This festive cranberry apple switchel is an easy and delicious ferment – perfect for keeping your body healthy during the holidays and throughout the year!
Healthy drinks.
It might seem, from looking at my homepage, that I’ve been on a little drinking binge lately. Not to worry, I’ve just been drinking my weight in homemade hot chocolate, golden milk, and pumpkin chai lattes. And most recently spiced pumpkin golden milk. I shared the recipe for that over on my Instagram feed, if you want to go check it out. It’s basically taking the place of my summer breakfast smoothie…
While it’s important to stay properly hydrated during the summer, healthy drinks are important in the fall and winter weeks, as well! I know warming drinks are the most popular during the cold months, but every now and again I like to switch things up… with switchel.
What is switchel?
If you’ve never heard what switchel is, let me enlighten you. It kinda sounds like some alcoholic concoction that was illegal when your grandma was a kid (or great grandma, depending on how old you are!), but it’s not! Switchel dates back to the 1700s, when it was dubbed “haymakers punch” and drank by thirsty farmers during the summer.
Despite its strange name, switchel is actually quite nourishing for your body – summer or winter. This is due to its two main ingredients: ginger, and apple cider vinegar.
All-natural goodness.
I‘ve mentioned before in my posts that ginger is great for decreasing inflammation in the body. But ginger’s goodness doesn’t stop there! The benefits of ginger root are vast, including aiding your digestive tract, boosting your immune system, increasing insulin sensitivity (protecting against diabetes), lowering cholesterol levels, and more!
And I know, it doesn’t sound like the most delicious thing to drink, but I’ve come to love apple cider vinegar in the past few years for its multiple health benefits. Just like ginger, apple cider vinegar has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help lower blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, as well as combat sinus congestion and sore throats.
Cranberry Apple Switchel.
Traditionally, switchel is made with ginger, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Since I can’t help but change things up, I added delicious apple chunks and cranberries to this version. You can use maple syrup to sweetened it, if you want, but I like to use honey. A few of my friends have delicious real-food switchels on their blogs, too, I’m sure you’ll love them!
- Lavender Blueberry Switchel from Eat Beautiful
- Pineapple Mango Switchel from All The Nourishing Things
- Strawberry Ginger Switchel from Recipes to Nourish
- also Mixed Berry Switchel from me 😉
In the recipe card I’ve linked to some of the products from my affiliate partners that I like to use. Purchasing through these links won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks!
Cranberry Apple Switchel
Free from grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped organic apple (I used gala, about 1 large apple)
- 1 1/2 cups organic cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/2 cup organic apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup raw honey, or maple syrup
- 8 cups water
Instructions
Place everything in a blender with 2 cups of water. Puree until smooth. (I use the ‘whole juice’ setting on my Blendtec.)
Pour into a 1/2 gallon jar or divide evenly between 2 quart-sized jars. Fill jar(s) with remaining water.
Enjoy fresh or cover with a cloth and a rubber band and let the cranberry apple switchel ferment on the counter for 4-12 hours.
Looking for more delicious and refreshing drinks? Try these favorites! They’re just as healthy and delicious as this cranberry apple switchel!
Blueberry Elderberry Water Kefir
Well that is super simple and I bet this tastes amazing – Making this with my girls this week! Thanks!
It is sooo simple and delicious! I hope you and your girls enjoy it, Renee!
Switchel is kind of like kombucha in flavor? I think my kiddos would totally for this…and that color!!!
It’s not as strong as kombucha, but it is similar. A couple of my kids aren’t really booch fans, but they still like this. 🙂 It’s definitely a fun color!
What a BEAUTIFUL switchel! I know this flavor is amazing, and I’m definitely making it! Thanks for linking to my switchel, too!
You’re so welcome, Lindsey! I hope you enjoy this version!
I LOVE Switchel but have never had this flavor combo … yet! What a lovely, festive flavor for this time of the year. Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks, Emily! I hope you enjoy it!
I’ve actually never had or made swtichel before but I must! Love all the gut friendly probiotics.
It’s SO easy, Jean! I know you’ll love it!
What a beautiful looking drink!! I still have some cranberries left over and will make this!
Thanks, Joni! I hope you get to enjoy it!
I think my switchel brain went to sleep, and then you woke it up with this stunning recipe!! I love this switchel idea so much!! The tart of cranberries with acv is yummy!!!! Thank you for sharing mine too! <3 Pinning galore!
Haha! Thanks so much, Megan! I hope you get to enjoy some delicious switchel soon. 😉
I have been wanting to try a switchel recipe and am so happy I found your apple cranberry version! My whole family loves this flavor combo. Thanks!
I hope your family enjoys it, Meredith!
Yes, this is a very tasty beverage. I just love the tart cranberry with the sweet apple combination 🙂
Thanks, Stacey!
Wow! I love the color of this refreshing drink! I found myself wanting cool drinks in the winter because of the heat and dry air in the house so this will be perfect!
I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Love cranberry drink with apple. So refreshing and delicious!
Thank you! 🙂
Love making switchels! This combination of classic flavours is on my agenda for next week!
You made me laugh.. “Drinking your weight….”
Haha! Thanks, Carol! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Love this idea! Looks and sounds so festive while at the same time being so good for you! Perfect 🙂
Thanks, Hope!
I love the ginger and honey in this drink. Gonna have to try it. Thanks for the great recipe!
I hope you enjoy it, Catherine!
Yum, this looks so good, and I absolutely love cranberries! Plus it’s always nice to have another healthy drink alternative since I’m always finding myself drinking too much coffee!
Sigh, yes… coffee… This is a pretty delicious alternative! I hope you get to enjoy it, Kari. 🙂
I love your berry switchel. I am going to have to try this one too. Thanks.
I’m so glad you enjoy the berry one, Jennifer! I hope you like this one, too!
Can I use powered gimger, I’m currently unhoused, homeless, and I don’t think the real Ginger will keep well, also thinking of doing dry fruit, trying to stay healthy, I’m high risk for covid as is
Yes, you can definitely use powdered ginger. 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!
Hi! I’ve never made a drink like this before. It look as though you strained out the pulp. Is this correct?
I don’t usually strain out the pulp, but you totally can!
Hi! I love how informative and great your articles are. Can you recommend any other blogs that share recipes ofPaleo Bars or any other healthy snack recipes? Thanks a lot!