This healthy, hydrating STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL is so refreshing and the best drink on a hot day! It’s so easy to make, naturally sweetened, full of electrolytes, non-alcoholic and easily fermented with apple cider vinegar.
STRAWBERRY SWITCHEL IS THE BEST HYDRATING DRINK FOR SUMMERTIME AND HOT WEATHER!
Have you ever tried making a switchel electrolyte drink? Maybe you’ve never heard of this old-fashioned apple cider vinegar and ginger switchel drink before?
If you’ve never had sugar-free switchel before, then you’ve got to give this delicious switchel recipe a try! It’s a great drink for staying hydrated during the hot summer weather. It’s also known to help hydrate during and after exercise or sweating a lot.
This naturally sweetened electrolyte drink is so simple! It’s probably the easiest homemade fermented beverage you can make. Usually “fermented” means a long process, but not this fermented switchel recipe!
Switchel does not use sugar like other fermented drinks do, it does not need a special scoby that needs to be fed (like kombucha does) and it does not have a long fermentation process. How cool is that?!
SWITCHEL HISTORY AND WHAT IS SWITCHEL?
Many years ago, before Switchel became popular again, my husband and I were watching a show online that was discussing old fashioned vinegar drinks – Switchel and Shrubs. This is what inspired me to learn more about Switchel and start making it for my family.
What is this apple cider vinegar switchel drink?
Switchel is a drink that originated in the Caribbean and later became popular in American Colonies – although New England also holds some credit to its origin. Supposedly, this drink was served to farmers during the summer months to help them stay hydrated.
This drink is also known by the name Haymaker’s Punch, specifically because of the farmers working out in the fields who needed to guzzle this drink to stay hydrated and energized.
SWITCHEL IS COMMONLY MADE WITH WATER, APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, A NATURAL SWEETENER LIKE HONEY, MAPLE SYRUP OR MOLASSES AND GINGER OR LEMON.
Shrubs are similar to Switchel, yet they are completely different. Like Switchel, Shrubs also use vinegar, but they’re commonly used for finishing or mixing into alcoholic drinks.
Switchel is non-alcoholic, making it the perfect, family-friendly drink!
WHAT MAKES PROBIOTIC SWITCHEL A FERMENTED DRINK?
Hydrating switchel doesn’t have a long, several step, fermentation process like other fermented drinks like – kombucha or water kefir.
Switchel was originally considered fermented because it’s made with REAL apple cider vinegar.
Real apple cider vinegar means a true, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that still has “the mother” in it. “The mother” is where some strains of naturally occurring probiotics live.
Back in the day, they would make Switchel with a legit, fermented apple cider vinegar – this is why it’s called a simple fermented drink.
Most likely they didn’t serve this switchel drink chilled over ice like we do now, but it was probably stored in a cooler place or cold storage. So it probably sat out a little longer, possibly making it a little fizzy too (similar to other probiotic fizzy drinks).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SWITCHEL?
There are lots of benefits of drinking switchel!
ELECTROLYTES
For starters, and most importantly, switchel is known to replenish electrolytes. If you look back at the history of switchel, keeping farmers hydrated and replenished was its main purpose. When you are in the heat or are sweating a lot, you lose electrolytes (also known as important minerals) through sweat and other bodily fluids.
GINGER
Because of the added ginger in switchel, there are several more benefits. Ginger is known to help with inflammation, support digestion and other digestive issues and support the immune system. Ginger is also high in antioxidants and is known to have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
RAW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Switchel also gives you a boost of raw apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar not only helps restore your electrolytes, but it’s also known to help support blood sugar levels, support digestion and so much more!
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL
It’s so easy to make Switchel! All you need is 6 ingredients – simple, whole food ingredients!
Get yourself some fresh, organic strawberries. Yes, choosing organic strawberries for this is important because they are on the EWG’s Pesticides in Produce Dirty Dozen™ list. Make sure to wash the strawberries (not a long saturation as they do absorb water) and then slice or cut them up – this doesn’t have to be perfect, you can do a rustic slice, halve or quarter the strawberries.
Then gather the remaining ingredients – raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar WITH “the mother”, mild or light-colored raw honey or quality pure maple syrup, fresh ginger root, fresh lemon and filtered water.
Prep the 1-inch piece of ginger root – peeling it, then thinly slicing it.
Next, get a 8-cup or 64-ounce mason jar or a large pitcher that has a lid and add the sliced strawberries and sliced ginger to it.
Cut the lemon in half and use a fine mesh strainer to cover the jar or pitcher – then squeeze the lemon juice through the strainer.
Then add all of the other ingredients – the raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar WITH “the mother”, raw honey or quality maple syrup and top it off with a bunch of filtered water.
Cover the mason jar or pitcher with a lid and shake the switchel to mix it all up. Then pop it in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
After it has chilled and “marinated” overnight, strain it and serve cold or over ice.
How easy is that?! It’s so easy that even a toddler can help out with the assembly and add the prepped ingredients to the jar or pitcher! Or if you have older kids in the home, get them in the kitchen and have them help prep and assemble everything!
RECIPE FAQS: TIPS FOR HYDRATING STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL SUCCESS
- Can you double the batch? Yes, you sure can! In fact I highly recommend this, especially if you have a large family or you plan on drinking a lot of it over the next few days.
- Can you substitute the fruit and make a different fruit switchel recipe instead? Absolutely! I do this all the time when I make it during the summer. Instead of strawberries, you can substitute cubed or sliced fruit like watermelon, raspberries, honeydew melon, cantaloupe melon, blackberries, peaches, plums or pluots. I have made all of these fruit switchel versions or a combo of a few of these fruits and they are all delicious!
- Can I add fresh herbs to the switchel recipe? You sure can! I recommend adding fresh herbs like mint, lemon balm, lemon verbena, thyme (lemon thyme is especially wonderful!), etc. If you choose to add fresh herbs, only add 1-2 sprigs so it doesn’t become overpowering. Make sure to tear any larger leaves like mint to help release their oils.
- How long does switchel last? For the best flavor, switchel is best stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Do you have a favorite honey to use in this honey switchel recipe? Yes! I only recommend using a mild, light-colored, quality honey for this recipe. Honey flavors like orange blossom honey, clover honey, thistle honey or alfalfa honey are known to be the most mild in flavor. This is my favorite raw honey – I love both their orange blossom and “original” honey.
- How should I serve switchel? Switchel is the best drink to serve at springtime and summertime parties, potlucks, picnics and any social gatherings because it’s so easy to make and can easily be prepped a day ahead. Because of the natural electrolytes, switchel is also great served as a thirst-quenching drink anytime you’re going to be outside in the heat or during/after exercise or a workout.
TRY THIS EASY STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL RECIPE THE NEXT TIME YOU NEED A HYDRATING, THIRST QUENCHING DRINK!
IF YOU LIKE THIS STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL RECIPE, YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE REFRESHING DRINK RECIPES FROM RECIPES TO NOURISH:
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Strawberry Ginger Switchel
Strawberry Ginger Switchel (electrolyte drink, easy ferment)
This healthy, hydrating STRAWBERRY GINGER SWITCHEL is so refreshing and the best drink on a hot day! It’s so easy to make, naturally sweetened, full of electrolytes, non-alcoholic and easily fermented with apple cider vinegar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic strawberries, sliced, halved or quartered
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 organic lemon
- 1/4-1/3 cup raw organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar WITH "The Mother"
- 1/3 cup mild, light-colored raw honey (my preference) or organic maple syrup
- 8 cups filtered water
Instructions
- Wash the strawberries (not a long saturation as they do absorb water), then pat dry and slice or cut them up - this doesn’t have to be perfect, you can do a rustic slice, halve or quarter the strawberries. Add them to a to a 64 oz. mason jar or large pitcher that has a lid and set aside.
- Prep the 1-inch piece of ginger root - peel it, then thinly slicing. Add ginger slices to the mason jar or pitcher and set aside.
- Cut the lemon in half and use a fine mesh strainer to cover the opening of the jar or pitcher - then squeeze the lemon juice through the strainer. Then add the remaining ingredients – apple cider vinegar WITH “the mother”, raw honey or quality maple syrup and fill the mason jar or pitcher up with filtered water. Cover the mason jar or pitcher with a lid and shake the switchel to mix it up - or you can stir the switchel with a long handle spoon before covereing it with the lid. Then place the covered switchel in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
- After the switchel has chilled and “marinated” overnight, strain it and serve cold or over ice.
Notes
YOU WILL NEED: 8-cup mason jar or large pitcher with lid
- Do not use a wild flower honey. I only recommend using a mild, light-colored, quality honey for this recipe. Honey flavors like orange blossom honey, clover honey, thistle honey or alfalfa honey are known to be the most mild in flavor. This is my favorite raw honey - I love both their orange blossom and “original” honey.
- Recipe can be doubled.
- See Recipe FAQS in the post for tips on different fruit switchel variations, herbal variations, etc.
Storage: For the best flavor, switchel is best stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 77Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 29mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 0g
This nutritional information was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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This looks awesome, I can’t wait to try it out, perfect for summer!
Thanks so much! I hope you get to make some. 🙂
This looks SO very delicious and ultra refreshing.
I guess it depends who is teaching ‘the class’ on Switchels and Shrubs..
In the herb world.. they are totally interchangeable terms.. I make ‘herb-infused’ ones and..
.. don’t laugh.. call them one or the other.. depending on my mood!
I acknowledge that the current “cocktail culture” has adopted the ‘shrub’ but
back in the ol’ days according to my teachers and texts — same recipes apply.
Hope that’s ok to chime in.. These drinks, whatever, the name.. are FABULOUS!!
Can’t wait to try the Ginger with Strawberry version above!! Thank you.
LOL always appreciate your feedback and knowledge. I didn’t know that. I’ve seen there’s other nicknames for Switchel – like switzel, swizzle, ginger-water, haymaker’s punch or switch. I’ve seen Shrubs marketed now as something added to an alcoholic drink. I just looked it up, not the greatest online source LOL – but it’s what I found … “One type of shrub is a fruit liqueur that was popular in 17th and 18th century England, typically made with rum or brandy mixed with sugar and the juice or rinds of citrus fruit. The word “shrub” can also refer to a cocktail or soft drink that was popular during America’s colonial era, made by mixing a vinegared syrup with spirits, water, or carbonated water. The term “shrub” can also be applied to the sweetened vinegar-based syrup, from which the cocktail is made; the syrup is also known as drinking vinegar. Drinking vinegar is often infused with fruit juice, herbs and spices for use in mixed drinks.” ~ Wikipedia
Love this! I have had switchel before but not flavored so beautifully! Thank you!
Thanks Renee! 🙂 I love mixing up the flavors because I make it daily. The original ginger is great too, but it’s extra special with other stuff added in.
I’ve never made my own fermented beverages. I may have to start with this one!
Best,
Chrystal
That’s what I love about this one, it’s SUPER easy. I haven’t made kombucha or water kefir yet because a bit more work goes into making them.
I was just hearing about how good fermented foods are and was wanting to get into them more. This looks like a delicious way. Thanks! Pinning!
Hi Megan, yes they’re awesome. This is a super simple one to incorporate into your diet. 🙂
Looks lovely! I have never had a switchel before!
Thanks Linda! It’s so refreshing, I think you’d love it.
I’ve never heard of switchel – love learning about new fermented foods and beverages. Thanks for sharing!
I hope you get to make some Beth, it’s so delicious. 🙂
So easy, refreshing and lovely. What an epiphany of a recipe!
🙂 thanks Megan xo My family is a bit obsessed with Switchel, I make it daily these days.
This sounds lovely! Two questions…
One, what exactly does the fermenting?
And two, can I use stevia instead of honey? While I love natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup, my blood sugar does not so I use stevia.
Thanks for this delicious recipe!
I have the same questions!
Hi Jo, the apple cider vinegar is fermented. But ONLY if you use apple cider vinegar WITH “the mother” … I linked to the brand I use in the recipe. Apple cider vinegar bottles will disclose if the mother is included, if it’s not listed, then it’s not in there.
The apple cider vinegar 🙂 But ONLY if you use apple cider vinegar WITH “the mother” … I linked to the brand I use. Apple cider vinegar bottles will disclose if the mother is included, if it’s not listed, then it’s not in there. I have never used stevia in this, but I don’t see why not. I wouldn’t know the ratio amount though. Traditionally maple syrup, honey, or molasses was used.
Thanks Emily, I will try it and let you know. It sounds so yummy!
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do Dawn 🙂
What a wonderful drink! This is perfect for those super busy summers when I admit, I let my kombucha turn to vinegar. To answer Dawn’s question: I’m sure stevia would be fine. In fact, I use it in a pinch when I’m too inpatient to stir honey well into my drinks. Love this!! Thanks Emily for such a refreshing and healthy drink.
Thank you so much Anya! I love how fast this drink comes together and that it’s not a long process. Thanks for answering Dawn’s question too! 🙂
Yes thank you! I just saw your reply after replying to Emily lol. I thought it probably would be ok, but since it’s fermented…but then usually ferments like water kefir or kombucha take longer and eat up the sugar. Glad to know it works fine!
What a wonderful refreshing drink recipe! I will have to try this with our strawberry’s this summer. My water kefir grains have give up on me and this will make a great replacement in a pinch.
I hope you get to make some Michelle. I love water kefir too, but this is just so simple. 🙂
Switchels are amazing! I haven’t made on in a really long time. Thanks for reminding me 😀 This one looks wonderful!
I hope you get to make some soon Tash 🙂
I think this sounds fabulous! I love switchel, and it’s even great in cocktails, haha! I love this strawberry version!
Thanks Leah! I love it too, I think the name is pretty awesome too, so old fashioned.
This looks utterly delicious! I adore kombucha, but this looks so much easier to make. Thank you!
Thanks! I love kombucha too. 🙂
This looks so good! Thank you so much for sharing a drink recipe where I don’t need to make like 24 servings at once lol That drives me insane and is a large part of the reason I haven’t made anything like this yet.
Thank you! It’s super easy to change up the ratios and make as much or as little as you want. 🙂
looks great will have to try this out when i have guests over for tea
I hope you get to make some 🙂
Looks so refreshing! 🙂
It is 🙂 Thanks!
This looks like a wonderful drink for summer! I have never heard of it before, so it will be fun to test it out.
It’s super yummy, I hope you get to try some. 🙂
Fermented drinks are so good! My daughter has been drinking apple cider vinegar mixed with water and we didn’t even know there was a special name for it. 🙂 Switchel! I’m off to share on Pinterest.
Happy Mother’s Day, Emily.
That’s awesome Barbara! Happy Mother’s Day to you too! 🙂
I just saw this on your Savoring Saturdays post and had to check it out. This sounds amazing! I’m making some tonight!
Thank you Sarah! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. xo
I made this and used strawberries and threw in a few blueberries for good measure. At first it tasted a little too vinegary but by the 3rd day it was awesome. I will definitely be making this again. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it and will make it again. I’m sure it would be fine with less ACV too if that works better for your taste buds 🙂
Can’t wait to try this. I can’t make fermented foods because they use too much salt. And the fact that this doesn’t use sugar is fantastic, too! I’ll have to check out more recipes of these. Thanks!
I hope you get to make some Sue! 🙂 It’s so delicious.
After combining all the ingredients, I let it sit at room temperature until there were signs of fermentation (i.e. – bubbling, fruit floating to the top), then refrigerating. Honey has natural anti-bacterial properties and will slow down fermentation, so I feel that refrigerating right away can reduce the amount of beneficial bacteria forming in the beverage.
Hi Jenn, the way I make it is the traditional way to make Switchel. The “fermented” aspect is because the ACV has “the mother” in it. I know there are other ferments that solely use honey like Jun. I hope it turned out well the way you made it. 🙂
This sounds so yummy! I love anything with ginger in it, so your Switchel is on my list of recipes to try this summer.
I followed a link over from your infused waters post and was really pleased to find not only a recipe but also a little bit of history. Sharing widely 🙂
Thanks so much! xo I hope you get to make some.
This looks so yummy! Do you know, can I use frozen strawberries…? I picked a bunch during early June when they were in full swing and froze a bunch.
Also, I’d imagine I could use other fruits… Blackberries would be yummy I’d think 🙂
Thanks again! Keep on sharing!
Yes 🙂 I make blackberry all the time and I have also used frozen fruit. Enjoy it!
Awesome – thanks so much 🙂
Dear Emily, where I leave can’t find row ACV with the mother, what I have is filtered AV can I use it instead or can I replace it? Please I wait for your response,Thanks.
Hi Cris, are you able to find any organic apple cider vinegars where you live? Almost all organic apple cider vinegars are unfiltered. Braggs is pretty easy to find online too. You could use filtered apple cider vinegar, you won’t get the same health benefits from it, but I think it will still taste the same. 🙂
@Cris T….I live in a very rural area of northern New York, and I find organically produced ACV (with the mother in it) at one of our local farm stands. Farm stands and Farmer’s markets are great places to look for this type of item. It’s great to support local farmers, good for the economy and healthy for you—all in one shot! Good luck! (I’m eager to try this recipe too!)
That’s great feedback, thanks Charlene!
Are switchels mainly non-alcoholic? Does it become a shrub the moment you add alcohol? I was always under the impression both could be made with alcohol! Thank you for sharing this recipe! I definitely want to try it, alcohol or not!
Yes 🙂 Switchels should traditionally be non-alcoholic because it was given to farmers out in the hot fields to help hydrate them. I would guess it would be a shrub if alcohol is added. I hope you get to try making some! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting.
I’ve still never made a switchel but I’m going to make it my summer goal to do so. This looks so refreshing and I love the flavor combo!
I hope you get to! It’s so yummy 🙂
That looks perfect for summer! I love a good fermented drink! Yum!
Thanks so much Cristina! It’s so special for summertime 🙂
I see it says it will last up to 2 days in the fridge….that doesn’t seem very long. I live alone (wouldn’t drink all of it in 2 days) so will it really not last longer than 2 days if refrigerated?
Hi Cathy, I’m sure you could try keeping it in the fridge longer, I would remove the solid fruit by day 2. It’s more of a standard precaution.
Thank you so much for your recipe! My husband was just complaining to his mother about the price of gatorade going up 20 cents at Dollar General. I said -You shouldn’t be buying that stuff anyway! We have plenty good to drink around here you can take with you!, And His mom said-As hard as he works he deserves a Dollar + Drink. That’s not the point. First, it’s not worth the Money (every $ counts!), second, it’s not as good as what we can make! So kudos to you for giving us Nourishing Recipes that Promote Life and Good for the Body!! Blessings!
So happy tp hear that, I hope you enjoy the recipe 🙂
This sounds delicious and good for you, too. Wow! I was stressed out making about the “scoby” Kombucha drink, I would mess it up. Thank you for making a much easier drink using ACV with THE MOTHER. I read about how ACV can replace a colonoscopy or at least not needing one as often, if drank daily. This is a great was to get your ACV.
WARNING!! Recipe replacements:
I was out of lemons, strawberries & fresh ginger, so i substituted ground ginger, lemon & lavender essential oils. I also added 1 piece of fresh celery with the leaves. Can’t wait until tomorrow to strain it & drink it!
I hope you enjoy it 🙂
This is great! We added stevia in our personal cups bc we are still getting our palats used to things…the kids asking for this instead of processed sugar sweet tea is a win in my book! Thanks!
That is awesome to hear!! Love that 🙂
I’m new to the switchel scene, but I am SO pumped to try it! I’ve been looking online for different flavor variations and this one sounds absolutely perfect! I live in the south and, in the summertime, just mowing the lawn can leave you severely dehydrated. I have a feeling this will be my new go-to summertime drink for yard work day. I can’t wait to try it! I may not have the option of making it a day ahead of time though. What is the minimum amount of time it can “marinate” and still be effective and palatable?
P.S. I also just got my first Instapot. I can’t wait to dive into your recipes for that! 😁
This made me so happy to read! My grandma was from the south too 🙂 I hope you enjoy it – if you can let it chill in the fridge for a few hours, you should still have some good flavor from it. Very exciting about your Instant Pot, it’s such a helpful kitchen tool!