There is no doubt that if you are after a thirst-quencher to add to your cocktails, then you really can’t go past the humble watermelon. No other fruit quite says ‘day drinking, poolside’ as loudly as this sweet, succulent fruit.
And while adding fresh watermelon is always the aim, sometimes having a watermelon syrup, which is pre-batched and easily on hand is really the way to go. Super simple to make but bursting with sun-ripened watermelon flavour, Watermelon Simple Syrup can easily be added to a range of cocktails from highballs to spritzes.
Watermelon Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon (from 2 small seedless watermelons)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Stir together all ingredients in a medium saucepan, and bring mixture to a boil over high, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until watermelon loses colour and liquid is very light pink, about 30 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl. (Do not press hard on solids to remove any additional liquid.) Discard solids. Pour syrup (about 4 cups) back into the saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high. Boil until mixture is reduced by about half, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and cool completely for about 1 hour. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
