I love finding ways to capture the flavor of summer, and this watermelon syrup does just that. It’s sweet, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. I use this condiment for drinks, desserts, and even savory foods!
Contents
Watermelon Syrup Recipe
Watermelon syrup is a sweet, concentrated liquid from watermelon and sugar. Unlike artificial syrups, it captures the juicy, sweet essence of the fruit’s natural freshness.
Its light, summery flavor makes it a favorite for warm-weather recipes. The syrup enhances cocktails like Watermelon Martini, Mojitos, Margarita, and Bellinis. It sweetens mocktails such as sodas, iced teas, lemonades, and agua fresca.
For savory options, watermelon syrup works in salads with feta, mint, basil, or cucumber. It balances salty or spicy flavors like chili, lime, or spiced salt. You can drizzle the syrup over ice cream, yogurt parfaits, fruit salads, or oatmeal. It also works well as a glaze for grilled fruits and proteins.
This condiment can be combined with lime juice, olive oil, and herbs to make a bright dressing for watermelon-based salads or mixed greens.
This is how to make the watermelon syrup:
Watermelon Syrup
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 cups seedless watermelon diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice optional, for brightness
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Blend the diced watermelon in a blender until smooth.
- Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan to remove pulp (you should get about 2½–3 cups juice).
- Add sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer for 12–15 minutes or until it thickens slightly (it will thicken more as it cools).
- Cool completely, then transfer to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a thicker syrup (like for desserts), simmer 5–10 minutes longer.
- Use overripe watermelon for more flavor and less waste.
- Add a few mint leaves during simmering for a refreshing twist, then strain out.
Similar Recipes:
Variations
Here are some popular watermelon syrup you can try at home:
- Preparation Methods
- No-cook (Cold Process) Syrup combines fresh watermelon cubes with sugar and lets the mixture sit in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours, then strain it.
- Muddling and Maceration Version muddles watermelon with sugar and let it sit, sometimes with warm syrup poured over, to extract flavor without cooking.
- Flavor Infusions and Additions
- Herb Infusions add fresh herbs like mint, basil, thyme, or rosemary during the syrup-making process. Mint is especially popular for a refreshing twist.
- Spices and Heat Additions incorporate jalapeño slices, chili powder, or a pinch of salt for complexity and a spicy or savory flavor.
- Citrus Versions include lime or lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Sugar Variations use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a caramelized flavor and darker syrup.
- Sugar-free Versions use sugar substitutes like monk fruit or Splenda.
- Vodka Addition adds a small amount of vodka (about ½ oz per batch) to the syrup. This can extend its refrigerated shelf life up to 4 weeks without compromising flavor.