February is the perfect month to slow down and make a night of it, whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, planning a cozy date night, or just looking for an excuse to dress up and try something new. Fairfield has become our happy place for cocktails: elevated bars, warm hospitality, and drinks that feel personal, memorable, and worth talking about the next day. Below are nine favorites we keep coming back to, each one tied to a venue we love, a specific pour we crave, and a small detail that makes the experience feel like Fairfield at its best.
Malibu Taco | Fairfield
Malibu Marg
Bright, punchy, and perfectly balanced, the Malibu Marg is our favorite margarita - period. It’s the drink we order when we want something refreshing that still has real tequila backbone (tequila, Combier, lime, agave), and Malibu Taco nails it every time. The vibe here is casual, fun, and reliably buzzy, which is exactly why it’s one of our most repeated Fairfield stops. And our favorite winter move is requesting that corner table that lets us sit close and settle in - ideal for sharing plates and lingering longer than planned. Between the cocktail consistency and the energy in the room, this one never disappoints.
Fairfield | malibutaco.com
J.B. Percival | Fairfield
Espresso Martini
We’re very particular about espresso martinis (one of Greg’s specialties at home), and this one is our favorite in town. It’s smooth, balanced, and properly shaken, coffee-forward without getting overly sweet, with vodka, espresso, and cacao bitters bringing a rich, clean finish. J.B. Percival also feels like a true hidden gem: a little harder to find, but absolutely worth it once you’re in. This lounge is our go-to “one more cocktail” spot after dinner, especially when we want something polished but still relaxed. If you love a classic done with precision, this is the one to seek out.
Fairfield | jbpercival.com
Geronimo | Fairfield
Mojito
A mojito is simple in theory, and surprisingly hard to get right, but Geronimo delivers. Fresh, crisp, and refreshing, it’s the kind of cocktail that instantly brightens the night, especially when you’re looking for something clean and lively. Geronimo is also just plain fun: vibrant décor, great energy, and a scene that always feels like you’re stepping into a mini escape. This is a drink we love ordering when we want something easy to sip while sharing a meal and soaking in the atmosphere. Classic, upbeat, and consistently satisfying.
Fairfield | geronimobarandgrill.com
Joylark | Fairfield
Spiked Apple Pie Smoothie
This one is basically an “adult shake,” and it’s as fun as it sounds. The Spiked Apple Pie Smoothie is cozy, playful, and perfect for winter - dessert-like without feeling heavy, and memorable from the first sip. Joylark is also beautifully decorated, and the food and drink menus always give us something new to try, which is a big reason we keep coming back. If you want a Valentine’s-season drink that feels festive, unexpected, and conversation-starting, this is it.
Fairfield | joylarkkitchen.com
Esh | Fairfield
Tokyo Drift
Tokyo Drift is Esh’s creative take on an Old Fashioned and one of those cocktails that makes you pause and go, “Okay…this is really good.” It’s creative, distinctive, and exactly what we look for when we want something beyond the usual order - while still feeling balanced and intentional. Esh is also a place that consistently puts interesting spins on traditional favorites, which makes the cocktail menu feel like part of the experience, not an afterthought. This is the kind of drink we recommend when you want to try something memorable and walk out already planning what you’ll order next time.
Fairfield | eshrestaurant.com
Ryebird | Fairfield
Heart in the Cage
Ryebird has that effortlessly cool local energy - great for date night, but just as good for a casual stop when you want a drink that feels thoughtful. Heart in the Cage is a standout: flavorful, well-composed, and the kind of cocktail that feels like it belongs to the room you’re in. In winter, the igloo dining makes the whole experience feel extra special and cozy. And one of our favorite little details? The vinyl record player behind the bar - small, unexpected, and exactly the kind of vibe-setting touch that makes us stay for “just one more.”
Fairfield | ryebird.com
The Sinclair | Fairfield
Sinclair Martini
The Sinclair Martini is a favorite when we’re in the mood for a classic dirty martini - crisp, confident, and undeniably “night out.” The Sinclair has a lively, stylish atmosphere that makes it easy to turn a simple drink into a full evening, and this martini fits that vibe perfectly. It’s also the sister restaurant to Malibu Taco, so if you love that energy but want a slightly different setting, The Sinclair is a great move. This is one we order when we want to keep it clean, polished, and date-night ready.
Fairfield | thesinclairct.com
Il Pellicano | Fairfield
Pellicano Bloody Mary
Il Pellicano’s Bloody Mary is classic, simple, and exceptionally well done - and the secret is the mix. They use Manny’s Ultimate Mix, which brings the perfect balance of savory, spice, and freshness without overpowering the drink. It’s so good that Sherri bought bottles of Manny’s to keep at home for our own Bloody Mary days - because once you’ve had it this way, it’s hard to go back. Add in the great vibe and fantastic brunch, and this becomes an easy Fairfield staple.
Fairfield | ilpellicanofairfield.com
B.E. Chocolat | Fairfield
BE in Love
For a Valentine’s-season pick that’s cozy and non-alcoholic, BE in Love is exactly the vibe. It’s essentially a rich, indulgent hot chocolate experience - comforting, special, and perfect for winter strolling. B.E. Chocolat is also a cute Greenfield Hill stop, and we love that it doubles as a place to grab chocolates as a gift (or for yourself - no judgment). This is the “drink” we recommend when you want something warm, sweet, and celebratory - without needing a cocktail glass to feel festive.
Fairfield | bechocolat.com
CT Cocktail Hunters is Sherri and Greg Rivera, a Fairfield-based lifestyle duo sharing their favorite cocktails, restaurants, and experiences across Connecticut and the greater New York area. Known for their premium content and loyal, highly engaged audience, they spotlight places worth savoring - one cocktail at a time. Follow @ctcocktailhunters on Instagram for more favorites.