Drinking Vinegars

Photography By Nick Hogan | Last Updated January 25, 2022

Which sounds more appealing to drink, a shrub or a switchel? If you’re in the know, you might vote to imbibe either of these drinking vinegars. If not, it’s time to get acquainted with these vinegar-based beverages, both on their own and as ingredients to cocktails and other libations. Long considered to have health benefits, vinegar has also been used for preserving food, especially prior to refrigeration.

Shrubs originated centuries ago from preserving fruit in vinegar; the fruit-flavored liquid became a popular beverage. A switchel, also called "haymaker's punch" and "ginger water," is very similar to a shrub; instead of fruit, it is made using fresh ginger. Both drinks are refreshing in a glass of ice, diluted with some sparkling water or club soda. Because of their balance of sweet and acidic, they also make flavorful additions to cocktails, and can be found on local bar menus.

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Switchels and shrubs are easy to make at home. Use these recipes as a base, then get creative to vary flavor profiles according to your taste. Try different types of vinegar, fruit and herb combinations or sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup.

Switchel

Also called "haymaker's punch" and "ginger water," switchel is a drinking vinegar made using fresh ginger.

Strawberry Mint Shrub

Use this recipe as a base, then get creative to vary flavor profiles according to your taste. Try different types of vinegar, fruit and herb combinations or sweeteners such as honey and maple...