The Best Margaritas in Connecticut: Savoring Coastal Sips Along the Shoreline
Discover Coastal Connecticut’s Must-Visit Spots for a Margarita
When the warm breeze rolls off the Long Island Sound and the sun dips low over the salt marshes, nothing suits the Connecticut shoreline better than a well-made margarita. Bright, bracing, and kissed with a splash of lime, a great margarita isn’t just a drink here — it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the coast.
While Connecticut may be better known for its clam shacks and lobster rolls, the shoreline’s craft cocktail scene is alive and well — and the margaritas? They’re some of the best you’ll find anywhere north of the Gulf Coast. Here’s where to find the finest salt-rimmed glasses along the Connecticut shoreline.
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill — New Haven
For a Classic with a View
Set right on the waterfront in New Haven’s historic City Point district, Shell & Bones takes its margaritas as seriously as its oysters. Their classic margarita — made with blanco tequila, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and a whisper of agave — is the definition of balance. Sip it out on the deck while the boats sway in the harbor and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
Don’t Miss: Their seasonal blood orange margarita, a bright twist on tradition.
https://www.shellandbones.com/
Rio Salado — Mystic
Authentic Mexican Vibes
In the heart of downtown Mystic, Rio Salado delivers the kind of margarita you’d find on a sunbaked street in Jalisco. Made with top-shelf tequilas, house-made sour mix, and fresh fruit purees, their margaritas are pure craft. Try the "Margarita Rio" — a perfect blend of smooth tequila and real lime, with just a hint of sweetness.
Local Favorite: The spicy jalapeño margarita, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
https://www.rio-salado.com/
Comomango — Madison
Bold, Fresh, and Tropical
A newer gem on the shoreline, Comomango in Madison has quickly built a reputation for serving some of the most inventive margaritas around. With an atmosphere that feels like a sunny beach day all year long, their margaritas are all about fresh flavors and bold combinations. The signature "Mango Margarita," made with real tropical mango puree, premium tequila, and fresh lime, is pure sunshine in a glass.
Fan Favorite: Try the "Cucumber Mint Margarita" for a refreshingly crisp twist perfect for hot summer afternoons.
https://www.comomangomadison.com/
The Connecticut Shoreline: A Surprising Margarita Destination
While Connecticut might not be the first place you think of when it comes to world-class margaritas, the shoreline towns from Mystic to New Haven are changing that reputation one glass at a time. Here, margaritas are crafted with the same reverence given to a fine seafood dish or a hand-pulled pint — fresh, local, and made with care.
So whether you prefer yours classic and lime-forward or spicy and adventurous, the Connecticut shoreline offers the perfect place to toast to summer — salt on your lips, sun on your face, and a margarita in hand.
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