What is Switchel?

Some people refer to this drink as the original sports drink. Others have had it passed down from generation to generation as a staple in their homes. But I’m betting the majority of us North Americans have never heard of this delicious treat. It’s sweet, it’s sour and there are many claims from generations back that Switchel has benefits beyond simple hydration.

How to Make Ginger Switchel

It’s pretty easy to mix up a batch of this awesome refreshing drink. It only takes about fifteen minutes to prepare. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as that! You need to let the drink “steep” for about four days to get the most flavor! When ready I like to dilute it with some sparkling water and refrigerate it so I have it to sip on all week long.

What you will need.

• 2- to 3-inch piece fresh ginger

• 2 1/4 cups water

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar – with “the mother”

• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, molasses or brown sugar

• Sparkling or still water to finish

The equipment.

• Oversized quart-sized glass canning jar, or another similarly sized glass container.

What you need to do.

1. Prep the ginger: Use the side of a spoon to scrape the skin off the ginger. Cut the ginger into slices. You should have about 1/4 cup of sliced ginger.

2. Infuse the ginger: In a medium saucepan. bring the ginger and 2 1/4 cups water to a boil. Remove from the heat. Let sit for 10 minutes.

3. If you don’t want it as gingery, don’t boil the water just combine the water and ginger in a jar and let them sit for a few hours.

4. Combine the ingredients: In a quart-sized glass lidded container, combine the honey and vinegar. Add the ginger and water. Cover with a lid and shake to combine the ingredients.

5. Refrigerate: Cover the jar and transfer to the fridge. Drink once cold or let the ginger infuse for up to 4 days, at which point you can strain out the ginger. The longer the ginger infuses, the stronger the flavor will become. The prepared switchel will keep for seven days in the refrigerator.

6. Serve: Pour the switchel into a glass filled with ice. Drink it straight (which will be more concentrated and spicier), or top with still or sparkling water to dilute and soften the flavor. (which I love to do) Stir and enjoy it.

Benefits of Switchel

Although these claims have not been proven in the lab, there are many that swear by the benefits of switchel. This tasty drink has been claimed to be one of the earliest thirst quenchers. A sports drink of sorts. If certain sweeteners are used, such as the molasses or maple syrup, there would be some electrolytes to replenish those lost during a long day in the heat. The sugar/sweeteners will give you a boost during or after strenuous activity. It is said that colonial farmers drank switchel after a long day in the fields.

Switchel is known to be fantastic for digestion. The ginger alone has stomach-soothing properties and apple cider vinegar is great for stimulating digestion. If you know that you have a highly acidic stomach, I would use this with caution and test it with small amounts right before eating rather than drinking it on an empty stomach. When using apple cider that includes “the mother” this adds to the probiotic foods which support the microbiome of the intestinal system which can reduce gas and bloat.

The ginger in the Switchel also contains a compound called gingerol which is believed to be a potent pain reliever. If you or someone you know is dealing with inflammation and chronic aches and pains this delicious drink might be worth a try. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce post-workout inflammation and achiness.

Personally, I just like the taste, and on a hot day or a cold day after a hard workout, Switchel is my go-to replenishing drink for lowering inflammation, gut health, and the fun tangy taste! Are you looking to get even healthier? Are you concerned with inflammation? Do you feel yourself taking a little longer than you want to recover from your workouts? How’s your gut health? Curious about how nutritional health coaching can help you make healthy changes? Let’s talk! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation with me today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about! Visit www.noshoesnutrition.com and sign up for a FREE consultation.  I work with people from all over the world individually or in groups so don’t let anything hold you back!