Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
A spoon rests on a jar filled with red liquid, likely spicy watermelon syrup, placed on a green tiled surface with a lime slice nearby.
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Spicy Watermelon Lime Syrup

My spicy watermelon lime syrup combines fresh watermelon juice, Fresno peppers, and lime into a sweet, tart, and gently fiery syrup you'll want to put on everything. Simmer it down low and slow until thick and glossy, then use it in cocktails, mocktails, over ice cream, or anywhere you need a little sweet heat!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Steeping Time10 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Calories: 37kcal
Author: Kristen Wood

Ingredients

  • 4 cups watermelon juice store-bought or blended and strained fresh watermelon; see notes below
  • ½ cup granulated white sugar coconut sugar or brown sugar can be used but the color will be different
  • Zest of 2 limes
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 fresh Fresno peppers thinly sliced
  • Pinch salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Add the watermelon juice, sugar, lime zest, lime juice, peppers, and salt to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, over medium-low heat.
    A close-up of a white bowl containing red sauce with visible sliced red chilies floating on the surface, hinting at the bold flavor of spicy watermelon syrup.
  • Simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half and noticeably syrupy.
    Close-up of a red liquid with oil and chili slices floating on the surface, likely a spicy watermelon syrup or dressing in a bowl.
  • Remove from the heat and steep for 10 minutes. Strain. Cool completely (it will thicken as it cools).
    Sliced red peppers in a small amount of spicy watermelon syrup inside a stainless steel mixing bowl on a green tiled surface.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days or enjoy right away!
    A jar of spicy watermelon syrup with a spoon inside sits beside a whole red chili pepper and a halved lime on a green tiled surface.

Video

Notes

If using store-bought watermelon juice, look for one with no added sugar or flavoring that is just straight juice,or just watermelon and lemon juice. If blending fresh, cut your watermelon into chunks, blend until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the pulp. Fresh-blended gives you a brighter color and slightly more vibrant flavor, but store-bought is a totally fine shortcut and the syrup will still taste great either way!

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 237IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg
QR Code linking back to recipe