It's been sunny for a couple of days here in southern Germany and farmers have been mowing their meadows to let it dry and make hay. Seeing this reminded me of how our parents made this lemonade from water, vinegar and sugar when us kids were conscripted for haymaking. I wondered if the recipe was an invention of my mum or if it was more widely known. Turns out it's been a staple for hundreds of years! BTW: I found it funny that 'Haymaker's Punch' is a beverage but 'haymaker' is also a name for a punch in boxing. (Also a mushroom, it seems) https://www.almanac.com/switchel-recipe-haymakers-punch >Switchel, also known as Haymaker’s Punch, is a refreshing drink with apple cider vinegar. It was how colonial farmers quenched their thirst in the hot, sunbaked fields—which is enough of an endorsement for me! > Switchel, a refreshing and ancient beverage, combines the goodness of ginger, apple cider vinegar, and sweeteners like molasses and maple syrup. Known for its hydrating properties, this tangy elixir boasts a unique flavor profile, making it a wholesome and natural alternative to sugary drinks. Enjoyed for centuries, switchel is a timeless, revitalizing choice. > >Old-Fashioned Switchel Recipe > >Here’s a classic Haymaker’s Punch recipe, which was unearthed from the archives of The Old Farmer’s Almanac: > - 1 gallon water - 1 1/2 cups molasses - 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger