Making Switchel - Reenactors Gatorade

Long before the days of soda, sports drinks, energy beverages,  our 18th and 19th century ancestors had summer drinks of their own. One popular drink for a hot summer day was called Switchel.  Since no re-enactor wants to be caught downing a gatorade between historic interpretations, having a historically accurate beverage can be a great relief.  Here are the ingredients.

1/2 Gallon Water
4 Ounces Molasses (Can also use Honey)
2 Ounces Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Ground Dried Ginger

Although there were different variations all of these ingredients were available and are  historically accurate for both 18th century and 19th century interpretations.  I usually mix as follows:

1. Start with 8 oz hot water. 
2. Add the Molasses, Vinegar, and Ginger. 
3. Add to 7 cups of cold water. (8 cups = 1/2 gallon)  

Variations 

Some folks like more Ginger and vinegar added.  Some also add a pinch of Cayenne pepper. You can also add Lemon Juice or Lime Juice. You can also try Honey instead of Molasses or try a 50/50 mix of the two.   If you want to kick it up a notch, you can also some rum to make an adult version. 

If you'd like a walk through, there's a great video from J.A.S. Townsend. 

Home Made Hand Sanitizer

Making hand sanitizer at home is both easy and inexpensive.  It can be made with two ingredients.

1. Aloe Vera
2. 91% Rubbing Alcohol

Fortunately, I keep plenty of both at the house so it's always easy to whip up a batch.  Here's how you do it.

1) Cut some spires of Aloe Vera
As Aloe Vera is handy to have around, I have several plants growing in my yard. It stays soft year round so can be harvested at any time.  Let the "goop" drain out for a bit.  Supposedly, this is Latex so maybe you don't want it.

2) Carve out the Gel
I used a cheese slicer to open up the leaves, I then carved out the gel with s spoon.

3) Blend with Alcohol. 
Make sure you have the 91%, not the wimpy 70% type.  Hand sanitizer has a LOT of alcohol.  You need to keep your overall alcohol percentage at or above 62%.  If you go below,  besides not working as well, it won't evaporate off your hands and will leave you with a sticky mess.  You'll want to blend the Aloe for quite a while to break down the cellular structure then add in the alcohol.

4) Bottle!
This stuff leaks out easily and also evaporates in hot weather so something with a good stopper or lid.  you don't want to loose your precious alcohol on a hot day!  These cork based bottles are not the best, but they look nice.

5) Experiment!
Long as you keep your total alcohol at or above 62%, try different natural flavorings.  I keep oregano, mint, ginger, thyme, lemons, and rosemary all growing at the house and they all can be used for natural aroma. I also make home made vanilla.  Though, the alcohol is only 40% so you have to add it sparingly.