Craft spicy-sweet SWITCHEL, the traditional ginger-infused Haymaker’s Punch! We share 2 easy switchel recipes to try, using simple ingredients.
There are lots of easy-to-make fermented drinks, but here’s one we know you can whip up in just minutes, and it’s delicious!
Switchel is a refreshing drink made with ginger and raw apple cider vinegar. Unlike most fermented drinks, it doesn’t need time to ferment, so you can enjoy it immediately or let it sit for a few hours to deepen the flavors.
Also called “haymaker’s punch,” switchel is like lemonade’s half-sibling, minus the need for squeezing lemons. It is made (as mentioned) with fresh ginger and cider vinegar instead of citrus, so it comes together quickly and can be easily customized.
Feel free to use this recipe as your starting point, adjusting the sweetness, vinegar, or water to your liking. We’ve included two fruity variations for you to try below.
Switchel vs. Shrub
Switchel and shrubs have much in common, but the key difference lies in how they use fruits (and sometimes veggies).
Shrubs, generally speaking, are a way to preserve seasonal fruits with vinegar, so the fruit plays a big role in the flavor. Switchel, on the other hand, uses apple cider vinegar and doesn’t depend on fruit for its taste. The main flavors in switchel recipes come from molasses, cider vinegar, and ginger, whereas in, let’s say, a strawberry shrub, the strawberry is the star, with the vinegar enhancing it.
Another big difference is that switchel is ready to drink as is, while shrubs act more like a syrup or sweetener that you mix with soda or water.
Switchel Recipes
Ginger switchel recipes, or Haymaker’s Punch, is a traditional non-alcoholic drink made with vinegar, balanced with plenty of ginger and spices. It got its name from the farmers in the 18th century—literal haymakers—who drank it to stay refreshed. Often flavored with lemon juice and sweetened with honey and molasses, switchels are the perfect thirst-quencher on a hot summer day.
Recipe for Traditional Old-Fashioned Switchel
Ingredients:
- 2-to-3-inch piece of fresh ginger
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey
- Sparkling or still water to finish
Equipment:
- Medium pot
- Large jar
- Knife
Instructions:
Prepare the ginger
Use a knife to peel the skin off the ginger, then slice it up. For this recipe, you’ll need about ¼ cup of sliced ginger.
Soak the ginger
In a medium saucepan, bring the ginger and 2 ¼ cups of water to a boil, then remove from the heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. If you prefer a milder, less spicy switchel, skip the boiling. Instead, combine the ginger and water in a jar and let it sit on the counter for a few hours to infuse gently.
Combine the ingredients
Mix the honey and vinegar in a quart-sized glass jar or any lidded container. Add the ginger and water, then cover with a lid and give it a good shake to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
Refrigerate
Cover the jar and put it in the fridge. Switchel is best kept cold and enjoyed within 7 days, including the infusion time, though it often stays good longer. You can drink it once it’s cold or let the ginger infuse until the flavor is yours. Remember that the longer it infuses, the stronger the ginger taste will be.
To serve, strain it into glasses over ice or warm it up and enjoy it as tea.
Peach Mango Switchel
Peach Mango Switchel recipes are just what you need to cool down, balance your electrolytes, and give your taste buds a mini tropical getaway with its delicious peach and mango flavors!
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup raw apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chopped mango, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup chopped peach, fresh or frozen
- 1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and diced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Water
- Sugar (optional)
Equipment:
- Mason jar with cover
- Knife
Instructions:
- Mix all the prepared ingredients in a half-gallon mason jar or any glass pitcher.
- Add water and stir well to dissolve the honey.
- Add sugar to taste if you want a sweeter switchel.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
- Peach-Mango Switchel will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 72 hours.
Serving Suggestions for Your Switchel Recipes
- Switchel recipes were traditionally a refreshing way for laborers to cool off on a hot day. You can serve it over ice with a few extra lemon slices. Trust me, you’ll love it!
- Most people love making switchel and drinking it warm. It’s like a potent ginger and lemon tea with all the benefits that come with it.
- Some traditional recipes add spices like cinnamon. If you’re a fan of drinks like mulled cider or pineapple skin tea, try adding warm spices for a cozy twist.
