Switchel close up. Switchel, also switzel, swizzle, ginger-water, haymaker's punch or switchy, is a drink made of water mixed with vinegar, and often seasoned with ginger.he recipe is very similar to that of ginger beer, where vinegar is replaced with lemon or lime juice and bacteria are added to induce fermentation. Switchel is bottled and distributed by companies such as Superior Switchel, CideRoad Organic Switchel, Up Mountain Switchel and The Vermont Switchel Company.