Switchel Recipe

A switchel is an old-fashioned drink that is made up of ginger, apple cider vinegar, and molasses. Also called the haymaker drink, this easy-to-make old Southern drink recipe is the perfect way to quench your thirst in those hot summer months.

What is a switchel?

A switchel is a classic Southern drink that the folks who worked in the fields all day would make for themselves to stay hydrated.

It in a sense was one of the original hydration drinks. It is as Southern in origin as gumbo, jambalaya, or even biscuits.

What type of sweetener is in a switchel

Switchel drink recipes use molasses as the sweetener.

If you do not have molasses, you can use honey or another sweetener. The molasses almost gives it the look of iced tea and I like it for its added nutrients.

Ingredients needed

To make this switchel (haymaker drink) you will need:

• Water
• Apple cider vinegar. Use a good quality like Braggs
• Molasses. Unsulphured if possible
• Fresh ginger

Not many ingredients at all. So much better than store-bought hydration drinks!

How to make a switchel (haymaker drink)

Here is what the steps look like:

• Add all of your ingredients to a large pitcher
• Let the mixture steep for at least 24 hours
• When ready, pour into an 8 oz glass with ice.
• Add any extras like lemon, herbs, or soda water, and enjoy!

When making this Switchel, you will need to plan ahead a bit since it needs time to steep. A couple of days in the refrigerator is best before drinking it to allow the flavors to come together.

How to serve

When serving this Switchel, I love pouring it over crushed ice and adding a little fresh squeezed lemon and a little soda water for fizz. It just really lightens it up for me.

You can drink it as is or jazz it up a little to suit your taste.

FAQS

For more drink recipe inspiration

• Italian Mocktail
• Aperol Soda
• Bramble Cocktail