The preparation of switchel.
Photo credit: rookielion, stock.adobe.com
Why Vinegar-Based Drinks Were Used Historically
Before the advent of sports drinks, our ancestors used nature’s goodness to replenish the necessary electrolytes after days of hard work in the beating sun. Particularly in the days without water treatment plants or refrigeration, even just keeping water sanitary because of bacterial growth within containers, vinegar would be added to help preserve the water.
Captain Benjamin Morrell says in his book, A Narrative of Four Voyages: To the South Sea, North and South Pacific Ocean, Chinese Sea, Ethiopic and Southern Atlantic Ocean, Indian and Antarctic Ocean:
“The water in which we drink at sea is always more or less impure. This is readily corrected by a little vinegar, which also tends to promote that salutary perspiration which in hot weather, prevents putrid fevers, and inflammations of various kinds.”
He also goes on to explain that he recommends each vessel carry a quantity of shrub in place of “ardent spirits” as it’s better for the men in helping prevent scurvy.
During Captain Morrell’s time, it wasn’t well understood exactly why vinegar was effective in preserving water or how it killed bacteria as a cleaning agent (a topic he also discusses in his book), only that it did work. It kept men alive even on the raging seas, far from home. This timeless information remains relevant even today.
How to Drink Vinegar Safely
Few people wish to drink vinegar straight. Due to its harsh nature, repeated consumption of undiluted vinegar can lead to esophageal stress or injury. Therefore, it is, at minimum, recommended that you mix your Apple Cider Vinegar or other kinds of vinegar at a ratio of 2 Tablespoons to 8 ounces of water, or as is tolerable for you.
However, many folks wish to enjoy a good, sweetened drink. This is where the classic Switchel recipe comes in handy.
How to Drink Vinegar Safely
Haymaker Switchel
1 gallon cool water
2 cups sugar
1 cup molasses
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Ginger Switchel
2 quarts cool water
¾ cups sugar or honey
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ginger
Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
What Are Shrubs?
Shrubs came about as another way to preserve fruit within a vinegar-based syrup. Modern uses include drinking a glass of switchel, to using them as mixers in cocktails. If the final shrub is too potent for your taste, try mixing in some tonic or seltzer water for a fizzy afternoon treat.
Blackberry Shrub
- Put 4 quarts of fresh berries in half-gallon canning jar.
- Fill jar with apple cider vinegar.
- Ensure the berries are covered. Using a weight or spring like for making sauerkraut, ensure that berries stay submerged.
- Cover with a fermentation lid. Alternatively, you can use a coffee filter and rubber band.
- Let stand in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks.
- Strain out the vinegar into a clean jar. Not pressing the pulp.
- To the juice, add equal parts honey, cup for cup. Stir until honey is completely dissolved.
- Store in sterilized bottles.
Strawberry Shrub
- Pour 3 quarts of apple cider vinegar over 9 pounds of ripe strawberries and let stand for 24 hours.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, strain
- Add sugar in the amount of 3 cups for every 2 cups of juice.
- Boil the sugar with the juice 5 minutes, then strain again.
- Store in sterilized bottles.
Oxymel: The Oldest Known Sports Drink
The oldest known sports drink is Oxymel. Oxy- means acid, and -mel means honey—the drink of the Roman gladiators, among others.
At its core, Oxymel is strictly one part vinegar to one part honey. It can be as easy as 4 ounces of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of honey, mix well for a single drink for someone.
From there, you can experiment with various types of fruit ciders or infused honey for a mix-and-match game to find exactly what you enjoy or what is in season. Is this for a summer replenishment, and do you need more electrolytes? Or is it winter warmth, and you’re trying to keep the common cold at bay? Adding different herbal infusions from your garden can add flavor and have a new use for your bountiful harvest.
Enjoying Nature’s Sports Drinks
Enjoying a refreshing beverage doesn’t require an expensive sports drink, alcohol, or soda. A little bit of nature’s goodness through vinegar, honey, and berries of choice can make for various concoctions to treat your family.
References
Morrell, Benjamin. A Narrative of Four Voyages: To the South Sea, North and South Pacific Ocean, Chinese Sea, Ethiopic and Southern Atlantic Ocean, Indian and Antarctic Ocean: from the Year 1822 to 1831. J. & J. Harper, 1832.
Elizabeth Wunder, Master Food Preserver, Volunteer
Samantha Houston. Food Systems & Safety Agent
