My kids literally line up for this healthy probiotic drink, and my husband loves it too. Blueberry Switchel is the perfect hydrating beverage for summer time, year round and/or after physical exertion — refreshing and delicious!
6cupsfiltered waterdivided, preferably warm or room temperature; for the Keto version of this recipe, you may sub 4 cups of the water for blueberry tea made with this tea (and then omit all or half of the blueberries [for 1 to 3g net carbs]).
2cupsblueberriesfresh or frozen (defrosted); for Keto, you may wish to use just 1 cup berries, or none, and see above note: sub water for blueberry tea.
1/3cuphoneyor maple syrup; for Keto: use liquid low carb sweetener, like allulose (For Keto, or if you like it sweeter, you may also add stevia, to taste.)
2Tablespoonsfresh gingerminced, or 2 teaspoons dried
optional for herbal version: 2Tablespoonsfresh or dried lavender or multiple branches of fresh basil or rosemarysee Notes section below for these variations
Instructions
Combine the following ingredients in blender: 2 cups water, blueberries, sweetener, apple cider vinegar and ginger.
Purée on medium speed until blueberry skins are teeny, about 50 seconds.
Pour purée through fine mesh colander into a larger bowl, whisking to expedite the process. You'll have the tiny solids left behind (blueberry skins, seeds and ginger solids), and the clearer liquid in the bowl.
Pour liquid into tall 8-cup mason jar (see link below in Recipe Notes). Add final 4 cups water. Stir, and serve immediately. Or, leave out on the counter for a minimum of 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to increase the probiotics.
Combine the following ingredients in blender: 2 cups water, blueberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger and lavender.
Purée 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. Add final 4 cups water. Stir, and leave out on the counter for a minimum of 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
After 4 hours or overnight, pour switchel through fine mesh colander into a large bowl, whisking to expedite the process. You'll have the tiny solids left behind (blueberry skins, seeds, ginger & lavender solids), and the clearer liquid in the bowl.
Pour strained switchel into mason jar or pitcher to serve.
In Step 4 of the main recipe above, add branches of fresh basil or fresh rosemary to your mason jar, so they're fully submerged. Leave out at warm room temperature to steep overnight. Then, chill, and serve (straining out herbs).
The following nutritional data is for the Keto version of the recipe that uses just 1 cup of blueberries and subs in blueberry tea for 4 cups of the water. (You may also remove all of the fresh blueberries if preferred, and use only the tea for flavor, for 1g net carbs.)