The recent cold snap in Houston has made me nostalgic for autumn in New England and all its corresponding activities, like day tripping to Salem, Massachusetts, apple-picking, and even raking leaves (in small yards). I've also started craving foods like apple cider, and, on a recent hunt to find a good organic brand, I came across another apple beverage, though not one I readily associate with fall: Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Drink.

I have certainly cooked with apple cider vinegar and had heard of dieters imbibing it straight from the bottle in order to speed up their metabolism. This practice always seemed vile to me, and I suspected any resulting weight loss came from immediately barfing up everything you ate prior to that shot of vinegar. But apparently some studies have shown that drinking apple cider vinegar is, in fact, good for your digestive health, and can lower cholesterol and even help with acne.

Aware that most people can't stomach straight apple cider vinegar, the Braggs (a husband and wife doctor team) temper it with stevia, distilled water, and, in the variety I chose, ginger. The result is a murky, dirty-yellow concoction that requires some vigorous shaking before drinking. The taste is definitely acidic (even an artificial sweetener can't completely hide the vinegar) with some strong notes of ginger, which makes the whole thing more palatable. I can't say I would ever want to sip it with a fine filet mignon or guzzle it after hard workout, but imbibing about eight ounces after eating a greasy sandwich made with too much mayonnaise felt rather soothing.

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks are available online as well as at GNC and Whole Foods and cost about $2 for 16 ounces. Next time I have some extra quarters, I think I'll try the concord grape or honey flavors.