Think of switchel as that refreshing summer drink you didn't know you needed—there's a reason farmers used to drink it after working in the fields all day. Made with fresh ginger, vinegar, water, and honey, it couldn't be simpler to make!

Photography Credit: Leela Cyd

Switchels are a simple, non-alcoholic drink with an old history. You can find literary and historical references to this easy, zippy elixir — quenching the thirst of British sailors, Harvard students, and farmers — as early as the 17th century.

These days, switchel has seen a bit of a revival!

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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!