Switchel

Switchel is a beverage I read about in Cook's Country Magazine.  Basically, it is a beverage made from ginger, vinegar, maple syrup, water, rolled oats, lemon zest, and salt.  All the ingredients are placed in a bowl, covered, and placed in the fridge for 6 to 24 hours.  The longer you chill this beverage the stronger the ginger flavor.  

Once the Switchel is taken out of the fridge it is strained into a pitcher.  You serve the Switchel over ice.    I let my Switchel chill for about 8 hours.  It had a sharp gingery taste.  It was nice to sip on but not a  beverage I would gulp down.  



Switchel
From Cook's Country Magazine 

Ingredients:
6 cups water
3/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Bring all ingredients to simmer in large saucepan over medium-high heat.  Once simmering, remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Transfer switchel to bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours.  Strain switchel through fine-mesh strainer set over 2-quart pitcher.  Serve over ice.

Makes about 2 quarts