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My kids literally line up for this healthy probiotic drink, and my husband loves it too. Lavender Blueberry Switchel is the perfect hydrating beverage for summer time, or after physical exertion — refreshing and delicious!
The combination of rich berries, flowery herbs, spicy ginger and a few optional super foods will have you making this quick treat often this sunny season.
This switchel is perfect for most diets and great for Paleo, GAPS and AIP diets.
What is Switchel?
This herbal brew only has a few necessary ingredients: honey or maple syrup, ginger, apple cider vinegar and water.
WHAT IS SWITCHEL GOOD FOR?
Both ginger and apple cider vinegar are hydrating, allowing the body to assimilate water better.
Traditionally, switchels were served to field workers to keep them healthy during long, hot days of labor. Historically, switchels trace back to various regions, including the Mediterranean, China and Israel. They were also very popular in the early Americas.
What’s fun is that switchels are also delicious. Switchels are so refreshing, providing almost instant nourishment.
We now add fruits and herbs to switchels to further enhance their flavor profile and their fun appeal!
I know you’ll love this variation with lavender and blueberries!
Is switchel alcoholic
Historically and usually, switchel is not alcoholic.
But it was consumed by the first American east coast college students, with alcohol added in.
Many people use switchel because it’s a great alternative to alcohol but feels like a special drink.
How much Lavender Blueberry Switchel should you drink a day?
That depends on how active you are. Blueberry Switchel is almost like a natural Gatorade meets smoothie.
You don’t need too much if you’re just sitting around in the shade.
But if you’re out working in the sun, you might enjoy two full glasses …
What are the benefits of switchel?
- Keeps you hydrated and energized!
- Switchel helps to restore electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge and are needed for energy.
- Blueberry Switchel provides a daily dose of apple cider vinegar and thus, can aid digestion when enjoyed with a meal.
- The high content of ginger in all switchels is great for detoxification, digestion and more.
- Whatever you sweeten your switchel with may have its own benefits, for example, raw honey.
Lavender Blueberry Switchel
Equipment
- large pitcher
- blender
Ingredients
- 6 cups filtered water divided, preferably warm or room temperature
- 2 cups blueberries fresh or frozen (defrosted)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons dried lavender optional (omit for just straight Blueberry-Ginger Switchel) find link below in Recipe Notes
- 2 Tablespoons fresh ginger minced, or 2 teaspoons dried
- 1 Tablespoon spirulina optional
- stevia optional (omit for AIP), to taste (my kids like it sweeter! and the flavors ARE more pronounced when it's sweeter)
Instructions
- Combine the following ingredients in blender: 2 cups water, blueberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger, optional spirulina and optional stevia.
- Puree on medium speed until blueberry skins are teeny, about 50 seconds. Add lavender and blend briefly again, about 10 seconds.
- Pour into tall 8-cup mason jar (see link below in Recipe Notes). Add final 4 cups water. Stir and leave out on the counter for a minimum of 4 hours, but preferably overnight. If you omit the lavender, you can also serve Blueberry-Ginger Switchel immediately.
- Chill and serve.
Nutrition
Variations
- This version of switchel includes puréed blueberries. If you want a super refreshing switchel that’s less smoothie-like, pour the finished switchel through a fine mesh strainer. Press on the solids or squeeze through a nut milk bag etc, to end up with a thinner treat.
- Add more fresh ginger for a spicier drink.
- The lavender is optional. Omit if you prefer.
- You may steep another fresh herb in the switchel while it sits, like basil or rosemary.
- Serve with fresh lime wedges.
Have you made switchel before? Read more about the history of switchels and get another lovely recipe (Strawberry-Basil!) HERE.
You might also love making Raspberry-Beet Kvass. Find that recipe HERE.
Kari Peters says
I love the gorgeous color of this drink! And what a great way to get some apple cider vinegar in, as well as spirulina!
Megan says
Good points, Kari! ACV alone is so healthful; we love spirulina with all its minerals and protein. And pretty has its own value! 😉
Meredith says
Switchels sound so delicious and hydrating. Thank you for the history lesson and the yummy sounding recipe!
ChihYu says
What an interesting recipe. I’ve never tried this flavor combo before. Can’t wait to make it !
Katie Walsh says
Never heard of this – but would love to try it. Sounds like something I could get my kids to be on board with too 🙂
Megan Stevens says
Yep, my kids love it. I’m not sure all kids would, but that’s part of the real food journey, and it’s pretty fun when it’s successful.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
Oh yum!!! You know I would love this! Switchel is such a special drink – I love this beautiful flavor combo you came up with. So pretty Megan!
Megan Stevens says
Thank you, Emily!! 🙂
Lindsey Dietz says
i just made switchel for the first time on Sunday morning! I used a mix of blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries with ginger and lemon juice. My kids also wanted extra stevia to make it taste better, but they took some to school this morning! Love the use of lavender here!
Megan Stevens says
Sounds SO delicious!!
JR says
I have dried lavender leaves, would that work in place of the lavender flowers? I loved the strawberry basil switchel from last year’s post btw! Yum! Can’t wait to try this one!
Megan Stevens says
Hi JR, good question. I don’t know for sure the leaves’ flavor potency contrasted with the flowers’. The leaves are usually used for savory culinary purposes, like Herbes de Provence etc, so they definitely have a similar flavor. I think it can’t hurt, but they may be milder or give a slightly different perfume to the switchel. I’d be up for it! I’m so glad you enjoyed last year’s recipe. Thanks for the comment!
Tina Jui says
We drink Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in honey and water regularly, but I’m only learning that it’s called switchel, and there’s so much more that we can do with it — ie. add blueberries, ginger and more 😀 Will try this soon!
Megan Stevens says
Yes, yay! Switchel always has ginger. It’s a major agent in the assimilation of the hydration. Enjoy, perfect timing with a hot summer ahead. 🙂
Carol @studiobotanica says
Switchels/Shrubs are favourite summery preparations in my home.. I’ve made so many but not tried this combo yet. Looking forward to it! What a colour!!
Megan Stevens says
I love that deep blueish purple too!
linda spiker says
Mmmmm! Sounds delicious! Love that you add spirulina:)
Megan Stevens says
Thanks, Linda! I can’t help adding it, knowing its minerals increase as the switchel ferments. So amazing!
Joni Jessica says
Oh wow so easy and I happen to have all of these ingredients on hand! Will definitely need to try!
Megan Stevens says
Great, Joni!!