Turkey Hill Dairy has paid tribute to switchel – a traditional thirst-quencher among farmers – by launching a new line of drinks called Haymakers.
The drink, sometimes referred to as haymaker’s punch, usually combines vinegar or cider vinegar with water before being seasoned with ginger. Switchel came to the American colonies in the late 17th century and, by the 19th century, had established its position as a favourite drink of farmers and farm labourers, used to curb thirst during the hot summer months in the fields.
Turkey Hill’s Haymakers drinks are made with simple ingredients like ginger, honey, vinegar and molasses, and will join the brand’s existing ciders and teas. The six-flavour line-up includes berry punch, lemon punch, sweet tea, lightly sweet tea, original cider, and tart cider.
“Before sports drinks and fortified waters there was switchel, and it helped get farmers through the hottest summer days of the hay harvest,” said Turkey Hill product development manager Derek Frey, the great grandson of Turkey Hill founder Armor Frey. “Recreating that recipe with a 21st century twist was the inspiration behind Haymakers.”
Each natural ingredient in switchel — and today in Haymakers — was carefully selected to deliver key benefits. The ginger soothes and settles the stomach, while the vinegar is said to quench thirst even better than plain water.
Haymakers is available in 18.5oz and 57.6oz sizes at select grocers and convenience stores where Turkey Hill products are currently sold.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024