I've reported on shrubs (vinegar-based fruit syrups) for years, and only a couple years ago learned about switchels. Now I've just learned about Oxymel.
A while back I posted on the difference between a shrub and a switchel, thanks to Brandon Wise of Imperial in Portland, OR.
Recently, Humberto Marques, Owner/manager of Curfew Cocktail Bar in Copenhagen, sent me a recipe with oxymel in it. I needed to know more.
A quick internet search reveals this definition from Emily Han, author of the book Wild Drinks & Cocktails: Handcrafted Squashes, Shrubs, Switchels, Tonics, and Infusions to Mix at Home:
DRINKING VINEGARS AT A GLANCE:
• SHRUB = VINEGAR + SWEETENER + FRUIT … AND SOMETIMES HERBS AND SPICES
• SWITCHEL = VINEGAR + SWEETENER + GINGER … AND SOMETIMES RUM
• OXYMEL = VINEGAR + HONEY + HERBS
Darcy O'Neil also has a good post about oxymel and other vinegar drinks.
Marques repeated some info he posted at Liquor.com here, plus shared a recipe.
Here is is:
Scarborough Fair by Simon & Garfunkel (by Humberto Marques of Curfew Cocktail Bar)
3cl Parsley, sage , rosemary and thyme Oxymel
5cl Tanqueray gin
3cl apple& rosehip marmalade
4cl lemon juice
1,5cl frangelicoShake all the ingredients and strain into a cocktail glass
Garnish: hazelnut powder floatingHerbs oxymel- 1 liter
in a blender:
2- sprig of parsley, sage , rosemary and thyme
1 litter of acacia honey
280ml apple cider vinegarLiquidise in the blender , strain and filter , keep refrigerated.
Thanks Humberto!