Before Gatorade, hardworking farmers in colonial days turned to Haymaker’s Punch, also called switchel, for refreshment. This was the drink of choice for workers out in the field who wanted to cool off with something with a bit more of a kick than just plain old well water.
There’s nothing better for a hot summer day than a cold glass of lemonade. We think this version is just right, but you can adjust the sugar and lemon to find your perfect version.
We’ve all heard of rhubarb pie or jam, but how about this slightly tart but oh-so-good punch? After you taste it, you’ll want to plant some rhubarb in your yard.
What is your go-to summer drink? Share it with us in the comments!
Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann
We have 2 lemon trees that are still giving us lots of fruit in June. We squeeze and freeze the juice in ice cube trays, I sometimes add sprigs of Lavender before freezing. I put the cubes into a tumbler or large glass fill with water and viola, instant lemonade. since we pick the fruit as it falls off the trees it is sweet and needs no sugar. Sometimes I'll add some fresh mint leaves.
Lemonade is always a favorite during the hot days of summer, but I also enjoy a cold glass of brewed "white iced tea" infused with a sprig of pineapple mint. :~)