A spicy-cool beverage that dates to the 17th-century Caribbean, the switchel has recently caught on with modern-day bartenders, who’ve revived the tradition of spiking the cider-vinegar concoction with rum—creating a refreshing alternative to most sweet summer cocktails.
This recipe comes courtesy of Austin Hartman, owner of New York’s Paradise Lounge.
- Prepare the base: Mix two parts apple cider vinegar, two parts fresh ginger juice, and one part maple syrup in a jar.
- Serve it up:
- Add 3⁄4 oz of lime juice, 11⁄2 oz of switchel base, and 11⁄2 oz soda water to a Collins glass filled with ice.
- Next, float 2 oz of dark rum (Coruba, Gosling’s, etc.) in the glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or rosemary sprigs.
This article is part of our Summer School series, a comprehensive guide to acing the year’s best season.
