Cyclists tend to have a wide variety of drinks at their disposal. You can find many discussions (sometimes arguments) regarding the best hydration fluids to carry on your rides. Some folks are water purists, some prefer flavored water, some use prepared sports drinks and many use various additives to their water such as proteins and electrolytes.  
While going through an old cookbook I acquired from my grandmother, I ran across some recipes for Switchel. Also known as Haymker's Punch, Switchel was the popular "sports drink" of the 19th century. It was prepared to be taken out into the fields during harvests and was especially popular because it provided an energy boost but could be drunk cold without causing side effects such as nausea or cramping. I'm planning on mixing up a batch to try on my longer rides, for curiosity as much as anything else, but was wondering if anyone here has ever tried it?
 
 
 
(Cross posted to RRI)

It certainly sounds tastier (to me) than pickle juice. I tried some pickle juice last year at HHH. It caused me to have some significant stomach issues possibly due to its high acidity. The ginger in switchel should mellow that out, but retain the benefits.  
 
There are variations but here are a couple of traditional recipes:
 
2 qts water ( can be 1 gallon)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp ginger (increase to 1 heaping teaspoon if using 1 gallon of water)
 
Boil water. remove from heat and add ingredients. Stir until dissolved. Chill
 
or  
 
 
3/4 cup maple syrup
2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1 heaping teaspoon ground ginger
1 gallon Water
 
Combine ingredients, stir until dissolved. Chill.
 
Allowing the mix to sit overnight gives it fuller flavor. Mix may be strained through cheesecloth after sitting, if preferred.