Haymaker's Ginger Switchel
"Ginger switchel or Haymaker's Punch is a traditional nonalcoholic vinegar-based drink whose sourness was offset by a hefty dose of ginger and spices; it was named for the eighteenth-century farmers who drank it — literal haymakers. This ginger punch is flavored with lemon juice and sweetened with honey and molasses for a refreshing drink that quenches even the fiercest summer thirst. Includes chilling time. From Eating Well, July/August 2008."
- Ready In:
- 2hrs 30mins
- Ingredients:
- 7
- Serves:
-
8
ingredients
- 9 cups water, divided
- 1⁄4 cup minced fresh ginger
- 1⁄4 cup honey or 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1⁄4 cup molasses
- 3⁄4 cup lemon juice
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- fresh berries, mint sprigs (to garnish) or lemon slice (to garnish)
directions
- Combine 3 cups water with ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover and let infuse for 15 minutes.
- Strain the ginger-infused water into a pitcher, pressing on the ginger solids to extract all the liquid. Add honey (or maple syrup) and molasses; stir until dissolved. Stir in lemon juice, vinegar and the remaining 6 cups water. Chill until very cold, at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Stir the punch and serve in tall glasses over ice cubes. Garnish with berries, mint sprigs or lemon slices, if desired.
- Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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Reviews
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I will be the first to admit that when I saw apple cider vinegar in the list of ingredients, I was a little skeptical (and I LIKE apple cider vinegar). That and the thought of the strong personality that molasses had... (and I LIKE blackstrap molasses) ... well, let's just say I knew this was going to be a love or hate result. While putting it together, it wasn't a smell that I would say I was falling in love with (it wasn't bad either (!!) just not as enticing as say... sugar cookies or spiced rum. LOL).<br/><br/>So I put some in a glass while hot (you're supposed to wait until it cooled and set) and it was actually amazingly good. Sweet, slightly tangy and soothing is the only way I can describe it. All the ingredients are exceptionally good for you and liver health and I highly recommend this drink. Will make it regularly and often now.
RECIPE SUBMITTED BY
<p>Married to my sweetheart for almost forty years and we have two wonderful children who are grown and have flown the coop. Also, we have been blessed with a wonderful son-in-law and beautiful daughter-in-law, plus FIVE grandchildren: two beautiful granddaughters ages five and eight, and three sweet adorable little grandsons ages 2 months, 2 years and 3 years. My husband and I share a combination of English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Dutch, Swiss, Polish, Austrian, German and French heritage, and our son-in-law and daughter-in-law are both Hispanic. We've traveled extensively to many countries abroad (we lived in Germany), and have traveled and lived in several states here in the U.S.A. Many of the recipes I post here are influenced by our combined heritage or from our travels, or they are old family favorites that I want to share with you. I hope you enjoy! Have been to culinary school with many years of cooking (mostly for my family) under my belt, so know my way around a kitchen. And I'm very lucky to have the best sous chef in the world, dddddh! One of my favorite chefs of all time is Jacques Pepin! I have several of his cookbooks, and enjoy watching his television cooking show Fast Food My Way. Another top favorite is Julia Child (of course!). A few other chefs I read/enjoy watching on t.v. are: Giada At Home, Ina Garten's The Barefoot Contessa, Nigella Lawson's Nigella Bites, and Patti's Mexican Kitchen, and many more. On my bucket list is dining at Thomas Keller's establishment The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California... as well as Alice Waters' Chez Panisse in Berkeley, and the James Beard award winning Tartine Bakery and Cafe in San Francisco. One day!! Hobbies/Interests: Decorating with fresh flowers and herbs from the garden is my passion, and brings me deep joy! It's really hard to beat!! I love connecting with others who enjoy the same. Gardening, decorating, sewing, music, dancing, film, and reading are also up there. Spending quality time with my grandchildren, family, and friends (and cooking holiday meals!). Currently, a newfound passion has been so richly rewarding for me: genealogical research. I heart ancestry dot com. And last but certainly not least, I absolutely LOVE cats--we have two half-Siamese fur babies (cats) that allow us to live here!! A Note of Thanks~ I try to personally thank everyone who kindly makes and reviews my recipes, but sometimes I am busy, late, or may forget. Please know that I am always humbled that you would try one of my recipes, and I enjoy reading the reviews and seeing all the pretty photographs. Thanks so much! </p>
