A refreshing and naturally hydrating traditional Caribbean drink, often called Haymaker’s Punch, packed with gut-friendly ingredients like ginger, lemon, and apple cider vinegar.

Switchel: The Haymaker's Hydrator
A refreshing and naturally hydrating traditional Caribbean drink, often called Haymaker's Punch, packed with gut-friendly ingredients like ginger, lemon, and apple cider vinegar.
Ingredients
- 6 cup water
- 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 large piece fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup maple syrup or honey adjust to taste
- 1 large lemon juiced
Instructions
- Wash and thinly slice the fresh ginger into rounds or matchsticks. No need to peel if organic.
- Combine the water, apple cider vinegar, sliced ginger, and maple syrup (or honey) in a large pitcher or glass jar. Stir well until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
- Add the fresh lemon juice to the mixture and stir again to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a stronger flavor, chill for several hours or even overnight.
- Before serving, you can strain the switchel through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the ginger slices, if desired. Serve chilled over ice.
Notes
For best flavor, chill for several hours or overnight to allow the ingredients to fully infuse. Adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to suit your sweetness preference. You can strain out the ginger before serving for a smoother drink, or leave it in for extra potency. A sprig of fresh mint or a few cucumber slices can be added to the pitcher for an extra layer of freshness.
