I like to have the switchel in the fridge; good to have a sip when you wake up or thirsty or as palate cleanser even can be added to vodka/gin mixes.
In the authentic recipes there is always vinegar, but honestly I don't care about it, if you want to add vinegar to anything, just add it to your glass :)
To become a bit fizzy, it takes about 3-4 days in room temp, then you can move it to fridge to slowdown the fermentation, but assuming you will drink it in few days anyways.
Here is the recipe I use, it's pretty flexible.
Ingredients
4 cups filtered water or spring water but never a tap water
2- inch piece of fresh ginger root thinly sliced or chopped – just wash no need to peel
3 tablespoons raw honey or molasses; pomegranate, grape, blackstrap - I prefer grape molasses
Handful of fresh mint – Lavender or rosemary can be used too
Optionally - 2 tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar with "the mother" - see my note above
Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a large jar, cover, and shake well. Make sure you leave 1-2 inches space at the top. I use fermentation lids, see below, but since it's only 3 days fermentation you may not need them, regardless I suggest you to have them.
Leave it in a dark place for 3 days, then move it to refrigerator overnight.
For serving, shake and strain first. Keep the strained ginger etc pieces in the freezer to add to your smoothies
Now this is how you make Switchel.
I use the same concept to make fizzy drinks that are not called Switchel and use the pieces for smoothie; just cut up bunch off apples, oranges etc beets are the best, add water and let it ferment.
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