Haymaker’s Punch Recipe

I feel like I’ve been living in an alternate universe for the last 9 days.

And it’s been glorious.

We just wrapped up our annual horsemanship clinic with clinician Cal Middleton and it was a whirlwind of colt starting, roping practice, 5am gathers, and people camped out at our homestead. I loved every minute of it.

It was also blazing hot and since we were outside or horseback nearly all day, we chugged water like crazy.

However, after sweating profusely on days like that, sometimes you need more than just water to replenish your body.

Gatorade or sports drinks are the most common modern solution. But as you know, their helpful electrolytes are also mixed with hefty amounts of sugar and artificial junk.

Which of course, got me to thinking…

What did people do back in the pre-Gatorade days?

Well, I’m sure they did a lot of things, but one such option is an oft-forgotten drink called Haymaker’s Punch (also known as switchel).

Haymaker’s Punch is basically an old-fashioned version of our modern-day sports drinks. It was favored by haying crews in colonial times (hence the name).

Historic recipes contained vinegar, ginger, and molasses, which just so happen to be considerable sources of potassium– a mineral we lose as we sweat. The vinegar adds a tangy punch which I appreciate on the hottest days. I like to mix mine with a bit of sparkling water, but plain water is OK too.

I originally published this recipe in The Prairie Homestead Cookbook, but I figured the soaring temps across the country warrant me sharing it with you today.

It uses simple ingredients you already have in your pantry and is surprisingly satisfying on these sweltering summer afternoons.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Haymaker’s Punch Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Sparkling water (optional)

Instructions:

In a 2-quart pitcher, combine all the ingredients with 4 cups water, stirring thoroughly to make sure the honey dissolves completely.

Chill for at least 2 hours before serving so the flavors have a chance to mingle.

Serve over ice or combine 2 parts punch to 1 part sparking water.

Notes:

• I love to use homemade apple cider vinegar in my Haymaker’s Punch for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

Haymaker’s Punch Recipe

This recipe is based on an old-fashioned beverage to refresh after a hot day’s work in the fields. The vinegar lends a tangy flavor to the punch, making it surprisingly satisfying on hot sweaty days. I like to mix mine with a bit of sparkling water for an even more refreshing drink.

• Author: Jill Winger

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Sparkling water (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a 2-quart pitcher, combine all the ingredients with 4 cups water, stirring thoroughly to make sure the honey dissolves completely.
2. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving so the flavors have a chance to mingle.
3. Serve over ice or combine 2 parts punch to 1 part sparking water.

More Delicious & Healthy Ways to Beat the Summer Heat:

• Check out my youtube video (above) to see me make this Haymaker’s Punch and also a few other satisfying thirst quencher drinks for the summer
• Enjoy my delicious Honey-Sweetened Lemonade Recipe
• Get some more tips for summer drinks in my 8 Healthy Soda Alternatives List
• Make some homemade popsicles with fresh fruit
• Enjoy some creative fruit and herb slushy combinations