The Haymaker's Drink (or Switchel or Ginger Ale or Swaggel)

P.O. Box420l59 Kanarraville, Utah 84742

The best way I could think of to thank the many people who sent me recipes for The Haymaker's Drink (or Switchel or Ginger Ale or Swaggel), and to thank the magazines who printed my request for information concerning this drink, is to compile all and send each a copy. These are not for sale; this is just my way of saying 'Thank You.'

You will find that the ingredients are the same in just about all the recipes; however, the amounts differ. Making the drink was usually the work of individual farm wives and, being individuals, each had her own way of doing things. The recipe I had in mind did not contain ginger-it did contain soda though-and such a recipe was sent to me, in fact a couple of them.

Each of you who sent a recipe should have received a postcard or brief letter acknowledging receipt. I must also thank the magazines Rural Heritage, Farm Collectors, Gas Engine Magazine, Engineers and Engines Magazine, and Iron Men Album for printing my request for information. These are all great magazines, I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite. In fact, I wouldn't attempt to do so. If you are anything like me, you love reading and experiencing the history of our nation from the 1700s through the 1950s, the railroads, the farming methods and equipment, logging, early construction, and more, too many to list. This is information that is fast being lost and forgotten. It is only through magazines like the above, the shows that we have, and working museums that any of this can be preserved.

For your information, my main interest is railroading. In fact, I am a member of over twenty railroad organizations, president of two (one local, one national). I am also a member of an equal number of historical organizations. Naturally I cannot be active in all of  these, but I do what I can, when I can, for whom I can.

I hope that each of you will enjoy this compilation of recipes as much as I do, and I most sincerely thank you for taking the time to write them and send them to me, this is deeply appreciated.

Recipes for Switchel (Ginger Ale)

1.Sent by Elaine Harrington, Cooperstown, New York, 2? to 3 tbsp. vinegar, ? tsp. ginger, ? cup sweetening (white or brown sugar or honey), Place all ingredients in a quart jar or pitcher, fill with water and ice, mix well.