Vinegar Tonics

David Trammel's picture

I came across this on FB, by author Pascal Baudar:

"Just finishing my latest book (wildcrafted vinegar) and I have a small section of vinegar drinks. Although quite popular in the past as a refreshing and healthy tonic, they've been a bit forgotten in modern times.

If you make your own raw (wild) vinegars at home, you can create very unique and incredibly tasty probiotic drinks which are a representation of your terroir. For example, last week I made a very simple vinegar drink with elderberry wine vinegar, manzanita powder (a local berry that taste similar to apples), maple syrup, water and a touch of lime juice. It was absolutely delicious but would be impossible to purchase from a supermarket.

Here are a couple of simple recipes anyone can try with store-bought ingredients to get you started and from there you can experiment with wilder versions:

Basic Apple Cider Tonic:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon maple syrup, honey or sugar
3-4 bruised sprigs watermint or store-bought organic mint (optional)
2 cups of water

Procedure:
Place all the ingredient in a jar and shake for a few seconds. Store in the refrigerator and serve cold. It should keep for several days.

My favorite vinegar for this drink is my homemade apple scraps vinegar made with wild apples or my white elderberry wine vinegar.

I have a small section about wild vinegar in my first book "The New Wildcrafted Cuisine" but this new book will be 300 pages of techniques and recipes. http://www.amazon.com/New-Wildcrafted.../dp/1603586067

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Who hasn't heard of "tonics", but I never knew much about them. When I think of medicinal drinks I picture herbal teas. Might be something to look further into. Pascal has several "Wildcrafted" book too.

Comments look interesting: https://www.facebook.com/pascal.baudar/posts/10160058934409759

These are classics - I make a traditional variation known as "Fire Cider" in the autumn - it's delicious and gets you into the winter nicely. Save the herbs and flavourings after you squeeze them out - I make a chutney with them by chopping them very fine and mixing them with raw honey. It's a delicious spread for anywhere you'd use jam!