Lexy Maraist is no stranger to Regatta Bay – her family moved here when she was just six. Now as an adult, she is enjoying the landscaping, views, and friendly neighbors just as her parent did when they fell in love with the Emerald Coast in 2004.

 

A multi-talented entrepreneur, Lexy met her husband Chris, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, while bartending together in Destin in 2022. A year later, they were married in New Orleans and now are embarking on their biggest adventure yet- opening a coffee business from a renovated trailer they found on Marketplace. What they thought would be a quick project turned into a year-long labor of love, pouring every penny and spare minute into turning that trailer into a fully licensed, personality-packed coffee shop on wheels.

 

Drifters isn’t your typical beach-town coffee spot. From the locally roasted beans to ceremonial-grade matcha, everything is chosen with care. “We want to stand out, not blend in,” Lexy says. “Our trailer feels like something you might stumble across in a bigger city, but it’s right here for our locals.” Their menu offers more than just coffee—there’s specialty tea, fresh bagels, pastries, and plenty of dairy-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free options. This inclusivity is personal for Lexy, who has PCOS and understands how important it is to have safe, delicious options for those with dietary restrictions.

 

For Lexy, coffee wasn’t just a business idea—it was the perfect blend of her passions. Having worked as both a barista and a bartender, she loved crafting drinks, experimenting with flavors, and playing with ratios. “I love using my creativity to make unique ideas come to life,” she said. Chris and Lexy hope Drifters will become a spot for locals to frequent, especially other creative souls. With a desire to support other local businesses, Chris and Lexy would love to partner in the future with local animal rescues and charities, as rescuing animals is near and dear to their hearts.

 

Despite the challenges—tight budgets, long days, and juggling multiple jobs—Lexy and Chris remain determined. Thankfully, Lexy's family has been super supportive with this new venture and helps out when needed (since Drifters doesn't have employees yet). “We like to think this is just our ‘we started with nothing’ chapter,” Lexy shared. “One day, it’ll just be part of the story.” 

 

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Drifters Coffee and Tea isn’t just a place to grab a drink—it’s becoming a local staple. “It may sound obvious but everything about our business says, "Us" and every little detail pretty much has a story behind it,” Lexy noted. “We love that it's something we've built together and will hopefully bring a lot of other folks together.”

 

Drifters Coffee and Tea

20011 Emerald Coast Pkwy Suite D, Destin

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