This beer cocktail mixes Market Garden Brewery's own Progress Pilsner with Drambuie, Cherry Herring, lemon juice and rhubarb bitters. "We want people to experience beer in a different way," says Matthew Stipe, Market Garden's assistant general manager and beverage director. The grassy notes of the beer complement the sweet flavor of the whiskey, says Stipe. "It has an unusual harmony between the ingredients." 1947 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-621-4000, marketgardenbrewery.com
What started out as Wild Mango's cucumber lemonade has evolved into the popular Jackie's Punch. Mixed with Patrón, simple syrup and lime juice, the drink is kicked up a notch by muddling hot peppers with the cucumbers. "We added the jalapenos for a peppery kick," says owner and executive chef Wei Jia. "Everything is a balance. The cucumber gives a coolness to the jalapeno. It's a mild, spicy flavor." 362 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, 440-979-1888, wildmangorestaurant.com
The bartenders here are known for their inventive drinks using ingredients already on hand at the restaurant, says regional bar manager Jerome Red. Take the popular T. Jelly's Donut: It combines the mixed berry preserves from the Westside Monte Cristo and Big Popper sandwiches with Stoli Vanil, Frangelico, lemon and lime juices. "The Frangelico and citrus flavors counterbalance to give it a doughy, nutty flavor," Red says. "Once you mix in the berry preserves, the whole drink comes around to taste like a jelly donut." Various locations, meltbarandgrilled.com
