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’s 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…
Have you ever tried switchel?
Serves 4
Sylvie
Yields 4 cups
Lemon switchel is a healthy and thirst quenching drink that tastes as good as it makes you feel.
5 minPrep Time
2 hr, 5 Total Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 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)
(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Find out what that means here.)
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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.
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