Long before there was Gatorade, we drank Switchel, an electrolyte drink made from apple cider vinegar, ginger, sweetener (usually molasses), and water. It was also known as Haymaker's Punch, as it was the beverage of choice when harvesting hay in the blistering heat.
Combine chopped ginger and 1 quart of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and then turn off the heat. Allow ginger to steep in the water until room temperature.
In a pitcher or large jar, combine vinegar and molasses (or other sweetener of choice). Mix well to combine and dissolve sweetener.
Strain ginger water to remove chunks of ginger. Add to mixture in the pitcher and stir well.
Add additional water to fill the pitcher or jar. Add slices of lemon and ginger. Keep chilled in refrigerator.
To Serve
Fill a glass with ice. Add a slice of lemon and pour some chilled Switchel on top.
If the Switchel seems to concentrated, simply add the desired amount to your glass and top with cold water. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.