Farming in 17th century New England was thirsty work. It was hot and sweaty, and everything was done by hand. But there’s one thing farmers did have going for them, and that was a vinegary concoction called a Switchel. Made from apple cider vinegar, ginger, molasses, lemon, and water, the Switchel (aka the Haymaker’s Punch) was the Gatorade of its time. It refreshed tired farmers, replaced electrolytes, and the vinegar killed any nasty bugs in the water. It wasn’t served with booze back then because of the harvest, but it had a strong ginger bite to mimic the burn of alcohol. Today, the Switchel is making an Apple Cider Vinegar Cocktail comeback, and you’re in for a sweet (and sour) treat.
Apple Cider Vinegar Cocktail
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Fill a double rocks glass with ice
02
2.
Add the bourbon, vinegar, maple syrup, and ginger beer and stir until chilled
03
3.
Garnish with a lemon twist and serve
Variations
This Apple Cider Vinegar Cocktail is positively bursting with opportunities to make it your own. You can switch out the bourbon for vodka, gin, rum, or any spirit that grabs you. You can sweeten it with sugar, honey, or molasses (if you’re feeling old school). You can even infuse simple syrup with fresh ginger. Try club soda instead of ginger beer or garnish it with candied ginger instead of lemon. You’re the 17th farmer of your Switchel story so craft your ultimate thirst quencher.
You also might like: Super Easy Hot Apple Cider Cocktail.
When to serve
The Apple Cider Vinegar Cocktail recipe is built for the summer heat, but the ginger spice will work just as well in the cold. The flavour profile pairs brilliantly with barbecue or anything off the grill. You could even omit the booze and serve it as a mocktail at your next garden party or sports tournament.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Apple cider vinegar is as safe to mix with alcohol as any other fruit juice or soda.
The heavily wooded flavours of Bourbon and whiskey work well with the sweet, earthy flavour of apple cider.
Our cocktail recipe is made with bourbon, but you can make an apple cider vinegar vodka cocktail and it’ll be delicious.
