How to make Haymaker’s Punch aka, Switchel
This refreshing drink is made with apple cider vinegar and was popular with Colonial farmers
Switchel, also known as Haymaker's Punch, is a refreshing drink made with apple cider vinegar. It was how colonial farmers quenched their thirst out in the hot, sunbaked fields—which is enough of an endorsement for me!
This drink is also called Haymaker's Punch because it was often drunk while haying—which is hard work under the hot summer sun!
What Is Switchel?
Switchel has a long history as a traditional drink with Colonial Americans. It's easy to make with just a few ingredients—apple cider vinegar, ginger, water, and a sweetener.
Think of it as “Nature's Gatorade.” It will give you an energizing electrolyte boost better than any pricey energy drink or soda. All the ingredients (except water, of course) are actually sources of the electrolyte potassium. Switchel is known as a health tonic that boosts the immune system, too (but don't tell the kids it's “healthy”). Apple cider vinegar even helps to detoxify your organs!
Its cold-weather cousin, Apple-cider Tonic, is also known to keep your immune system running smoothly and can help keep you safe from those nasty winter colds.
We tested a few great switchel recipes to see if it really lived up to its old-fashioned fame.
Old-fashioned Switchel Recipe
Here's a classic Haymaker's Punch recipe, which was unearthed from the archives of The Old Farmer's Almanac:
1 gallon water
1 1/2 cups molasses 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
We like molasses, but you could replace it with maple syrup, honey, or another sweetener. You could cut back the sweetener, too. Find the right balance for you. Remember to start with less—as you can always add more. Switchel shouldn't coat your mouth; it should taste refreshing. Another idea is to add a teaspoon of fresh lemon or lime juice for zing.
Switchel Recipe from an Almanac Reader Here's an alternative switchel recipe to try, courtesy of Dennis Miles, an Almanac Facebook fan and full-time blacksmith. He drinks his Haymaker's Punch from a mid-19th century haymaker's jug. 1 gallon water
2 cups raw or dark brown sugar
1 cup molasses
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ginger (fresh)
Serve in mason jars.