What did we do before Gatorade and other electrolyte–boosting beverages? A drink called Switchel or Haymaker’s Punch was often the preferred option. It is thought to have originated from Oxymel, a concoction of apple cider vinegar, honey and water, dating back to the days of Hippocrates. The Switchel version adds molasses, maple syrup or brown sugar and ginger to the blend. These ingredients are all dietary sources of potassium, which gives this drink its natural electrolyte–replenishing properties. My family has always made it using hot water and equal parts cider vinegar, maple syrup and honey or agave—it tastes just like hot apple cider, perfect for fall!

You can make your own Switchel at home using this simple recipe: 1 tbsp. Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tbsp. Coombs Grade B maple syrup, and 1 tbsp. agave or Fresh to Market Honey, mixed with 8 oz. hot or cold water. You can drink it just like this, or add ginger (we like the canned ginger chips from Ginger People) or molasses to taste. • Lorna Parton (Healthy Living)