For Your Health Switchel

Matthew Kelly / Supercall
Matthew Kelly / Supercall

Switchel (a.k.a. “Nature’s Gatorade”) was the drink of choice for 18th century American farmers, who drank it during the harvest to stay hydrated. Like today’s sports drinks, switchel—traditionally a fermented mix of maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and ginger—is loaded with electrolytes and, like its funky brother kombucha, it’s packed with probiotics. Our quick, boozy, unfermented variation swaps out fresh ginger for a pungently-spiced ginger beer and gets a healthy pour of bourbon. It might not be a suitable Gatorade replacement during a workout, but it’s certainly refreshing after a long day at the office.

For Your Health Switchel

FLAVOR PROFILE
Sweet, Spicy
STRENGTH
DIFFICULTY
easy

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 0.75 oz Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 0.5 oz Maple Syrup
  • Ginger Beer
  • Candied Ginger, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Step one

In a highball glass, add the bourbon, vinegar and maple syrup.

Step two

Add cubed ice and top with ginger beer.

Step three

Stir with a bar spoon to incorporate. Garnish with candied ginger skewered on a toothpick.

Contributed by Supercall