SWITCHEL

[Granny Smith]

Switchel originated in the West Indies, and became popular as a summer drink in the American Colonies in the late 1600's. By the 1800's, it had become a tradition to serve it to thirsty farmers at hay harvest time, thus it acquired the alternate name of "haymaker's punch." Recipes below.


HAY TIME SWITCHEL

Ingredients :

1 c. light brown sugar
1 c. apple vinegar
1/2 c. light molasses
1 tbsp. ginger
2 qts. cold water

Preparation :

Combine and stir well. This can be refrigerated, but old timers
made it with cool spring water, and drank it while making hay for a good energy restorer in the hot weather.

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SWITCHEL

Ingredients :

1 c. sugar
1 c. vinegar
1 tbsp. ginger
1 qt. cold water

Preparation :

Stir all ingredients together. Serves 6. Refreshing summertime beverage.

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HAYMAKERS SWITCHEL

Ingredients :

1 gal. water
2 c. sugar
1 c. molasses
1 c. vinegar
1 tsp. ginger

Preparation :

This was the standard "switchel" carried to the fields to quench the thirst of crews of haymakers. Maple syrup or boiled cider was sometimes substituted for molasses.

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SWITCHEL-OLD FASHIONED SUMMER DRINK

Ingredients :

1/2 c. honey (more or less to taste)
1/2 c. apple cider vinegar (more or less to taste)
1/2 gallon water

Preparation :

Mix ingredients together, chill and serve cold.

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SWITCHEL

Ingredients :

1/2 c. sugar
Scant 1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 c. vinegar

Preparation :

Place all ingredients into 2 quart pitcher. Add water and ice to fill. This was a favorite drink of a by-gone era, particularly enjoyed by farmers working in dusty fields.

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SWITCHEL

Ingredients :

4 1/2 c. cold water
1 c. vinegar
1 1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. molasses
1 tsp. powdered ginger
2 tsp. syrup (May substitute honey or maple syrup)

Preparation :

Mix all ingredients in large bowl or pitcher. Refrigerate and serve. Serves 6- 8.

Refreshing summer beverage of men haying in the fields.

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SWITCHEL

Ingredients :

1 gal. cider
1 c. vinegar
1 1/2 c. molasses or some molasses, stretched with honey, or
brown sugar
1 tbsp. ground ginger
1 c. raw oatmeal

Preparation :

Mix it all up together and chill. The oatmeal settles to the bottom and you can eat it after the Switchel has been finished as a drink.