SHRUBS AND SWITCHELS
Find local versions of these historic vinegary concoctions
This page will help you find both shrubs and switchels made in Upstate New York. Since there aren’t many and they’re similar in recipes, it kinda makes sense to list them both on one page.
“Shrub” can refer to a couple different kinds of beverage, but in most cases on this page it will be the more recent 19th century-America adaptation. A fruited vinegar syrup usually made with some kind of fruit or herbal essence combined with a vinegar and sometimes spices. It can be enjoyed straight, but most people will use it as a mixer with other ingredients.
The “Switchel” is another American colonial-era invention that also uses a vinegar base, but instead of fruit a switchel will feature a ginger-forward flavor. In most cases it also features a sweetener like molasses or honey or maple syrup.
Since it will likely be something you’re thinking as you run through this list, the task of dividing up New York into regions is nearly as complicated as finding all the switches and shrubs made here! Almost no one (even official state entities) has an agreed upon, official standard for separating the regions of the state. You will likely disagree with where some of the borders are drawn here. Try to remember the most important thing on this page is getting you connected with switchels and shrubs produced in your area.
ADIRONDACK REGION Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Herkimer, Hamilton, Lewis, Warren and Washington County
Nothing has been discovered in this region yet.
CAPITAL REGION Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady County
Nothing has been discovered in this region yet.
CATSKILLS REGION Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster County
Nothing has been discovered in this region yet.
CENTRAL NEW YORK REGION Broome, Chenango, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego and Schoharie County
Nothing has been discovered in this region yet.
CHAUTAUQUA-ALLEGANY REGION Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany County
Nothing has been discovered in this region yet.
FINGER LAKES REGION Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Livingston, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Yates and Wayne County
Finger Lakes Cider House
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The folks at Good Life Farm/Finger Lakes Cider House in Interlaken have become favorite destination for folks on Cayuga Lake. Their dedication to using their own produce in making their long line of hard cider is obvious when you take a sip. They also produce a few shrubs like a blueberry lavender and a strawberry peppercorn. Plus, don’t miss out on their Switchel. It’s rare to find someone making both and have them be this amazing!
Finger Lakes Harvest
HUDSON VALLY REGION Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester County
Nothing has been discovered in this region yet.
NIAGARA FRONTIER REGION Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming County
Nothing has been discovered in this region yet.
THOUSAND ISLANDS SEAWAY REGION Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence County
Nothing has been discovered in this region yet.
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