Your guide to refreshing summer drinks from local bars and restaurants
As summer heats up, we’re cooling things down with a fresh roundup of Fairfield County’s newest and most buzzworthy spots. From inventive cocktails to vibrant mocktails, here’s where to find your perfect sip this season.
J.B. Percival Co. – Fairfield
Part craft cocktail bar, part café, J.B. Percival Co. is all about expertly made drinks in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The menu brings bold, unforgettable options like the Irish Blush—a refreshing mix of Glendalough Rose Gin, Lillet Blanc and Italicus—and the bright, citrusy Part-Time Lover with tequila, Campari, elderflower and grapefruit soda. Mocktail fans will love the non-alcoholic offerings, too, like the lively Para NADA Paloma and the sparkling, sophisticated NON French 75—zero booze, 100 percent flavor.
Moli – Greenwich
Set inside a historic 1915 bank building, MOLI brings the glamour of 1930s Shanghai to downtown Greenwich. The cocktail menu is as dramatic as the soaring Guastavino-designed arches overhead. Don’t miss the “Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice,” a decadent mix of Ron Zacapa 23-year rum, coconut pineapple, sherry and a hint of truffle. For a bold twist on a classic espresso martini, the “Pharmaceutical” features clarified espresso and coconut oil fat-washed vodka for an ultra-smooth finish.
Fortina – Stamford
Fortina’s iconic rooftop bar is a summer hotspot, serving up Prosecco-based cocktails with flavored popsicles that double as the ultimate warm-weather treat. The vibrant atmosphere and creative drinks make it a must-visit spot for seasonal sips. Pair your cocktail with wood-fired pizza and soak in the rooftop views for the full experience. It’s the perfect place to gather a group and toast to summer.
1020 Post – Darien
This staple oyster bar for locals excels in buzzy vibes and thoughtful drinks. The seasonal cocktail menu features highlights like the Biggie’s Rum Punch made with Montauk rums and juices with gosling’s floater in a cooler glass. Expect crisp flavors, playful twists on classics and a sleek setting that invites you to linger. It’s the go-to spot for a laid-back night out with a bit of polish.
Elm – New Canaan
Chef Brian Lewis’s modern American restaurant keeps the cocktail program as seasonal and ingredient-driven as the food. Word around town is that they serve up the best espresso martini made with Tito’s vodka, kahlua, frangelico and espresso. If you’re looking for a night out that’s for the girls, this would be the place.
Casa Me Cafe – Westport
Set in a historic Westport building, Casa Me Cafe (from the team behind Don Memo) serves up cocktails that match the vibrant Mexican flavors of the menu. The Limoncello Spritz made with housemade limoncello, lemon cordial, prosecco and mint feels like a mini vacation. Bonus: The patio is a dreamy place to sip away a summer afternoon.
Cactus Rose Restaurant – Wilton
Cactus Rose is all about handcrafted margaritas, mojitos and sangrias—the perfect lineup for summer sipping. Their margarita menu is packed with craveable options like the fruity Cactus Rose with muddled strawberries, the spicy Thorny Rose with serrano peppers, and the tropical Tecoco-quila with coconut tequila and pineapple. Whether you like your drinks sweet, spicy or somewhere in between, there’s a glass waiting for you here.
Got a tried-and-true summer sip we should try? Let us know in the comments where to go for your favorite FC cocktail!