This summer has been brutal. The heat started so early and has just continued and we aren’t even to August yet!

Rain feels like a myth. It is so dry. Fires a popping up all over. My husband and I met as Wildland Fire Dispatchers years ago, and honestly? This summer scares me. It is the perfect storm for extreme fires. Ranchers around us are worried about feeding their livestock through the winter since hay just isn’t growing like it should in these extra dry conditions.

The other night, completely overwhelmed by the heat, the sticky flies that are literally everywhere, and thirst I remembered haymaker’s punch.

Haymaker’s punch, also called Switchel, has its roots in the Caribbean in the 17th century. However, it became popular in the U.S.in the 19th century for going out into the hay fields with the workers .

This recipe came from The Prairie Homestead Cookbook by Jill Winger:

3 TBS honey

3 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar

1 TSP lemon juice

1 TSP ground ginger

2 liters water

When I serve it I add a dash of Redmond’s Salt for added electrolytes. It’s absolutely lovely in this heat!