Easy Ginger Switchel
Quick apple-pie note ginger switchel with apple cider vinegar, ginger, cinnamon and sweetener. Mix, chill, and enjoy as a soda alternative.
I think this mix tastes a bit like apple pie. Remember in 'the long winter' when ma ingalls sent out the ginger molasses water to pa in the hot field. This is the stuff : )
Submitted by: Lisa Milford from Pagosa springs, Colorado
Yield: 4 servings
- Make this simple switchel by mixing 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1–2 tsp ground ginger, a pinch of cinnamon and 1–2 tsp sweetener into 32 oz water.
- Taste and tweak sweetness, tartness, or spice. Add lemon, extra spices, or use sparkling water to change the flavor and mouthfeel.
- Store chilled in the fridge and drink within several days. This recipe is a quick, nonfermented soda alternative.
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Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is switchel and how does this recipe work?
Switchel is an old-fashioned thirst quencher made from vinegar, a sweetener, and ginger. This version is a quick, nonfermented mix: combine apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, a pinch of cinnamon, and a small sweetener in a 32 oz jar, fill with cool water, chill, then adjust to taste.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes. Use freshly grated ginger for a brighter, fresher spice. Start with about 1 tablespoon grated per 1 teaspoon ground called for, stir, chill, taste, and add more if you want more heat. Strain if you prefer a clear drink.
Which sweetener should I use and how much?
You can use agave, honey, molasses, or sugar. The recipe calls for 1 to 2 teaspoons for 32 ounces of water. Molasses gives a deeper, apple-pie like flavor; honey or agave are milder. Start with less, then increase to your preferred sweetness.
How can I make this fizzy like soda?
Either add chilled sparkling water when serving or mix a concentrated base (half recipe strength) with equal parts chilled sparkling water. Do not carbonate a sealed jar with vinegar and sweetener at room temperature unless you understand fermentation risks.
How long will homemade switchel keep in the fridge?
Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, this quick switchel will keep best for about 4 to 7 days. Fresh grated ginger shortens shelf life. If it develops an off smell, cloudiness that looks different from the start, or visible mold, discard it.
Can I scale the recipe to make a larger batch?
Yes. Keep the same ratios: 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar per 32 ounces (1 quart) of water, 1 to 2 teaspoons ground ginger, a pinch of cinnamon, and 1 to 2 teaspoons sweetener, then multiply for more quarts.
Is this safe for kids or people with medical conditions?
For most people, small amounts of apple cider vinegar and ginger are safe. If you or a child have medical conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or take blood thinners or other medications, check with a healthcare provider before making this a regular drink.
What is switchel and how does this recipe work?
Switchel is an old-fashioned thirst quencher made from vinegar, a sweetener, and ginger. This version is a quick, nonfermented mix: combine apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, a pinch of cinnamon, and a small sweetener in a 32 oz jar, fill with cool water, chill, then adjust to taste.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes. Use freshly grated ginger for a brighter, fresher spice. Start with about 1 tablespoon grated per 1 teaspoon ground called for, stir, chill, taste, and add more if you want more heat. Strain if you prefer a clear drink.
Which sweetener should I use and how much?
You can use agave, honey, molasses, or sugar. The recipe calls for 1 to 2 teaspoons for 32 ounces of water. Molasses gives a deeper, apple-pie like flavor; honey or agave are milder. Start with less, then increase to your preferred sweetness.
How can I make this fizzy like soda?
Either add chilled sparkling water when serving or mix a concentrated base (half recipe strength) with equal parts chilled sparkling water. Do not carbonate a sealed jar with vinegar and sweetener at room temperature unless you understand fermentation risks.
How long will homemade switchel keep in the fridge?
Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, this quick switchel will keep best for about 4 to 7 days. Fresh grated ginger shortens shelf life. If it develops an off smell, cloudiness that looks different from the start, or visible mold, discard it.
Can I scale the recipe to make a larger batch?
Yes. Keep the same ratios: 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar per 32 ounces (1 quart) of water, 1 to 2 teaspoons ground ginger, a pinch of cinnamon, and 1 to 2 teaspoons sweetener, then multiply for more quarts.
Is this safe for kids or people with medical conditions?
For most people, small amounts of apple cider vinegar and ginger are safe. If you or a child have medical conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or take blood thinners or other medications, check with a healthcare provider before making this a regular drink.
If you add some fresh lemon juice and some turmeric this is a VERY healthy drink!