Homemade Switchel Recipe (2024)

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Homemade Switchel Recipe (1) by Katie Webster
June 3, 2016 (updated 5/1/23)
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This homemade switchel recipe is made with cider vinegar and pure maple syrup. It only takes a minute to stir together and it’s so refreshing on a hot summer day.

Homemade Switchel Recipe (2)

Table of contents

  • Why We Love This Homemade Switchel Recipe
    • Recipe Highlights
  • Key Ingredients For This Haymaker’s Punch
  • How to Make Switchel
  • FAQs and Expert Tips
  • More Easy Drink Recipes

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Why We Love This Homemade Switchel Recipe

Switchel is an old-fashioned drink made from water and cider vinegar. It’s been around for hundreds of years and was often drunk after a long day farming or making hay in the summer, thus it’s also sometimes called haymaker’s punch. It has a long tradition here in Vermont, where it’s usually sweetened with maple syrup.(It also can be sweetened with honey or molasses.)

This switchel recipe uses 2 teaspoons each of vinegar and maple syrup per quart, so it is quite palatable. Try it and you can always add more if you want to amp up the flavor. Unlike the switchelI shared in my cookbook, this one doesn’t have any ginger.

Recipe Highlights

  • It’s slightly sweet, slightly sour
  • It only takes about 1 minute to make
  • Refreshing on hot summer days
  • A delicious way to get hydrated after working out
Homemade Switchel Recipe (3)

Key Ingredients For This Haymaker’s Punch

  • Ice
  • Maple Syrup: pure maple syrup, either dark or amber. You can also use honey or molasses.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Kosher Salt
  • Water

How to Make Switchel

This easy switchel recipe requires ice, maple syrup, ACV, a pinch of salt, and water. To make switchel, all you have to do is stir everything together in a large jar or glass and enjoy. You can make a big batch in the morning and enjoy it throughout the day, too.

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FAQs and Expert Tips

Can I make switchel in advance?

Absolutely. You can make a huge batch and keep it in the refrigerator until you run out. Don’t add the ice until you’re ready to serve it. Keep it in a large jug, water bottle or carafe.

What else can I add to this switchel recipe?

The best part about this recipe is that it’s easy to switch up and make your own. You can infuse it with ginger, infuse it with lemon, increase sweetness, or use honey instead of maple.

More Easy Drink Recipes

Watermelon Gin Fizz co*cktail
Smoky Mescal Margaritas
The Best Homemade Micheladas
Grapefruit Champagne co*cktail

Thanks so much for reading! If you are new here, you may want to sign up for my email newsletter to get a free weekly menu plan and the latest recipes right to your inbox. If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would love to hear what you thought!

Happy Cooking! ~Katie

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Homemade Switchel Recipe (8)

Homemade Switchel Recipe

★★★★★5 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Katie Webster
  • Total Time: 1 minute
  • Yield: 4 cups 1x
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Description

This homemade switchel recipe is made with cider vinegar and pure maple syrup. It only takes a minute to stir together and it’s so refreshing on a hot summer day.

Ingredients

UnitsScale

Instructions

  1. Place ice in a quart jar. Add maple syrup, cider vinegar and salt. Add water and stir. Enjoy cold.
  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 8
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 37 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g

Keywords: switchel, switchel recipe

Homemade Switchel Recipe (9)

About the Author

Katie Webster

Katie Webster studied art and photography at Skidmore College and is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute. She has been a professional recipe developer since 2001 when she first started working in the test kitchen at EatingWell magazine. Her recipes have been featured in numerous magazines including Shape, Fitness, Parents and several Edible Communities publications among others. Her cookbook, Maple {Quirk Books} was published in 2015. She launched Healthy Seasonal Recipes in 2009. She lives in Vermont with her husband, two teenage daughters and two yellow labs. In her free time, you can find her at the gym, cooking, stacking firewood, making maple syrup, and tending to her overgrown perennial garden.

More About Katie »

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Homemade Switchel Recipe (10)

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30 comments on “Homemade Switchel Recipe”

  1. Pam July 30, 2019 @ 11:20 pm Reply

    I make Switchel with water, raw apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger root and a dash of cardamon. I never add a sweetener and really enjoy it through out the day.

  2. Lindsay Cotter June 27, 2019 @ 8:59 am Reply

    Love everything about this drink! So refreshing and a delicious way to stay hydrated!

  3. Sommer June 26, 2019 @ 11:31 am Reply

    Love trying new drinks! This was a hit.

  4. Suzy June 26, 2019 @ 10:33 am Reply

    Perfect way to stay hydrated! Love how easy it is to make!

  5. Sam June 25, 2019 @ 1:12 pm Reply

    I’ve always wanted to know how to make this. Finally, a great recipe!
    Thanks for sharing.

Homemade Switchel Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Does apple cider vinegar replace electrolytes? ›

It can be taken before meals or anytime throughout the day. It is a natural and clean way to replenish electrolytes. Good news for all you athletes out there. It has been proven that apple cider vinegar can help replenish electrolytes in your system.

What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar and ginger drink? ›

Raw apple cider vinegar is alkaline-forming, which means that it can help to balance your body's pH levels. It also has prebiotic properties which boost gut health and immunity. Combining apple cider vinegar with honey and ginger creates a powerful boost of antioxidants that aids in digestion and weight loss.

Is switchel a probiotic? ›

This microorganism called Alex is made up of millions of cells, not many of which are human cells.” This recipe for switchel, a probiotic beverage made in less than 5 minutes, is a great way to introduce beneficial microbial populations into the terrarium of your self.

Does switchel have electrolytes? ›

But because of the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar found in switchel, potassium-rich electrolytes, particularly potassium, are replenished, making it an excellent alternative to sugary drinks like Gatorade.

What happens when you drink apple cider vinegar and water every morning? ›

There's some evidence that supports the fact that apple cider vinegar, had first thing in the morning may promote faster weight loss and accelerate fat burning. Since it works primarily as a detoxifying agent, a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning can clear out toxins from the body and aid a fresh start.

How long does it take for the benefits of apple cider vinegar to work? ›

'Some people may notice digestive benefits, like decreased bloating, quite quickly, often in a few days. For other benefits, such as weight loss or improved blood sugar control, it can take several weeks to months of consistent use to observe noticeable changes.

What happens when you drink apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar On Empty Stomach: What You Need To Know

This drink contains acetic acid, which can help kill harmful bacteria by bringing down the pH of your stomach. The production of stomach acid may be increased with the use of ACV, which helps enhance digestion.

What does a switchel do? ›

Switchel is made with apple cider vinegar and ginger, which are known for their healthful properties. Switchel is high in potassium and other electrolytes, which speed re-hydration.

What is switchel used for? ›

Switchel was traditionally used by Vermont farmers to slake their thirst and provide natural energy while haying.

What is remedy switchel? ›

Fizzy, refreshing and a little fiery Remedy Switchel is an effortlessly easy way to get your daily fix of ACV and ginger and is a great swap for your regular, sugary soft drink. Full of antioxidants, live cultures and organic acids, Remedy Switchel is: Sugar free, for real. All Natural.

What is the difference between switchel and kombucha? ›

Where kombucha requires live bacterial colonies and days of fermentation, switchel is a happy and simple blend of water, ginger, apple cider vinegar and a sweetener, (usually maple syrup but can also be honey).

Can you mix ACV and lemon water together? ›

Yes, it is generally safe to mix lemon juice & apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Both ingredients have been associated with potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion & promoting weight loss.

What are the health benefits of switchel? ›

Recently, switchel has made a comeback, with numerous companies making bottled versions and homemade recipes appearing online. The beverage is touted to have numerous benefits, including improved gut health, electrolyte replenishment during exercise, and blood sugar stabilization.

How do you use apple cider vinegar for electrolytes? ›

Keto Electrolyte Summer Drink
  1. 2 tbsp of lemon or lime juice.
  2. 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with mother (unpasteurized)
  3. 1 tsp of sea salt or Himalayan salt.
  4. 1 cup of sparkling water.
  5. Ice.
  6. Optional: your favourite sweetener to taste.

What is the best thing to drink to replace electrolytes? ›

Electrolyte Drinks to Replenish Low Levels
  1. Milk. Cow's milk provides a unique blend of electrolytes, carbohydrates, and protein that makes it an ideal workout recovery drink. ...
  2. Coconut Water. Coconut water is the liquid found inside a coconut. ...
  3. Fruit Juice. ...
  4. Smoothies. ...
  5. Pedialyte. ...
  6. Gatorade. ...
  7. Electrolyte Water. ...
  8. Electrolyte Tablets.
Nov 3, 2023

Can apple cider vinegar help with dehydration? ›

Apple cider vinegar can boost your electrolytes, energy, and hydration when served as the old-fashioned drink switchel.

What is the best food to replace electrolytes? ›

Many foods and drinks contain electrolytes, including:
  • Leafy green vegetables: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are good sources of calcium and magnesium.
  • Other vegetables: Avocado, sweet potato, and squash are rich in potassium. ...
  • Fruits: Bananas, dried apricots, prunes, and other fruits are high in potassium.
May 15, 2020

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