3 Reasons I'm Craving Maple Syrup Switzel

Move over sports drinks! Move over sports drinks, energy sodas, and even iced tea— my new favorite, Switchel (or switzel) is the original healthy tonic that has way more going for it than all of them put together. Not only that, it tastes great, with a flavor I have come to crave!

1. It’s tart, crisp and clean, with a taste that defines refreshing.  The ginger adds that zing that really jumpstarts your tastebuds.

Essentially nature’s Gatorade- this energizing drink called Switchel packs incredible thirst quenching electrolytes, and as a natural remedy, healing qualities that range from reducing inflammation to helping to improve brain cognition. And, it also helps cure acne. (OK, so what’s not to like so far?)

2. A healthy drink that’s ‘crazy-easy’ to make.

Made from apple cider vinegar, fresh maple syrup, and ginger (fresh or ground), and of course water, it takes only minutes to whip up a batch.

With fresh maple syrup is in the cupboard here, as I wrote about in my last post, it was a fitting concoction to try, and about as hard to make as iced tea. Now I’m a devoted fan, and keep some in the refrigerator all the times!

The original recipe came from the Caribbean, where molasses was used instead of syrup. In this country, Switchel became “haymakers punch” by the 18th century, and was the coolest, most hydrating and refreshing drink a farmer could have during a long day working in the heat of the summer. Today, it’s been rediscovered and is trending with the hip and cool, even appearing on the shelves of Whole Foods. Due to it’s crisp refreshing taste, and amazing health benefits, it’s even being hailed as the next kombucha.

A Simple Recipe, using fresh ginger:

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 4 Tablespoons pure maple syrup Fresh ginger root, approximately 1 inch 4 cups water or club soda Peel and mince about an inch of ginger root into tiny pieces. (You should end up with about 2 Tablespoons). Or, run thinly sliced ginger through a juicer.

Combine ginger, vinegar and syrup in the bottom of a 1 quart pitcher, and press against the ginger with a wooden spoon to release the flavor.

Fill the rest of the pitcher with water (around 4 cups of water), and put the pitcher in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to help distribute the flavors

Using Ground Ginger: 4 cups water 8 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar (1/2 cup) (4 oz.) 2-3 Tablespoons maple syrup (to taste) (about 1/4 cup) 2 teaspoons ground ginger Mix vinegar, syrup and ginger in the bottom of a jug or 1 quart pitcher. Add water slowly and shake before chilling. (The longer the better, though it’s good right away!) Shake before serving cold. Mixes well with seltzer or soda water. Create your own recipe by refining the flavors to suite your taste!

3. It’s made of 3 Superstar ingredients: The key to great switchel is the quality of these three ingredients.

“As a health tonic, it’s only as virtuous as its parts.” In every case, use fresh if you can. Maple syrup should be 100% pure, Ginger can be ground, but fresh kicks up the flavor several notches. Apple Cider vinegar should be organic and unfiltered

Maple Syrup is one of the purest sweetners you can find, it’s full of antioxidants, and also has high levels of zinc and manganese. And it has a lower glycemic index than sugar.

Maple syrup helps fight inflamatory diseases and as I mentioned in my last post, it protects against the kind of neurodegenerative damage found in Alzheimer’s disease.

Ginger reduces inflamation and reduces pain. I never realized how big this is. Most diseases are actually caused by inflamation, including skin problems and acne. And, It’s actually better for fighting pain than painkillers. Ginger helps with headaches, and it rehydrates the body, giving you an electrolyte boost.

Apple Cider Vinegar is incredibly good for you, not only for energy, your skin, hair, your house, but also for your natural well being. It helps maintain a healthy pH level in the body that leads to greater equilibrium. It stimulates circulation and helps to detoxes the liver. As a natural remedy, it reduces effects of allergies, heartburn, sunburn, and works beautifully as a pure household cleaner.

All in all, this youthful combination has become my new best friend, with a favored spot in the front of my refrigerator!

Cheers!