This is our in-house recipe for a apple cider vinegar based drink. This is a non-alcoholic beverage but I call it Switchy Shots (since this recipe makes a concentrate that can be diluted one to two ounces per eight ounce serving). Other versions are known as switchel, hay-makers punch, shrub or apple cider vinegar drink. It combines many healing ingredients into an invigorating, bold and easy to drink beverage. The breakdown of the benefits of each of the ingredients is at the end of the bottom of the blog. Mix and match ingredients as your palate and the season dictates. I have made delicious versions with cinnamon and apple, dundicot pepper and pineapple, white peach and vanilla and strawberry and rosemary.
Switchy Basic Recipe
In a 2 liter glass container combine
1.5 Tbsp grated fresh ginger (I like to use a microplane for this recipe)
1.5 Tbsp grated fresh turmeric
1 Tbsp blackstrap molasses
1Tbsp maple syrup
(If you prefer not to use sweeteners this can be replaced with 1Tbsp stevia)
1.5 cup apple cider vinegar
3 cups water
3/4 cup juice like apple, peach, pineapple
fresh herbs or mint optional
Mix all the ingredients together until the blackstrap molasses dissolves. Let sit overnight covered in the refrigerator. I tend to leave the ginger and turmeric in the containers and only strain all of it if I notice the ginger getting too firey. Strain 2-3 ounces into a cup and dilute to your preferred concentration with water, seltzer, or tea. If desired dress with a twist of lemon or crush fresh mint or basil into the glass.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Helps with upset stomach
Lower blood sugar levels increase insulin sensitivity
Improved symptoms of diabetes
Boosts energy
Weight loss
Digestive aid
Detoxifying
Cures Hiccups
Clear a sinus/stuffy nose
Soothe a sore throat
Alleviates night time leg cramping
Treats bad breath
Fades bruises
Benefits of Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory
Alleviates depression
Treats Arthritis
Anti-cancer effects
Diabetes management
Gastrointestinal benefits
Regulates Cholesterol
Benefits of Ginger
Treats nausea
Reduces muscle pain
Anti-inflammatory
Helps osteoarthritis
Lowers blood sugar
Treats indigestion
Anti-cancer properties
Reduces menstrual pain
Improves brain function
Fights infection
Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses
Diabetes-friendly sweetener
Beneficial to bone health
Contains Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Selenium, B6, Iron
Beneficial to the blood
Weight loss
Colon Health
Cancer prevention
Antioxidant rich