Best of Cleveland 2015: Soda

Some like it fresh. Mike Gulley, owner of Old City Soda and former bartender, likes it even fresher. His handcrafted sodas ($7.99 for four) — made with real ingredients and brewed like beer for natural carbonation — have a short shelf life just like the fruits they're made from. The lemon soda, for instance, is made with only three ingredients: lemon, sugar and water. "They call us the milkmen, because we deliver so often," says Gulley, referring to the more than 30 restaurants and grocery stores that currently carry Old City's eight varieties. "I try to find flavors that are really functional with spirits," he says. "I really liked the idea of our sodas being kind of a one-step mixer." The grapefruit soda is the most popular option and makes a mean smoky paloma cocktail with a splash of mezcal and tequila, but Gulley says it's not just for happy hour. "Kids really liked it."1387 E. 34th St., Cleveland, 216-307-8074, oldcitysoda.com