SUMMER DRINK

An Age-Old Summer Punch

Before Gatorade, hardworking farmers in colonial days turned to Haymaker's Punch, also called switchel, for refreshment. This was the drink of choice for workers out in the field who wanted to cool off with something with a bit more of a kick than just plain old well water.

A simplified version of ginger beer, switchel may be sweetened in a number of ways--sugar, honey, or maple syrup--but our preference has always been molasses.

Here's a classic recipe:

Mix 1 quart water, 1/2 cup molasses, 1 teaspoon powdered ginger, and the juice of 1 lemon.Serve ice-cold.

Article Cradit: http://www.almanac.com/