Comments on: Switchel: Drinking Vinegar to Stay Cool

By: Argyle Scott

Argyle Scott — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 06:09:07 +0000

Water: to replace lost fluids
Vinegar: to cut the thrist and prevent drinking too much.
Molasses: to give energy.
And
Ginger: to keep you sweating because if you stopped sweating in the hot sun, you were in BIG trouble.

By: sm

sm — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 10:14:16 +0000

fav switchel recipe:
1 C sugar
1/2 c honey
1 to 2 tbl ginger powdered
1/2 c vinegar

Pour in 2 Q container. Add water. serve over ice.

Have seen amish recipes that are 1/4 c vinegar, 1/2 c sugar, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, stir up in 2 qt container.

By: Erik

Erik — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 21:41:50 +0000

Good post something you may like to know switchel is good for.I am over 50 and get bad leg cramps at night. switchel is good to help stop them,just as pickle juice is good to stop cramps too.So if you know anyone with bad cramps at night drink a shot glass or two of pickle juice when your having cramps or a big glass of switchel before going to bed! Hope this info helps someone in pain. Thank you for your post,also check out this link.

By: Lisa Bramen

Lisa Bramen — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:15:53 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Robert. I did put ice cubes in my switchel, although you are right that it probably wasn’t historically accurate. I tasted it before I added ice, and it was still fine, but I preferred it chilled.

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:16:06 +0000

Switchel is a new one to me, but I think I can see how a little vinegar provide a nice sour bite and be cooling.

One question: did you drink yours over ice? (It looks like there are cubes in the photo, but I can’t tell). Though Vermont did have ice houses, I would have to assume that in most places there was no ice available during the summertime. I wonder what the difference in flavor is between iced switchel and warm?

Great post!