These days, switchel has seen a bit of a revival!
What Is a Switchel?
Switchel is a Colonial-era drink comprised of ginger, vinegar, water, and molasses—ingredients from different Caribbean islands brought together as American imports. Over time, home cooks replaced the molasses with other sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or sorghum depending upon where they lived. Switchels are often referred to as Haymakers Punch because it was made in large batches and used to replenish parched farmers after working in the hot sun all day. Think of it as the original Gatorade, only with a refreshing pucker from the vinegar, a spicy kick from the ginger, and a bit of sweetness to balance it all out.
Switchels vs. Shrubs
Shrubs, another historic vinegar-based drink that appears throughout the world, are similar to a switchel, but not identical. Shrubs are made with fruit; switchel is made with ginger. That’s the only real difference, but because the drinks are nearly identical, sometimes you will see shrub and switchel used interchangeably.
How to Make a Ginger Switchel
My preferred recipe for ginger switchel has a strong ginger element, a sour pucker from the apple cider vinegar, and a subtle sweetness from honey. Just mix with hot water, refrigerate, and it’s ready! Use fresh ginger, peeled and sliced. I don’t recommend using ground ginger—it won’t dissolve, and it will leave a gritty feel in your mouth.
How to Serve Switchel
I like to drink this switchel on its own, but sometimes soften it with carbonated or still water. You can also use it to add interest to cocktails, lemonade, or iced tea. Make a batch and think of it as a concentrate—use it as a mixer for endless flavor combinations.
Make This Recipe Your Own
The best part of switchel is that it is easy to adapt to your personal tastes. If you want more of a ginger kick, then boil the ginger in water or vinegar, as I do in this recipe. If you want more of a subtle ginger flavor, then don’t bother boiling water and let it infuse gently on the counter. If you want more of a sour taste, add more vinegar. Up the sweetness? Increase the honey.
More Refreshing Summer Drinks!
Cucumber Mint “Shrub” Soda Perfect Lemonade Strawberry Watermelon Agua Fresca Homemade Sassafrass Root Beer Old Fashioned Pink Lemonade
For a gentler, less-spicy switchel, don’t boil the water; combine the water and ginger in a jar and let them infuse gently on the counter for a few hours.
