Bearded Buch’s Spiced Elderberry
Before we down sugary holiday drinks, we like to detox with this kombucha ($3.99). For 17 to 21 days, a cold blend of loose-leaf organic teas is fermented to make this tart energy booster. Then, spices are mixed with elderberry syrup, which is made with elderberries, water, ginger, cloves and cinnamon, for a drink that boosts your immune system and helps fend off cold-weather bugs. beardedbuch.com
CLE Juice Box’s Green River
If you’d like to join the juicing trend but can’t get into vegetable-heavy juices, this is a nice compromise. Green River ($9) is packed with cucumber, parsley, mint and chlorophyll. But thanks to strong pineapple and green apple flavors, it’s sweeter. And the cold-pressed process preserves the enzymes in the fruits and vegetables and maximizes the nutrients, while the chlorophyll boosts digestion and helps eliminate toxins. 8587 Mentor Ave., Mentor, 440-289-0727, clejuicebox.com
Old City Soda’s Lemon Soda
We don’t feel guilty about guzzling this soda ($2.25). Made from natural ingredients such as freshly squeezed lemon juice, raw sugar and purified water, it’s a tasty craft treat. It’s made even more special if you head to the new Old City Libations in Gordon Square Arts District and order the cocktail spin: Old City 75 with the lemon soda, gin and gewürztraminer wine. 6706 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-303-9292, oldcitysoda.com
Portside Distillery’s Christmas Spirit Rum
We can warm our palates on cold winter nights with this blend of Silver Rum, fresh sliced ginger, local honey, cinnamon and nutmeg. Distilled from pure cane sugar in a homemade copper pot, this slightly sweet and spicy spirit ($29.30) easily gets us in the holiday mood. 983 Front Ave., Cleveland, 216-586-6633, portsidedistillery.com
