This healthy, hydrating STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL is so refreshing and the best drink on a hot day! It’s so easy to make, naturally sweetened, full of electrolytes, non-alcoholic and easily fermented with apple cider vinegar.
this RECIPE
STRAWBERRY SWITCHEL IS THE BEST HYDRATING DRINK FOR SUMMERTIME AND HOT WEATHER!
Have you ever tried making a switchel electrolyte drink? Maybe you’ve never heard of this old-fashioned apple cider vinegar and ginger switchel drink before?
If you’ve never had sugar-free switchel before, then you’ve got to give this delicious switchel recipe a try! It’s a great drink for staying hydrated during the hot summer weather. It’s also known to help hydrate during and after exercise or sweating a lot.
This naturally sweetened electrolyte drink is so simple! It’s probably the easiest homemade fermented beverage you can make. Usually “fermented” means a long process, but not this fermented switchel recipe!
Switchel does not use sugar like other fermented drinks do, it does not need a special scoby that needs to be fed (like kombucha does) and it does not have a long fermentation process. How cool is that?!
SWITCHEL HISTORY AND WHAT IS SWITCHEL?
Many years ago, before Switchel became popular again, my husband and I were watching a show online that was discussing old fashioned vinegar drinks – Switchel and Shrubs. This is what inspired me to learn more about Switchel and start making it for my family.
What is this apple cider vinegar switchel drink?
Switchel is a drink that originated in the Caribbean and later became popular in American Colonies - although New England also holds some credit to its origin. Supposedly, this drink was served to farmers during the summer months to help them stay hydrated.
This drink is also known by the name Haymaker’s Punch, specifically because of the farmers working out in the fields who needed to guzzle this drink to stay hydrated and energized.
SWITCHEL IS COMMONLY MADE WITH WATER, APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, A NATURAL SWEETENER LIKE HONEY, MAPLE SYRUP OR MOLASSES AND GINGER OR LEMON.
Shrubs are similar to Switchel, yet they are completely different. Like Switchel, Shrubs also use vinegar, but they’re commonly used for finishing or mixing into alcoholic drinks.
Switchel is non-alcoholic, making it the perfect, family-friendly drink!
WHAT MAKES PROBIOTIC SWITCHEL A FERMENTED DRINK?
Hydrating switchel doesn’t have a long, several step, fermentation process like other fermented drinks like - kombucha or water kefir.
Switchel was originally considered fermented because it’s made with REAL apple cider vinegar.
Real apple cider vinegar means a true, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that still has “the mother” in it. “The mother” is where some strains of naturally occurring probiotics live.
Back in the day, they would make Switchel with a legit, fermented apple cider vinegar – this is why it’s called a simple fermented drink.
Most likely they didn’t serve this switchel drink chilled over ice like we do now, but it was probably stored in a cooler place or cold storage. So it probably sat out a little longer, possibly making it a little fizzy too (similar to other probiotic fizzy drinks).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SWITCHEL?
There are lots of benefits of drinking switchel!
ELECTROLYTES
For starters, and most importantly, switchel is known to replenish electrolytes. If you look back at the history of switchel, keeping farmers hydrated and replenished was its main purpose. When you are in the heat or are sweating a lot, you lose electrolytes (also known as important minerals) through sweat and other bodily fluids.
GINGER
Because of the added ginger in switchel, there are several more benefits. Ginger is known to help with inflammation, support digestion and other digestive issues and support the immune system. Ginger is also high in antioxidants and is known to have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
RAW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Switchel also gives you a boost of raw apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar not only helps restore your electrolytes, but it’s also known to help support blood sugar levels, support digestion and so much more!
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL
It’s so easy to make Switchel! All you need is 6 ingredients - simple, whole food ingredients!
Get yourself some fresh, organic strawberries. Yes, choosing organic strawberries for this is important because they are on the EWG’s Pesticides in Produce Dirty Dozen™ list. Make sure to wash the strawberries (not a long saturation as they do absorb water) and then slice or cut them up - this doesn’t have to be perfect, you can do a rustic slice, halve or quarter the strawberries.
Then gather the remaining ingredients - raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar WITH “the mother”, mild or light-colored raw honey or quality pure maple syrup, fresh ginger root, fresh lemon and filtered water.
Prep the 1-inch piece of ginger root - peeling it, then thinly slicing it.
Next, get a 8-cup or 64-ounce mason jar or a large pitcher that has a lid and add the sliced strawberries and sliced ginger to it.
Cut the lemon in half and use a fine mesh strainer to cover the jar or pitcher - then squeeze the lemon juice through the strainer.
Then add all of the other ingredients – the raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar WITH “the mother”, raw honey or quality maple syrup and top it off with a bunch of filtered water.
Cover the mason jar or pitcher with a lid and shake the switchel to mix it all up. Then pop it in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
After it has chilled and “marinated” overnight, strain it and serve cold or over ice.
How easy is that?! It’s so easy that even a toddler can help out with the assembly and add the prepped ingredients to the jar or pitcher! Or if you have older kids in the home, get them in the kitchen and have them help prep and assemble everything!
RECIPE FAQS: TIPS FOR HYDRATING STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL SUCCESS
- Can you double the batch? Yes, you sure can! In fact I highly recommend this, especially if you have a large family or you plan on drinking a lot of it over the next few days.
- Can you substitute the fruit and make a different fruit switchel recipe instead? Absolutely! I do this all the time when I make it during the summer. Instead of strawberries, you can substitute cubed or sliced fruit like watermelon, raspberries, honeydew melon, cantaloupe melon, blackberries, peaches, plums or pluots. I have made all of these fruit switchel versions or a combo of a few of these fruits and they are all delicious!
- Can I add fresh herbs to the switchel recipe? You sure can! I recommend adding fresh herbs like mint, lemon balm, lemon verbena, thyme (lemon thyme is especially wonderful!), etc. If you choose to add fresh herbs, only add 1-2 sprigs so it doesn’t become overpowering. Make sure to tear any larger leaves like mint to help release their oils.
- How long does switchel last? For the best flavor, switchel is best stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Do you have a favorite honey to use in this honey switchel recipe? Yes! I only recommend using a mild, light-colored, quality honey for this recipe. Honey flavors like orange blossom honey, clover honey, thistle honey or alfalfa honey are known to be the most mild in flavor. This is my favorite raw honey - I love both their orange blossom and “original” honey.
- How should I serve switchel? Switchel is the best drink to serve at springtime and summertime parties, potlucks, picnics and any social gatherings because it’s so easy to make and can easily be prepped a day ahead. Because of the natural electrolytes, switchel is also great served as a thirst-quenching drink anytime you’re going to be outside in the heat or during/after exercise or a workout.
TRY THIS EASY STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL RECIPE THE NEXT TIME YOU NEED A HYDRATING, THIRST QUENCHING DRINK!
IF YOU LIKE THIS STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL RECIPE, YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE REFRESHING DRINK RECIPES FROM RECIPES TO NOURISH:
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Strawberry Ginger Switchel
Yield: 8 cups
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Inactive Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
This healthy, hydrating STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL is so refreshing and the best drink on a hot day! It’s so easy to make, naturally sweetened, full of electrolytes, non-alcoholic and easily fermented with apple cider vinegar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic strawberries, sliced, halved or quartered
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 organic lemon
- ¼-1/3 cup raw organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar WITH "The Mother"
- ⅓ cup mild, light-colored raw honey (my preference) or organic maple syrup
- 8 cups filtered water
Instructions
- Wash the strawberries (not a long saturation as they do absorb water), then pat dry and slice or cut them up - this doesn’t have to be perfect, you can do a rustic slice, halve or quarter the strawberries. Add them to a to a 64 oz. mason jar or large pitcher that has a lid and set aside.
- Prep the 1-inch piece of ginger root - peel it, then thinly slicing. Add ginger slices to the mason jar or pitcher and set aside.
- Cut the lemon in half and use a fine mesh strainer to cover the opening of the jar or pitcher - then squeeze the lemon juice through the strainer. Then add the remaining ingredients – apple cider vinegar WITH “the mother”, raw honey or quality maple syrup and fill the mason jar or pitcher up with filtered water. Cover the mason jar or pitcher with a lid and shake the switchel to mix it up - or you can stir the switchel with a long handle spoon before covereing it with the lid. Then place the covered switchel in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
- After the switchel has chilled and “marinated” overnight, strain it and serve cold or over ice.
Notes
YOU WILL NEED: 8-cup mason jaror large pitcher with lid
- Do not use a wild flower honey. I only recommend using a mild, light-colored, quality honey for this recipe. Honey flavors like orange blossom honey, clover honey, thistle honey or alfalfa honey are known to be the most mild in flavor. This is my favorite raw honey - I love both their orange blossom and “original” honey.
- Recipe can be doubled.
- See Recipe FAQS in the post for tips on different fruit switchel variations, herbal variations, etc.
Storage: For the best flavor, switchel is best stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 77Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 29mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 0g
This nutritional information was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circ*mstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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