This Blueberry Switchel, or Haymaker’s Punch, is a fresh twist on an old-time farmer’s recipe. Do away with artificial sports or energy drinks and enjoy this natural thirst quenching drink.
Vegan | Gluten Free
Thanks for supporting brands that I trust and use myself. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of R.W. Knudsen Family. The opinions, text and images are all mine.
Last summer, I was introduced to switchel, through a dear friend. It’s one of the most refreshing drinks ever and, although switchel originated a long time ago, it’s making quite a comeback. Switchel, or Haymaker’s Punch, is a slightly tart, barely sweet drink that was popular with colonial farmers in the late seventeenth century. Working in the fields on hot summer days called for something more than just water to quench the farmer’s thirst. This basic combination of water, apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger and pure maple syrup provides a boost of electrolytes, probiotics and anti inflammatory properties. Switchel is essentially the original “sports drink” without the artificial colors, refined sugars or added chemicals.
Spring and summer, especially, call for simple, yet refreshing drinks. I make switchel often. It’s so easy to drink, a nice break from drinking plain water and so much better than sugary drinks. After working in the garden for a few hours or going on long walks, this drink is exactly what your body needs. The raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar provides probiotics, lowers your body’s pH levels along with ACV’s long list of other health benefits. Fresh ginger can reduce inflammation and ease painful muscles. A bit of sweet pure maple syrup adds some minerals and antioxidants.
I toy around with the original recipe often. Fresh fruit is a fun addition, but recently, I’ve found a perfect and easy way to naturally boost antioxidants and add even more summery flavor without adding refined sugar. I’m so excited to be partnering with R.W. Knudsen Family, who produces unsweetened, one hundred percent fruit juices. I love that their juices have no added sugars whatsoever and are Non-GMO Project Verified. Their Just Blueberry juice creates a really nice twist on the original switchel. It adds just enough sweetness and a great, fresh blueberry flavor. For added zip, I love to toss in a few fresh berries, too!
Blueberry Switchel (Haymaker's Punch)
Ingredients
- 4-5 1/8- inch slices fresh ginger
- 4 teaspoons raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 4 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- pinch Himalayan sea salt
- 1/2 cup R.W. Knudsen Just Blueberry juice
- 4 cups filtered water
- crushed ice for serving
- fresh blueberries for serving optional
Instructions
- Combine the ginger slices, apple cider vinegar, maple, salt, juice and water in a pitcher. Stir to combine. Refrigerate.
- To serve, fill a glass with crushed ice, a few blueberries (if using), and fill to the top with the switchel.
Notes
If you’re intrigued by drinks like this one, you’ll want to take a peek at this Blackberry Basil Shrub!
R.W. Knudsen Family has produced quality, juice products since 1961. Its offerings include more than 100 types of organic fruit and vegetable juices and specialty items including Recharge® sports drinks. R.W. Knudsen Family products are made without artificial flavors and are exclusively fruit juice sweetened. Visit the R.W. Knudsen Family website for more information.
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Your last paragraph starts “If your intrigued by drinks….” Change that to “If you’re intrigued by drinks…. You’re welcome!
Thank you! I really hate it when people make that mistake! :/ I’ll never judge anyone for that again. ;)
So you turned your farmer’s switzel into a shrub, another old time drink.
LOVE shrubs! I’ve got a recipe for that too, Roger.
how would you adjust the amount of ingredients to make this for a crowd? I need to make 4 gallons
That is a crowd, Linda! To convert this recipe to one gallon, you’d multiply everything by 3.5, so I guess you’d then multiply that by 4 to make four gallons. Hope that helps and hope you all enjoy the switchel! I’d love to hear how it works out for you.
I have been using Switchel for a couple of years, especially in the summer heat of the eastern plains of Colorado. It keeps me hydrated and feeling good. I will try the blueberry part as well. I never would have thought of adding that ingredient and now you are making me curious as to how to add other knudsen products, such as black cherry and others. Thanks for the inspiration.
If you’re already a switchel lover, Ed, I really think you’ll enjoy it with the blueberry juice! It would be wonderful with their black cherry juice too…great idea! Thanks for stopping in and taking the time to comment! :)
Ever since you first put up this drink, I’ve been making a pitcher full several times a week! My husband and my kids all love it. They even like the ginger in it. This is so refreshing. Thank you.
I am so happy to hear that, Nicola! We make it often in our home too and I agree, it really is refreshing! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know…you are so kind! :)
Switchel! You learn something new every day – and just in time for blueberry season! Gorgeous pictures by the way! :)
Thanks so much for introducing me to this yummy drink Caroline. It sounds so refreshing.I love how it’s so much healthier than the store-bought sports drinks.
I’m so glad you found this, Mary Ann! I think you’ll love it. Just got in from a long walk and had a big glass!
I’m a big fan of switchel, and a HUGE fan of R.W. Knudsen – love what you did here!!
Thank you, Todd! Yes, their juices are the best!
Oh my gosh, this looks so incredible, and your photos are so pretty. Thank you for the shout out and for the yummy twist on my favorite summer drink.
Thanks a bunch, Katie! Your switchel recipe is what got me hooked in the first place! Mwah!
I have never made a switchel before but now I am so intrigued! It sounds wonderfully refreshing and I love all those health benefits. I am a fan of the Just Blueberry as well – can’t wait to try your recipe!
I hope you love it, Tessa! Thanks so much!
This is so perfect! I’ve never heard of switchel so I just learned so much :) The tennis club is always giving my kids gatorade and it drives me nuts. I can’t wait to try this with them instead this summer. Love how you found a way to incorporate cider vinegar and ginger in a drink that sounds completely tasty and quenching.
I’ve never heard of this drink but it looks gorgeous so it must taste good! This is what I need tonight. Cheers to the weekend!
Your photos look as refreshing as your tasty punch. Perfect drink for this season!