Step 1

Prep the ginger: Use the side of a spoon to scrape the skin off the ginger. Cut the ginger into slices. You should have about 1/4 cup of sliced ginger.

Step 2

Infuse the ginger: In a medium saucepan. bring the ginger and 2 1/4 cups water to a boil. Remove from the heat. Let sit for 10 minutes.For a gentler, less-spicy switchel, don't boil the water; combine the water and ginger in a jar and let them infuse gently on the counter for a few hours.

Step 3

Combine the ingredients: In a quart-sized glass canning jar or other lidded glass container, combine the honey and vinegar. Add the ginger and water. Cover with a lid and shake to combine the ingredients.

Step 4

Refrigerate: Cover the jar and transfer to the fridge. Drink once cold or let the ginger infuse for up to 4 days, at which point you can strain out the ginger. The longer the ginger infuses, the stronger the flavor will become. The prepared switchel will keep for seven days in the refrigerator.

Step 5

Serve: Pour the switchel into a glass filled with ice. Drink it straight (which will be more concentrated and spicy), or top with still or sparkling water to dilute and soften the flavor. Stir and enjoy.