how to make homemade switchel

Make this homemade switchel recipe with cider vinegar and pure maple syrup. It’s so easy to make (it only takes one minute!). I have been slugging quarts of it after a workout or gardening.

Dehydration

I am so out of touch with my sense of thirst. I’ve read somewhere that this is actually common in adults. What’s up with that? I just totally ignore that I am thirsty. I don’t even notice it, and then all of a sudden I realize that I am dehydrated. I vow to drink water. But honestly, it can seem like a chore. And unappealing.

I’m probably chronically dehydrated. Most of the time I try to make up for it by sipping herbal tea in the evening. But a) that’s no fun in the summer and, b) I don’t really think that puts a dent in it and, c) then I have to get up in the middle of the night.

I was reminded how important staying hydrated is when I was at CPR training earlier this year. Being dehydrated (even mildly) causes so many problems including fatigue, irritability and headaches. And severe dehydration is a medical emergency! This habit of not drinking enough water during the day needs to change.

Enter: homemade switchel.

What is Switchel?

Switchel is an old-fashioned drink made from water and cider vinegar. It’s been around for hundreds of years. It’s like the original Gatorade farmers used to mix up when they were out in the hot fields all day. It has a long tradition here in Vermont, where it’s usually sweetened with pure maple syrup. Cider vinegar has so many great things going for it and I always have it handy for salad dressing or to splash into a recipe.

I, of course, have been using maple syrup to sweeten the recipe I’ve been making this summer. (It also can be sweetened with honey or molasses.) Unlike refined sugars, maple syrup has a lower glycemic sugar so it won’t cause the same spikes in blood sugar. This switchel recipe is also more diluted than some of the versions I’ve seen. I only use 2 teaspoons each of the vinegar and maple for each quart. So it is really quite palatable. Unlike the switchel I shared in my cookbook, this one doesn’t have any ginger. This being the case, it only takes about 1 minute to make. So now I have officially zero reason to be dehydrated this summer. Cheers!

How to Make Switchel

This easy switchel recipe requires ice, maple syrup, ACV, a pinch of salt, and water. To make switchel, you simply have to 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. If you’ve never made switchel before, I highly recommend trying it out. It’s slightly sweet and oh-so refreshing — it’s tough to describe though!

More Easy Drink Recipes:

Smoky Mescal Margaritas

Vanilla Pear Moscow Mules

Maple Spiced Rum Punch

Homemade Micheladas 

Grapefruit Champagne Cocktails

homemade switchel

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★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

• Author: Katie Webster
• Total Time: 1 minute
• Yield: 4 cups 1x

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Description

This homemade switchel recipe takes just 1 minute to make and is made with maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and water. So refreshing and easy!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups ice
• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup, dark or amber
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• pinch salt
• 2 cups water

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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