Apple Cider Vinegar Recipes for Switchel

5 star (2) 
  100%

TT (London, UK) on 03/26/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

I came across a drink called 'Switchel' (aka Haymaker's Punch) - apparently originally drunk in 18/19th century America to quench the thirst of farmers while bringing in the harvest (and mentioned in the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Herman Melville). It includes Apple Cider Vinegar & Black Strap Molasses and is an interesting and refreshing way to take both as it also includes ginger, lemon and honey which some may find helps to cut the taste. There are several different ways to make this recipe so you can chop and change to suit your preference, but here is the way I like to drink it:

SUMMER SWITCHEL

8 cups water
1/4 cup grated fresh ginger (i prefer fresh ginger but you can use 1-2 tbsp of ground ginger powder instead)
1/4 cup organic apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup organic blackstrap molasses
1/8 cup honey (add more or less if you prefer)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (add more or less if you prefer)
Mint sprigs or lemon slices (optional)

1. Add grated ginger/ground ginger to 3 cups of water in a small saucepan. Over a medium heat bring to the boil then turn down heat slightly and continue to gently boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove pan from the heat, cover and infuse for 15 minutes.

2. Place a piece of kitchen towel into a sieve and strain ginger infusion into a glass pitcher, if using fresh ginger squeeze kitchen towel to extract all the liquid from pulp.

3. Add the molasses & honey and stir until dissolved. Stir in apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and the remaining 5 cups of water. Chill until very cold, at least 2 hours or overnight.

4. Optional: before serving add mint sprigs or torn mint leaves and/or lemon slices to the pitcher. Stir well and serve in tall glasses with ice cubes if you prefer.

Hope you enjoy. Good health to all of you and thank you Earth Clinic for this wonderful site.


EC: Sounds great, thanks for passing along the recipe!
REPLY         

Tom (Apalachin, NY) on 10/20/2007:
5 out of 5 stars

re: Switchell -- I recall as a youth one of my summer jobs to make a few bucks working in a stone quarry. It was hot work. My buddy's mom would mix up a jug of water, acv, honey and a bit of ginger and boy did that taste good on a hot day!

Many years later I remembered how good it made me feel. I had suffered for 3 years with severe pain in my left shoulder. Dressing myself and even driving my car was an event. Spending one season (2005) as a flagman at Watkins Glenn International Speedway really hurt, and holding out a double yellow flag seemed like an eternity of pain. 2 weeks after takng ACV my pain was gone and I now have full mobility although a click is still there, I feel no pain! Being a FlyFisherman I have spread the word on 2 forums. Hundreds have read my post and many have PM'd me. I know this worked for me and it will for you too!

REPLY         
Return to Apple Cider Vinegar Recipes