I love this simple Watermelon Syrup recipe. I make it often during the summer when watermelon is in season and at its tastiest. Watermelon is one of my favorite flavors, so I keep a jar in the fridge to add watermelon flavor to cold drinks like fresh brewed iced tea or lemonade. My family loves it, too.
The watermelon flavor in this simple syrup is perfect. This recipe even rivals the Monin watermelon syrup brand. It sweetens up beverages and is great used in salad dressings for a tropical twist.
If you like easy syrup recipes, you will love Rhubarb Simple Syrup, Banana Syrup and our delicious Cranberry Syrup.
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Simple Syrup
- Perfect for summer: Watermelon is a sweet and juicy summer fruit. This is a great way to use extra that you have in your kitchen.
- Only 2 ingredients: All you need is fresh watermelon and sugar to make this simple syrup.
- Ready in less than 30 minutes: From start to finish, this homemade syrup is ready in less than half an hour.
Ingredients
You will notice that this syrup only needs two ingredients. Watermelon contains a lot of moisture so there is no need to add water. Just the fruit and a sweetener!
- Watermelon: Fresh, ripe watermelon will make the best watermelon simple syrup. It’s extra sweet and juicy.
- Sugar: The sugar naturally thickens the syrup and adds a touch of sweetness.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Watermelon Mint Syrup: Simmer the fresh watermelon with mint leaves for a subtle mint flavor.
- Sugar-free Watermelon Syrup: Try this recipe with a sugar substitute such as Splenda or monk fruit sweetener.
- Strawberry Watermelon Syrup: Add fresh strawberries with the watermelon for a sweet, strawberry twist.
How to Make Watermelon Simple Syrup
Making this watermelon syrup is easier than ever! Pre-cut your watermelon into even-sized cubes or purchase it already sliced from the grocery store. Then, you can get started on this yummy treat.
Step 1: Add watermelon and sugar. Place the watermelon cubes and sugar in a medium saucepan.
⭐️ PRO TIP: Start with a ½ cup of sugar and add up to an additional ½ cup based on the level of sweetness you prefer.
Step 2: Heat and dissolve the sugar. Heat to dissolve the sugar then simmer the watermelon mixture for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir it occasionally. The goal is for all of the watermelon pieces to soften and the liquid to start thickening. Once the watermelon has broken down, use a potato masher to squeeze all of the juices out of it.
Step 3: Strain. Remove the pan from the heat and cool until you can handle it. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the watermelon pulp from the syrup, leaving a smooth liquid behind.
Step 4: Transfer and refrigerate. Pour the syrup into a mason jar or bottle and seal it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
⭐️ Hint: Be sure that the syrup has completely cooled to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.
If you love recipes like this homemade syrup, you may also enjoy Fresh Pineapple Syrup.
Serving Suggestions
- Some of my favorite alcoholic drinks to use with this syrup recipe are this Pink Mojito and a Tequila Berry Cocktail. They make amazing watermelon syrup cocktails!
- Use this watermelon syrup for drinks like lemonade or iced tea as well.
- These simple Fruit Popsicles would taste great if you add some of this melon syrup!
- Use it as a dip for Baked Brazilian Pineapple or drizzle it on top.
- Add it to Pomegranate Vinaigrette Dressing or make your own dressing for Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Recipe Tips
- Storage: Store this watermelon-flavored syrup in an airtight mason jar or glass bottle for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months! Thaw in the fridge before using it.
- Try an ice cube tray: Consider freezing it using an ice cube tray. This way, you have easy and small portions so you only thaw what you need.
- Blend before straining: You can put your syrup mixture in a blender to help break down the watermelon instead of using a masher.
Recipe FAQs
This could be because it didn’t simmer long enough. Let the syrup reduce for a couple more minutes before removing it from the heat.
This can happen if you don’t give it enough time to cool before refrigerating. Give the jar a good shake and it will be good to use.
Not at all! You will be straining the mixture before use so that will help remove all of the seeds.
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More Delicious Fresh Fruit Recipes
Do you like recipes made with fruit? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Watermelon Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh watermelon diced or cubed
- Granulated sugar amount depends on desired sweetness, typically ½ to 1 cup
Instructions
- Place the diced or cubed fresh watermelon in a saucepan.
- Add granulated sugar to the saucepan, starting with ½ cup, and adjust according to your desired level of sweetness.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow to cook for about 10 minutes, or until the watermelon pieces have softened.
- Use a potato masher or a spatula to press the watermelon and release all the juices.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the watermelon syrup cool.
- Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining watermelon solids, leaving you with a smooth liquid.
- Transfer the watermelon simple syrup to a clean glass jar or bottle for storage.
- Seal the jar or bottle tightly and refrigerate the syrup until ready to use.
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Notes
- Storage: Store this watermelon syrup in an airtight mason jar or glass bottle for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months! Thaw in the fridge before using it.
- Try an ice cube tray: Consider freezing the watermelon syrup using an ice cube tray. This way, you have easy and small portions so you only thaw what you need.
- Blend before straining: You can put your syrup mixture in a blender to help break down the watermelon instead of using a masher.
LINDA says
Thank you, certainly going to give this a try.
Karin and Ken says
I think you’ll be glad you did! Please let me know what you think. I can’t wait to hear! All the best. Karin