This is the best and easiest ginger switchel recipe with Meyer lemons, raw honey, freshly grated ginger and apple cider vinegar. This refreshingly hydrating drink is used by women as a hot flash remedy, by farmers to keep them hydrated while working the fields and by myself on a hot summer night down here in Florida. I'm excited to share this recipe with you today!
What is a Switchel?
A switchel is a beverage that dates back to the American colonies, while some credit the Caribbean as its birthplace. Switchel is also called haymaker's punch and is a truly refreshing drink made with:
- water
- sugar (ex: molasses, honey, maple syrup, sugar)
- apple cider vinegar
The last few years, coconut water has been touted as nature's gatorade (which I do love!)... yet the switchel has held this title since the 17th century.
How To Make Switchel
To create your own batch of switchel, simply combine apple cider vinegar, sugar and water together. Literally, that's a switchel. Since refined sugar is processed, I take the more natural approach with this ginger switchel.
Sugar Alternatives
Thankfully, there are many wonderful natural sweeteners that taste delicious and are also nutritious. Honestly, the honey in this ginger switchel recipe tastes better than the store-bought versions, in my opinion. Here are my fav, more natural sweetener alternatives to refined sugar:
- Blackstrap Molasses: One of the most nutritious sweeteners made from sugar cane or sugar beet. Blackstrap molasses is a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, and also potassium.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup comes from boiled down tree sap. It contains manganese and zinc and adds a lovely flavor.
- Raw Honey: Raw honey contains enzymes, as well as minerals and vitamins.
Infused Flavors
You know how much I love flavors, so I jazzed this recipe up a bit. Here are some ideas that would be super tasty, as well as add in a few extra benefits:
- lemons and ginger
- pomegranate and blueberries
- peach, maple syrup and vanilla
Since my switchel recipe below makes 4 servings, you can use it as your framework. Store in a quart size mason jar in the fridge. When you need something to cool you down, pour a cup of this over ice.
Another fun take on this recipe is using seltzer water as the base (instead of filtered water). Turn it into a mocktail and have fun!
3 ways to help with hot flashes
If you're struggling with hot flashes or just hot nights, then you understand the need to cool off your body. I remember being pregnant with my daughter in the thick of summer. My body temp was always on high. Since moving to Florida where hot and humid are all we get in the summer, I've come to rely on a few hacks to cool me off:
- Make this ginger switchel recipe and serve over ice.
- ChiliPad Mattress Cooler (this pad regulates the temperature and I sleep so much better— my husband and I both use it)
Learn more in my article, Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes. Don't forget to rate + review this recipe, because your comments help me so much!
Ginger Switchel Recipe
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (unfiltered with the mother)
- 3 tablespoons honey (raw)
- 2 inch ginger root (peeled and finely minced)
- ½ Meyer lemon (peeled and sliced)
- 3 ½ cups water (chilled)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients, except water in the jar of a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a quart-size mason jar and add water.
Notes
- A regular lemon can be used in place of the Meyer lemon.
- To make a concentrate: instead of adding water to the jar, keep as a concentrate and dilute just before serving with still or sparkling water.
Nutrition (estimated)
More great natural remedies
Looking for other natural remedies? I've got a whole host of recipes that use mainly plants, and can help with colds, the flu, allergies, as well as health in general:
Jessica
I was pretty excited to give this recipe a try. It was very apple cider vinegar-y so after trying it, I added another cup of water to the pitcher. I also didn't have any Meyer lemons so I used a regular organic lemon. Despite that, we thought it was very good and I kind of felt like I was drinking a fancy cocktail (I put it in my highball glasses over ice) but without all the sugars and booze, I didn't end up with a headache.
I'm going to make this again and use a little less ACV, a little more ginger (love ginger), and a whole Meyer lemon. Looking forward to perfecting my version of this great drink. 🙂
SGS Rawkstar Jess
That sounds awesome!
Dani MItchell
My grandfather used to drink something like this. I had no clue there was an actual name for it. I made it this weekend and was pleasantly surprised by how refreshing it really is! I was gardening and so thankful I made it and put it in the fridge to be nice and cold and it really did cool me off quickly. I don't know how it works for hot flashes, but it worked to cool me down and hydrate me on a hot afternoon of gardening. Thanks Jen for bringing back an oldie, but goodie.