the freshest possible taste and vitamins. It's a simple, honest way to hydrate and revitalise, especially on a scorcher. Choose from classic Orange , crisp Green Apple , hydrating Watermelon , or tangy Pineapple .

Unique & Unmissable: Specialty Non-Coffee Beverages

At The Nines, we're always cooking up something new and exciting, and our specialty non coffee beverages are where we really let our creativity flow! We love surprising our regulars, which is why we roll out monthly cold foam specials that you literally won't find anywhere else. Our philosophy is dead simple: no repeats . Once a monthly special is gone, it's gone for good, keeping things fresh for us and exciting for you.

Take a peek at some of the wild creations we've offered. Our Ube Taro Cold Foam was a stunner – an iced taro latte crowned with a lush, vibrant ube foam. For those who love matcha, our Iced Matcha Taro was a game-changer, combining the energising kick of matcha with the smooth sweetness of taro. These drinks are perfect examples of how we blend unique flavours with that indulgent, creamy texture of cold foam, making them as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious.

These specials are our way of showing off a bit, pushing the boundaries of what a café drink can be, and keeping the Sunshine Coast café scene buzzing. We're constantly experimenting with new ingredients and flavour combinations, making sure there's always something fresh and exciting for you to try. It's all about that "modern classic" vibe – familiar comfort with an unexpected flair that keeps you coming back for more.

Find Your Perfect Sip

So there you have it, legends! The world of non coffee beverages is massive, and The Nines has become your ultimate playground for epic drinks that actually taste damn good. We've built our reputation on that cozy, busy, and fun café vibe where everyone feels welcome. Our Modern-Aussie approach means you're getting familiar comfort with an unexpected flair, whether it's a warming matcha latte , an over-the-top thickshake , or our limited-time monthly cold foam specials that keep our regulars coming back with serious FOMO.

What makes The Nines special isn't just the menu variety – it's how we've created a space where coffee lovers and non-coffee drinkers can hang out together, everyone finding their perfect sip. We believe in good intentions, great drinks, solid value, and making sure everyone leaves pumped and satisfied. Ready to find your new obsession? Swing by The Nines in Maroochydore and dive into the amazing world of flavours we've crafted just for you. Your perfect non coffee beverage is waiting, and trust us, it's going to be damn good.

Check out our full menu and start planning your next visit!