Lemon switchel is a healthy and thirst quenching drink that tastes as good as it makes you feel.
The first thing I do at the beginning of each week is make a batch of lemon switchel. It’s become a staple in my daily routine and I predict will become a standard in yours too once you try it.
What is Switchel?
If you’ve never heard of switchel before, it’s an old fashioned drink (also called haymaker’s punch) that’s making somewhat of a comeback recently. Consider it the original electrolyte drink, without all the artificial color and high fructose corn syrup of course.
Why drink switchel?
Switchel certainly has a lot going for it (1) it has a minimal ingredient list; (2) it takes minutes to make; and (3) is incredibly refreshing. Traditionally made with apple cider vinegar, ginger and a sweetener like molasses, honey or maple syrup it’s is remarkably thirst quenching on a hot day, especially when poured over ice.
Beyond its thirst quenching abilities however, switchel offers additional benefits, like the anti-inflammatory power of fresh ginger root, and the blood sugar stabilizing and digestion enhancing effects of apple cider vinegar. Although not traditional, I like to add lemon juice and goji berries for and extra vitamin and anti-oxidant boost. (Did you know that ounce for ounce goji berries contain more vitamin C than oranges, more iron than spinach and more beta-carotene than carrots?) You can use whatever sweetener you prefer, but I’m partial to a combination of raw honey with just a spoonful of molasses added for spice and mineral content.
I find myself craving its tart, spicy and ever so slightly sweet flavor and will sip on a glass after meals to help with digestion or when I need a little boost of energy on a hot day or after a long walk. The ginger gives it a nice zing, while the apple cider offers a crispness and tartness that’s nicely balanced by just a touch of sweetness from the honey and a hint of spice from the molasses.
Make a couple of bottles for yourself this week and you’ll see…
Lemon Goji Switchel
Lemon switchel is a healthy and thirst quenching drink that tastes as good as it makes you feel.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup/ 80ml unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons/ 45ml fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz/14 g piece of peeled ginger root, coarsely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons/ 14g goji berries
- 1 Tablespoon/ 15ml dark or black strap molasses (optional, substitute honey or maple syrup if desired instead of the molasses for a lighter flavor.)
- 2 Tablespoons/30 ml raw honey (or substitute maple syrup for a vegan version)
- 4 cups/960 ml filtered water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender. Blend on high until combined.
- Pour into a large mason jar or glass container and cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, pour through a fine mesh strainer and serve over ice.
Notes
(For Vegan use maple syrup instead of honey)
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 49Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 14mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 0gSugar: 10gProtein: 0g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she’s been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
I make a homemade electrolyte drink but have never made a SWITCHEL! Going to have to try this.
First time hearing about switchels but I have had haymaker’s punch and I’m a big fan. Love that apple cider vinegar and how it provides such wonderful zing.
This looks perfect for a big outdoor party on the Cape. Sure to be a huge hit.