Laura Ingalls Wilder mentions this type of drink in her book Little House on the Prairie. It was a drink that one could have one's fill of and not be sick. Interesting. I've often wondered what the ratio of ingredients were.
Lots of recipes on google search ...this seems to be a standard version ... &;-)
---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.02
Title: HAYMAKER'S SWITCHEL
Categories: Beverages
Yield: 6 servings
1 c Brown sugar
1/2 ts Ginger
1/2 c Molasses
3/4 c Vinegar
2 qt Water
In haying season, farmers used to take their "nooning" (midday dinner) with
them, including a jug of Switchel to wash the meal down. Although Switchel
was usually straight, farmers have been known to spike it with hard cider,
or
even brandy which Down easters usd to say, "got the hay in the barn in half
the time." Mix together, add ice and chill.
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