- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (yes
vinegar)
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup sugar or honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/2 cup oatmeal (optional)
- tap water to make 2 quarts
This is a very old recipe, imported from
our Yankee neighbors to the north, and
before that, from Nova Scotia. Did you ever
wonder what folks used to drink in the days
before soda pop, and when lemons were out of
season? Why Switchel of course. Instead of
lemon juice, it uses a tangy combination of
flavorful apple cider vinegar, molasses and
ginger to make a summertime treat which will
whet your whistle better than any modern
thirst quencher I've ever run across.
First get out a two quart pitcher. Measure
the vinegar, molasses, sugar or honey and
ginger into it. Add cold tap water to fill.
Stir to dissolve everything and serve in
tall ice filled cups. Traditionally, oatmeal
was also added to the mixture, to give it a
little body, and improve the flavor. I am
ashamed to say I have never prepared it with
the added oatmeal, so if anyone does, please
let me know what you think. This beverage
takes a little getting used to. It is
strongly flavored, nothing bland about it.
It tastes best when it has mellowed
overnight, blending the ginger with the
molasses. It does quench your thirst better
than anything else on a hot summer day
though, and of course, costs next to nothing
to prepare. I have also tried heating it in
the winter time and drinking it as a hot
toddy, it is actually quite delicious this
way.
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