Strawberry-Basil Switchel with Probiotics
A revitalizing probiotic-rich switchel featuring sweet strawberries and aromatic basil infused with raw honey, apple cider vinegar, and ginger. This gut-friendly drink balances tangy, sweet, and herbaceous notes for the perfect healthy refreshment.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves lightly torn
- 3 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup for vegan option
- ¼ cup raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar with “the mother”
- 1- inch piece fresh ginger thinly sliced
- 4 cups filtered water
- 2 tablespoons probiotic liquid or contents of 2 probiotic capsules look for multi-strain options with at least 5 billion CFU
- Ice cubes and additional fresh strawberries and basil for serving
Instructions
- Muddle the fruit and herbs: Place strawberries and basil in a large mason jar. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently crush them to release their flavors and essential oils without completely pulverizing them.
- Add sweetener and vinegar: Pour in the raw honey (or maple syrup) and apple cider vinegar. Stir gently until the honey dissolves completely into the vinegar.
- Incorporate ginger and water: Add the sliced ginger and filtered water to the jar. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cover and infuse: Secure the lid tightly and place the jar in the refrigerator. Allow the mixture to infuse for at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours for optimal flavor development.
- Strain the mixture: After infusion, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bottle or jar, pressing gently on solids to extract maximum flavor.
- Add probiotics: Once the mixture has cooled completely, stir in the probiotic liquid or empty the probiotic capsule contents into the switchel. Mix gently with a non-metal spoon (metal can deactivate probiotics).
- Serve or store: Pour over ice and garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a small basil leaf. If storing, keep refrigerated for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Notes
- For maximum probiotic benefits, always add the probiotics after the mixture has completely cooled to avoid killing the beneficial bacteria with heat.
- The flavor intensifies over time—taste after 24 hours and dilute with additional water if you prefer a milder flavor.
- The “mother” in apple cider vinegar contains natural probiotics and enzymes, so don’t filter it out.
- For a fizzy version, mix 1 part switchel with 1 part sparkling water just before serving.
- This makes an excellent base for mocktails—try adding a splash of coconut water or a squeeze of lime for variety.