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Even beyond government issues, switchel found its way onto whale ships, where sailors celebrated their catches with a bucket of spiked drink. Yet, it also had roots in the Temperance Movement, showcasing its versatility across different social circles and agendas. This juxtaposition between alcohol and sobriety solidifies switchel's complex reputation.
Switchel's Cultural Legacy
Switchel was not merely a drink of the working class; it entered the lexicon of American life. Children fondly remembered packing it along for fishing trips, and even lawyers shared it during court sessions. It functioned as both sustenance and refreshment in various settings.