There are lots of drinks out there, purported to boost energy, create the ultimate balance of bacteria in the gut, help you lose weight and gain clarity. From Red Bull to green tea and the ever trendy kombucha, there is no shortage of hyped out drinks to choose from. Apple cider vinegar and green juices share the stage with a host of other natural choices with “magical powers” to make your skin glow and your belly calm.
via Alex Lau for Bon Appetite
Well, just when you thought you had reached your healthy beverage nirvana, a new one steals the spotlight. Say hello to Switchel, the latest beverage to enter the healthy drink scene. Around since the late 1700’s, switchel is the perfect way to hydrate on a very hot day. Made with stomach soothing ginger, it allowed thirsy farmers to consume enough liquid to quell their thirst, without making them sick. It is also thought to reduce inflammation and balance the body’s natural ph levels, due to the apple cider vinegar and maple syrup.
Switchel is similar to lemonade in some ways, and very reminiscent of the iconic Master Cleanse cocktail. It is easy to make your own, and although it is touted as a healthy electrolyte booster ( ala Gatorade), it’s also a great base for an adult beverage when mixed with rum, whisky or a dry white wine.
Give this recipe a try, and perhaps you too, will want to switch to switchel!
Mapel -Ginger Switchel: via Bon Appetite
SERVINGS: 4
- 1 5″-piece fresh ginger (about 6 ounces)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
- 4 cups water or club soda
- Mint sprigs (for serving)
PREPARATION:
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Pass ginger through a juicer (you should have about ⅓ cup). Combine ginger juice, vinegar, maple syrup, and lime juice in a large pitcher and stir until maple syrup is dissolved. Chill until cold.
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To serve, dilute with water and pour switchel into ice-filled glasses; garnish with mint.
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Do Ahead: Base can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
Switchel can be mixed with seltzer or sparkling water instead of regular water for a bit of a “fizzy kick.”
If you don’t have a juicer, you can grate the ginger instead.
Some people use raw honey instead of the more classic maple syrup for variation. The most important thing is to use pure maple syrup or honey, and not a processed version.( aka Aunt Jemimah’s pancake syrup)
Enjoy!
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