Switchel

A switchel is very much like a shrub and, these days, the names tend to be used interchangeably. But way back in the 17th century, a switchel was a drink made with vinegar, ginger, lemon and something sweet such as honey, molasses or maple syrup. It was a popular healthy refreshment for farm hands hard at work in the hay fields, which explains its alternative name ‘haymaker’s punch.’* You could make a shrub with ginger and lemon and call it a switchel.