Have you ever had a nice glass of “Switchel” over ice with a splash of soda?
“Switchel” is a word I was unfamiliar with until recently when I ran across it in a novel and did a Google search. Lo and behold hundreds of articles and recipes for “switchels” were at my fingertips. The basic old-fashioned recipes, which are also called “swizzles, ginger-water or haymaker’s punch,” are traditionally cooling summer drinks. But with ingredients–apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, fresh ginger, and maple syrup–all available in winter, I decided now was the perfect time to make one. With their bright refreshing and healthy ingredients, they are perfect for the dark days of January and February.
They have helped me keep my electrolytes in balance, stay hydrated and has definitely replaced a glass or two of wine in the evenings. After a couple of days of drinking Switchel I do think February is feeling better and looking a little bit brighter.–Teresa Blackburn, Contributor
1. Process fresh ginger and 1/3 cup water in a food processor until finely chopped. Strain through a mesh strainer, pressing pulp gently with the back of a spoon to get out all the juice. You should have about 1/2 cup. Pour into a jar or pitcher.
2. To the pitcher add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup and lemon juice. Stir to mix well. Cover and chill for 1 hour to let flavors meld before drinking.
3. Add ice cubes to a glass, fill glass a third of the way with “Switchel” and top with soda or plain water. Stir to mix, and top with some fresh mint leaves if you like.
Notes: You can experiment with flavors. I added 1/2 cup blood orange juice to one batch which was delicious.
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