Long before brightly coloured sports drinks, farm workers relied on ‘haymaker’s punch’ – or ‘switchels’ – to survive the physical toll of the August harvest. By infusing the traditional base with summer gluts of wild berries and herbs, you can create a seasonal electrolyte drink.

You will need:

Blackberries, garden mint or lemon balm, fresh ginger, local honey, raw apple cider vinegar, water

To make:

Macerate the fruit: Place berries and mint leaves in a glass jar. Use the back of a wooden spoon to bruise the mint and crush the berries to release their juice. Blend the base: Add grated ginger, honey, and cider vinegar. Stir vigorously.

Infuse: Top up with cold water, seal the jar, and give it a good shake. Pop into the fridge for 2-4 hrs, or overnight.

Strain and serve: Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, then serve chilled over generous tumblers of ice.

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