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Interestingly, historical recipes also reference the use of birch sap as a sweetener, though modern renditions may find it lacking in flavor. Regardless of choice, combining sweeteners with water, vinegar, and ginger forms the foundation of this age-old drink.
The Spirit Within Switchel
Upon investigating the beverage's history, the question arises: should rum be added to switchel? Historical accounts are mixed; while some recipes do not include alcohol, others indicate it was regularly served spiked, particularly by the 19th century. For instance, in the halls of Congress, switchel was often made with a healthy dose of rum, enjoyed as senators paused to sip while delivering eloquent speeches.