Cookbook | Ingredients | Recipes

| Cuisine of the United States | Beverages

Switchel, also known as Ginger Water or Haymaker's Punch, is a sweetened beverage made from ground ginger, apple cider vinegar, sugar or other sweeteners and water. It is a traditional drink on farms in the north eastern United States, where it was made to soothe the thirsts of farm workers as well as (allegedly) boost one's stamina. It is served chilled, but is often served warmed in the Winter months.

Ingredients

Recipe 1:

• 1 cup (about 240 ml) sugar
• 1 cup (about 240 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) ground ginger
• 1 quart (1 liter) water

Recipe 2:

• 3/4 cup (about 180 ml) maple syrup
• 2/3 cup (about 160 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 heaping teaspoon (about 6 ml) ground ginger
• 1 gallon (about 3.75 liters) Water

Procedure

1. Dissolve sugar and ground ginger in the water.
2. Stir in the apple cider vinegar
3. Chill or serve over ice cubes. Shake well before serving.

Variations

Some traditional recipes have used maple syrup, honey and/or molasses, separately or in combination, as sweeteners. The ratio of sweetener and vinegar to water vary widely in traditional and modern recipes. A small amount of oatmeal is sometimes added to give the beverage more body and to add to the flavor.