Haymaker’s Switchel

The original energy drink from Colonial times, haymaker’s switchel has kept New England farmers, and others, well hydrated in the humid summer months. (Rum optional).

When I was a child, once in a while someone in the family made haymakers switchel. I didn’t care for it much as a kid, but a few years ago, I thought it might be worth revisiting. My guests at the inn were always enchanted by old New England customs and foods.

I fiddled with this recipe for a long time trying to make it taste just like what I remembered from my childhood. However, I think the problem was that as an adult, I have a totally different palate, so what I thought was horrible then, actually tastes good to me now.

Even with that, switchel is an odd beverage.

The original hydrating sports drink

Also called haymaker’s punch, from Colonial times on, farmers…