Switchel

Switchel, swizzle, haymaker’s punch, ginger water, switchy is a sweet, spicy and sour drink. Evolving from the American south and Caribbean the drink was often served to those working in the fields. It replenishes electrolytes and nourishes Yin —meaning it helps replenish fluids.

I start drinking switchel regularly during the gardening season. The recipe has plenty of room for flexibility. I like to add in a fresh spring of mint or lemon. Unless, I have chosen to use molasses as the sweetener — then maybe a pinch of cinnamon.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ginger, with skin, roughly chopped

• 6 cups water

• ¼ cup molasses, maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar….not all…just one or a combination to equal 1/4 cup. I usually use a little less

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• 3 lemons, juiced

• Add in a sprig of mint or cinnamon to your tastes.

• Pinch of sea salt — don’t skip this. Just a pinch. The magic here is that salt is mineral rich and will help replenish when you have been sweating. The salt also helps the body’s cells take in water easier — you hydrate faster. Just a pinch is all you need.

Instructions

1. Coarsely chop ginger — no peeling necessary! In a medium pot, add ginger and water. Boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow ginger to steep for 15-20 minutes.

2. In a large jar combine the sweetener of choice, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Strain ginger liquid into the jar and mix well.

3. Sample your creation, add a little cinnamon, a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint, or additional vinegar to your tastes. Enjoy!

Caution! Don’t burst into flames. Vinegar liberates Liver Yang, and ginger and cinnamon heat you up quickly. If you have tidal fevers or hot flashes — perimenopausal/menopausal women, post viral tidal fevers, or chronic inflammatory conditions, diabetes or other wasting and thirsting syndromes - you may want to lower the amount of ginger and vinegar, or dilute the recipe to reduce huge flashes of heat.

Recipe Notes

The base of vinegar is sour and bright and moves digestive stagnation and unblocks Qi. Honey’s sweetness moistens Yin, nourishes Jing and bolsters the immune system. Ginger aids the digestive system. Salt helps hydrate and helps replenish minerals lost during physical activities. Additions, such as mint or cinnamon will influence the overall energetics as well.

Here’s to a healthier you.