When you’re needing a cold refreshing drink this summer reach for this easy, anti-inflammatory mixed berry switchel! It’s paleo, GAPS-friendly, and refined sugar-free. 

Immune-Boosting Mixed Berry Switchel #paleo #GAPSdiet #realfood #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #grainfree #fermented #drinks #berries #summer #immuneboosting #healthydrinks

The need for healthy drinks.

It’s always around this time of year (when it’s heating up in the south) that the sodas, Gatorades, and such start coming out full force. Sugar, food coloring, caffeine, what more could you want?

Gross.

If you struggle with needing to drink something besides water during the spring and summer months, set those other drinks aside and make yourself some switchel. 

Immune-Boosting Mixed Berry Switchel 2

What is switchel?

Even though switchel sounds like some alcoholic concoction, it’s not! And despite its rather strange name, switchel is quite nourishing for your body no matter what time of year you drink it. Switchel dates back to the 1700s, and was called “haymakers punch” as it was drunk by thirsty farmers during the summer.

The nourishing content of switchel comes courtesy of two of its main ingredients: ginger, and apple cider vinegar. Ginger is great for decreasing inflammation, increasing insulin sensitivity (protecting against diabetes), helping you digest food, boosting your immune system, lowering cholesterol levels, and more! Apple cider vinegar is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help lower blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, as well as combat sinus congestion and sore throats.

Immune-Boosting Mixed Berry Switchel 4

Mixed Berry Switchel.

Besides the wonderful benefits of apple cider vinegar and ginger, this Mixed Berry Switchel has that added bonus of berries. Though you can use any kind you want, I went with mulberries, blueberries, raspberries (yay Costco’s frozen triple berry mix!), and cranberries.

Considered one of the highest ranking sources of antioxidants, berries are full of vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, E, and K. These properties help fight off inflammation, and boost the immune system.

Raspberries also have a special compound called ellagic acid, which has exhibited anti-carcinogenic effects. And cranberries help keep the bacteria that causes UTI’s (like E. coli) from attaching to the wall of the urinary tract.

Immune-Boosting Mixed Berry Switchel 3

Healthy, tasty drinks.

If you need more summer-friendly ways to sneak nutrients into your drinks, here are some of my favorites…

When you're needing a cold refreshing drink this summer reach for this easy, anti-inflammatory Mixed Berry Switchel! It's paleo, GAPS-friendly, and refined sugar-free.  #paleo #GAPSdiet #realfood #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #grainfree #fermented #drinks #berries #summer #immuneboosting #healthydrinks

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!

Mixed Berry Switchel

Free from grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (I used a combo of mulberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
  • 1 1/2 cups organic cranberries
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup organic apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup raw honey
  • 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 ferment on the counter for 4-12 hours.

Raias Recipes - https://raiasrecipes.com

Anti-Inflammatory Mixed Berry Switchel #paleo #GAPSdiet #realfood #refinedsugarfree #dairyfree #grainfree #fermented #drinks #berries #summer #immuneboosting #healthydrinks