The easiest way to explain a switchel is this: Lemons are to lemonade as apple cider vinegar is to switchel. And instead of sugar, switchel is generally sweetened with maple syrup or molasses.
Apparently, switchel has Philly roots. Folklore has it that the early American switchel was served to attendees at the 2nd Continental Congress right here in Philadelphia in 1774. It’s hard to pinpoint its actual origins, but some history buffs believe that switchel was first made on Jamaican rum plantations. In using a tree twig, or swizzle, to stir the drink’s elements and infuse its sweetness, the beverage has also been known as switchy, ginger water, swizzle or haymaker.
Fast forward to 2017, and switchel is taking a bow at the center stage of delicious iced beverages. Energy drinks, take a step to the left—there’s a new, all-natural thirst quencher in town, and it is filled with electrolytes and even iron (if you sweeten with molasses, which is rich in iron and calcium). With an apple cider vinegar base, switchel contains probiotics and good acids that can benefit the stomach lining and digestion. Plus, if your switchel is infused with fresh ginger root, the anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger may be helpful for a variety of reasons.
Switchel has been used for centuries as a palate cleanser between courses and as a way to ease the stomach while eating a sumptuous dinner. Remember, we’re talking about a beverage’s origin when refrigeration was not an option.
Thanks to Mendham, NJ-based CideRoad, since 2014 switchel has landed on shelves in more than 4,000 stores nationwide. CideRoad founder and CEO Kevin Duffy is passionate about switchel. His journey began on an innocent trip to Vermont, where switchel was served at a local eatery in a remote area. He had that “ah-ha” moment and figured out a way to bring organic switchel into people’s homes. Duffy explains, “We instantly fell in love with it and its long history.” One might say that it was “love at first swig.”
The ingredients in Duffy’s switchel are organic and clean. Free of preservatives, there are three delicious flavors to choose from: blueberry, cherry and ginger-maple. Switchel is best served chilled. I’ve tried all three of CideRoad’s flavors, and the ginger-maple is my fave. An 8-oz. serving of CideRoad contains 2% iron, which is more than likely sourced from the organic maple syrup.
Many people are using switchel as a replacement for energy drinks, which are usually packed with sugar, high fructose corn syrup and nothing really helpful. The ingredient label on CideRoad’s switchel is easy to read. All the contents are real. The 16-oz. bottles have a design that matches the tire treads from Duffy’s car tires and are quite eye-catching.
Duffy further explains, “Several commercial companies are introducing ‘drinking vinegars’ to their lineup of beverages, but they are not true switchels.” Remember, Duffy uses organic, unfiltered, pasteurized apple cider vinegar. Those are the keywords to look for, as well as the sweetener source—if you see sugar listed on a conventional switchel, run the other way.
With the popularity of switchel increasing, CideRoad will be introducing spritzers (“Switchel with a Spritz”) soon. Look for the same delicious switchel flavor with a spot of carbonation and fresh herbs, which sounds like the perfect thirst quencher for humid summer days. In 12-oz. cans, flavors like strawberry-basil, blueberry-honeysuckle or watermelon mint could be lining your beach cooler.
As a non-drinker, I find switchel to be a perfect beverage to take to a dinner party or outing. It’s interesting, fun and delicious. But, be mindful that you have to like the bitter taste of vinegar and the gentle sweetness of maple syrup when it is mixed a sweet source. Switchel is an acquired taste, but the more you drink it, the tastier it becomes.
With summer almost here, the time is right to add switchel to your drinking list. Be adventurous like Kevin Duffy. He took an idea and a passion and grew it into a business that many, many people are loving—myself included.
Want to Make Your Own Switchel?
I did some recipe research and development in my own vegan kitchen and came up with this quick, easy and delicious recipe for homemade switchel. I used molasses because it is a good source of potassium, calcium and iron. The finished product will look like iced tea.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups filtered or spring water
- 3 tsp (or to taste) freshly grated ginger, skin removed*
- 3 Tbsp organic, nonfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tbsp molasses
- Juice of one freshly squeezed lime (I prefer limes, as they are seedless)
Method
- In a quart-sized jar or pitcher, add the water, ginger and vinegar, and mix well. Add the molasses, and stir well. If it’s in a jar, put the lid on and shake vigorously.
- Allow to sit overnight in the refrigerator. Open lid, stir well and add the juice of one lime to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Add ice to a glass, and pour switchel into the glass. Adorn with fresh herbs, if desired.
*If you do not have fresh ginger at the ready, ¼ teaspoon of ginger powder will equal a teaspoon of fresh ginger.
- Photos: Char Nolan
