Switchel – The Natural Homemade Sports Drink!
Switchel – The Natural Homemade Sports Drink!
Switchel is also known as the Haymaker’s Punch from possibly over 100 years ago to help farmers stay hydrated and maintain their electrolytes. It is quite delicious! The first four ingredients (apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, sea salt, and a 1-inch piece of ginger root is part of the original switchel recipe). Some like to add Organic 100% grape juice as it tastes like grape Gatorade!
Fueling our body with clean ingredients will help our human engines in the most optimal way. Most common commercialized sports drinks contain processed sugars, artificial flavors, and ingredients in which we should try to avoid as they can hinder our overall health.
Below is a recipe from the No Meat Athlete Cookbook with my added commentary!
Grape Switchel Recipe
Nutrition Information Serving size:
5 cups Calories: 251 Fat: 0 g Carbohydrates: 66 g Sodium: 609 mg Fiber: 0 g Protein: 1 g
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps with stomach upset and nausea)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (contains magnesium and potassium)
• 4 cups (960 ml) filtered water
• ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 cup grape juice (use organic if possible)
Side notes from AJ: Even though this recipe does not include ginger, I highly recommend keeping the ginger (minced or ginger powder 1/4-1/2 tsp) in this recipe. Ginger has a powerful natural anti-inflammatory component along with carrying antioxidants. Ginger encompasses the presence of oil called gingerol which is excellent for digestion, nausea, and boosting immunity. Also, ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help soothe sore muscles after a hard workout!
Instructions:
• Shake then refrigerate overnight and drink.
• Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to join.
• Store in a Glass Container, never plastic (large mason jars are an easy option).
• From the cookbook- Another option is to mix everything but the water together and freeze in ice-cube trays, then portion them out into your hydration pack or bottles.
For more fun info on all things ginger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEGx5OdOIn0 or https://draxe.com/nutrition/10-medicinal-ginger-health-benefits/