Turkey Hill Dairy introduces Haymakers beverages

As Lancaster County, Pa.-based Turkey Hill Dairy, owned by Cincinnati-based Kroger, kicks off a year-long celebration of its 85th anniversary, it is paying tribute to the centuries-old beverage — and its own farming roots — with a new line of drinks called Haymakers. Inspired by switchel, a recipe developed by farmers to quench thirst during the hottest days of the hay harvest season, Haymakers ciders, punches and teas are made with simple ingredients such as ginger, honey, vinegar, and molasses. The six-flavor line-up includes Berry Punch, Lemon Punch, Sweet Tea, Lightly Sweet Tea, Original Cider, and Tart Cider — in 18.5-ounce and 57.6-ounce sizes.

"Before sports drinks and fortified waters, there was switchel, and it helped get farmers through the hottest summer days of the hay harvest," said Derek Frey, Turkey Hill product development manager, whose great-grandfather, Armor Frey, founded Turkey Hill in 1931. "Recreating that recipe with a 21st century twist was the inspiration behind Haymakers."

Each natural ingredient in switchel — and today in Haymakers — was carefully selected to deliver key benefits. The ginger soothed and settled the stomach, while the vinegar quenched thirsts even better than plain water. Ingredients also changed based on what was widely available in each region, Turkey Hill said. Farmers in New England and other northern states typically sweetened their beverage with molasses, while southern farmers preferred honey.