It was a long while ago now, that our friend Alex Lewin came by the store, on tour promoting his then-new book, Kombucha, Kefir, and Beyond: A Fun and Flavorful Guide to Fermenting Your Own Probiotic Beverages at Home
. He gave a talk in the greenhouse, and when I recently came across my notes from that day, I laughed aloud. There were some gems in there, for sure, some humorous and some just plain wise. (Sorry, Alex, I don’t want to make you blush. Your hair looks great, by the way.) He talked about fermentation in terms of seducing microbial beings to do our biochemical bidding, which just rolls around the tongue like switchel on the palate. And he spake: "I am like a terrarium. Microorganisms are living inside of me. 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. But wait, what is switchel?! My dears, it is a vinegar-based drink that was popular here in the United States during the colonial era. Its roots go further back than that, however, back and back to Classical Greek times, or even before. Vinegar, after all, is the destiny of even the finest wine. If it is not heated or pasteurized, it is a probiotic tonic in its own right, full of lactic acid bacteria that benefit the gut and stimulate the digestive system. It has been used in refreshing beverages for centuries, though its use as such had fallen out of favor before the recent-shrub-craze. Viva the shrub, and viva the switchel! This recipe uses molasses as the sweetener, though maple syrup is also traditional. Molasses, however, is so full of minerals, and we are a sadly mineral-deficient society, so this is a great way to get your minerals, wake up your taste buds, and stock your microbial terrarium, all at once. A little ginger keeps it spicy, a little lime keeps it spritely.
Makes about 4 8 oz servings
Directions
Place all the ingredients in a half gallon jar.
Top with sparkling water.
Close the lid tightly and shake well.
Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
Serve over ice, if you like the sound of it clinking in its glass.
Variation: Mix in all the ingredients except the water. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for a week or more. When ready to serve, pour 1 ounce of the syrup into a glass over a few ice cubes, and add 7 ounces of sparkling water. Sip, and be refreshed.
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FAQs
Apple cider vinegar drink Benefits
Apple cider vinegar for weight loss: According to recent research, drinking 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar ( 30 ml) daily will help lower body weight and triglycerides. I can attest to both. Immunity: When I drink this regularly, I never seem to get colds or flu.
What is switchel drink good for? ›
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.
Does apple cider vinegar replace electrolytes? ›
It is a natural and clean way to replenish electrolytes.
By having apple cider vinegar after a workout, it can help rebalance and replenish your electrolytes. It is even a great natural supplement that can enable healing in sore muscles. Make sure to dilute ACV in water before consuming!
Is switchel a probiotic? ›
If it is not heated or pasteurized, it is a probiotic tonic in its own right, full of lactic acid bacteria that benefit the gut and stimulate the digestive system. It has been used in refreshing beverages for centuries, though its use as such had fallen out of favor before the recent-shrub-craze.
What is the difference between switchel and kombucha? ›
Switchel does not contain alcohol or caffeine. As for taste, switchel has a refreshing "zing" and crispness, whereas kombucha is usually tart and fizzy. Kombucha comes in a wide variety fruity and botanical flavors; switchel has a classic flavor that has been savored for generations.
Is 3 tablespoons of ACV too much? ›
In fact, according to Healthline, a typical dose of ACV is 1 to 2 tablespoons mixed with water and taken before or after meals. But if you're treating ACV like medicine and consuming much more than the recommended amount, you might have some undesirable consequences.
How long does switchel need to be refrigerated? ›
The switchel keeps in the refrigerator for about one week. If you plan to make a sparkling switchel, use just 3 cups of water for the infusion so it isn't as diluted. Add seltzer or club soda to the glass. For the most effective switchel, use unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the "mother" (the cloudy bloom).
What is the shelf life of switchels? ›
What's the shelf life? The switchels have a shelf life of two years.
How old is switchel? ›
Switchel
| Switchel-based co*cktail, with garnishes |
|---|
| Country of origin | British America |
|---|
| Region of origin | New England or the Caribbean |
| Introduced | 17th century |
Coconut water, milk, fruit juices, and smoothies are high in electrolytes. Drinks with electrolytes may help you rehydrate after intense exercise, vomiting, or diarrhea. You can also try making your own sports drink at home. Electrolytes are minerals that conduct an electrical charge when mixed with water.
Yes. Because lemon contains various natural electrolytes, adding lemon juice to water boosts its hydrating properties. However, while lemons are high in Potassium, they only contain trace amounts of other electrolytes.
What fruit has the most electrolytes? ›
16 Fruits High in Electrolytes
- Pomelos. Pomelos are the largest citrus fruit known for their green rind and sweet, tart taste that's similar to a grapefruit. ...
- Watermelons. As you can probably assume by its name, watermelons are great for hydration. ...
- Cantaloupes. ...
- Bananas. ...
- Coconuts. ...
- Pomegranates. ...
- Avocados. ...
- Dried Apricots.
By regularly drinking switchel, you'll get all the terrific benefits of apple cider vinegar, including healing compounds, like potassium, magnesium and probiotics. Thanks to the many uses of apple cider vinegar, it's one of my favorite natural remedies.
What does a Switchel do? ›
Switchel was traditionally used by Vermont farmers to slake their thirst and provide natural energy while haying. As a modern day alternative to conventional sports drinks, Switchel provides hydration therapy and restores depleted minerals in the body. It has a crisp, clean flavor with a long, smooth finish.
What are the benefits of remedy Switchel? ›
Frequently Asked Questions
- Help regulate and stabilise blood sugar levels.
- Aid digestion and improve gut health.
- Help to regulate appetite.
- Promote good heart health and help keep cholesterol levels low.
- Help restore balance in the body after heavy physical exertion (whether that's at the gym or on a worksite)
Standard dosages range from 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) to 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) per day mixed in a large glass of water. It's best to start with small doses and avoid taking large amounts. Too much vinegar can cause harmful side effects, including tooth enamel erosion and potential drug interactions.
What time of day should I drink ACV? ›
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 much cider is too much? ›
Any more than 5.5 pints of 4.5% ABV cider in a week will put you over the low risk drinking guidelines. If you are drinking super-strength cider, that amount comes down to 3 pints or less.
Can you take ACV 3 times a day? ›
Most studies are based on a small dose of up to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day. For this reason, adults should not exceed 2 tablespoons per day as the effects haven't been properly studied.
. He gave a talk in the greenhouse, and when I recently came across my notes from that day, I laughed aloud. There were some gems in there, for sure, some humorous and some just plain wise. (Sorry, Alex, I don’t want to make you blush. Your hair looks great, by the way.) He talked about fermentation in terms of seducing microbial beings to do our biochemical bidding, which just rolls around the tongue like switchel on the palate. And he spake: "I am like a terrarium. Microorganisms are living inside of me. This microorganism called Alex is made up of millions of cells, not many of which are human cells.”
Directions
Top with sparkling water.
Close the lid tightly and shake well. 
Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld. 
Serve over ice, if you like the sound of it clinking in its glass.
