Easy Switchel Recipe (Haymaker’s Punch)

switchel drink in a glass with more in a pitcher.

Long before Gatorade was a thing, farmers and homesteaders were sipping switchel, also called "haymaker's punch." It's made with a simple blend of apple cider vinegar, ginger, and natural sweeteners like honey.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 10

Servings: 5 Servings

Calories: 74kcal

Author: Hilda Sterner

Equipment

Ingredients

1 quart cold fltered water
½ cup raw apple cider vinegar
¼ cup molasses (maple syrup or honey)
1 ounce ginger root (grated or sliced)
¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional)
1 tangerine (sliced)
1 lemon (sliced)

Instructions

Chop or grate ginger, then add it to a jar along with sliced citrus and a pinch of salt (if using).
Pour apple cider vinegar, molasses, and water into the jar and stir or shake until the sweetener dissolves.
Steep the switchel for at least one hour and up to a day in the fridge to allow the ginger to infuse.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove ginger (unless you don't mind the extra texture). Chill and serve over ice.

Notes

It's up to you if you want to peel the ginger first or leave it as is. I peeled mine.
For a bubbly twist, replace half the water with sparkling mineral water just before serving.
Don't skip the steep time: Letting the ginger sit for at least 1 hour or overnight makes all the difference. It mellows the vinegar and deepens the flavor.
Molasses gives it that old-fashioned flavor, but honey or maple syrup makes a lighter, smoother drink. Try all three to find your favorite!
If you're new to drinking vinegar-based drinks, you can add less than the recipe suggests, then adjust from there.
If you like it, you can double or triple the recipe. It gets better as the flavors meld.
The ratios can be adjusted to suit your taste, so feel free to add more or less molasses or vinegar until it's perfect for YOU!

Nutrition

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