flipSwitchel (Haymaker's Punch)
Switchel (Haymaker's Punch)
Why this dish? At the Homestead, the garden and orchards set the rhythm of the year. Switchel, the thirst-quenching drink of New England harvesters, accompanied the Amherst summers in which Emily lived close to the nature she sang.
A cool, lively drink—water, cider vinegar, molasses, and ginger—that farmers drank to quench thirst in the fields: tart, barely sweet, and peppery.
When June sets the Amherst meadows ablaze, nothing quenches thirst better than this haymaker's brew. I dilute with cool water a little molasses, a dash of cider vinegar, and grated ginger—it's sour, it's sweet, it's alive like a bee. We drink it from a jug, in the shade, between chores. Summer, believe me, is held whole in this tart sip.
- •Fresh spring water — a pitcher (base)
- •Cider vinegar — a dash (refreshing acidity)
- •Molasses — a spoonful (sweetness)
- •Fresh or ground ginger — a pinch (spiciness)
Switchel (Haymaker's Punch)
A cool, lively drink—water, cider vinegar, molasses, and ginger—that farmers drank to quench thirst in the fields: tart, barely sweet, and peppery.
Why this dish? At the Homestead, the garden and orchards set the rhythm of the year. Switchel, the thirst-quenching drink of New England harvesters, accompanied the Amherst summers in which Emily lived close to the nature she sang.
When June sets the Amherst meadows ablaze, nothing quenches thirst better than this haymaker's brew. I dilute with cool water a little molasses, a dash of cider vinegar, and grated ginger—it's sour, it's sweet, it's alive like a bee. We drink it from a jug, in the shade, between chores. Summer, believe me, is held whole in this tart sip.
Ingredients (period version)
- Fresh spring water — a pitcher (base)
- Cider vinegar — a dash (refreshing acidity)
- Molasses — a spoonful (sweetness)
- Fresh or ground ginger — a pinch (spiciness)
Ingredients
- Cold water — 1 litre (base)
- Cider vinegar — 60 ml (acidity)
- Molasses (or honey) — 3 tbsp (sweetness)
- Fresh grated ginger — 1 tsp (spiciness)
- Ice cubes — for serving (coolness)
Method
- Dissolve the molasses in a little warm water.
- Add the cider vinegar and grated ginger.
- Top up with cold water and mix well.
- Let rest in the fridge for an hour to infuse the ginger, then strain.
- Serve very cold, over ice.
How it was made : Switchel (or 'haymaker's punch') was the energy drink of American harvests before the era of sodas: the vinegar cut thirst and the molasses restored strength. It was prepared in a stoneware jug kept in the shade.
The contemporary twist : A sprig of mint from the garden and a slice of lemon: the poet's farmhouse lemonade.
Sources : Lydia Maria Child, The American Frugal Housewife (1829) · New England agricultural traditions — haymaking drink
Emily Dickinson · Charactorium
