lemon ginger switchel

If you love a Moscow Mule but don’t love all the sugar packed into a bottle of ginger beer, you’re going to love this variation. Made with fresh-pressed lemon and ginger, this is the perfect refreshing cocktail or mocktail, delicious with or without the alcohol.

Yield 2 quarts
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
80:20

1 cup roughly chopped fresh ginger

¾ cup maple syrup or honey

½ cup apple cider vinegar

⅔ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Gin or vodka (optional), to serve

1   Place the ginger in a 2-quart saucepan, and add filtered water until the pan is two-thirds full. Bring to a boil over high heat, and boil for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let the ginger steep for 20 minutes.

2   In a 2-quart pitcher or Mason jar, combine the maple syrup or honey, vinegar, and lemon juice. Strain the ginger-infused water into the pitcher, discarding the ginger pieces. Stir to mix all ingredients well.

3   Serve over ice, with 1 to 2 ounces of gin or vodka per serving, if using.