Make this simple homemade Melon Syrup in minutes with fresh cantaloupe or another variety. A perfect addition to cocktails, teas, pancakes, fruit salad, or desserts.
When summer rolls around, I’m always looking for ways to bring those bright, refreshing flavors into my kitchen. That’s where this homemade melon syrup comes in—a simple yet flavorful syrup.
I made this one from fresh cantaloupe, but you can use honeydew, galia or other varieties.
Whether you’re stirring this melon syrup into your iced tea, drizzling it over pancakes, or mixing it into a cocktail, it adds a burst of fruity sweetness that instantly evokes the best of summer.
The taste of this syrup is pure sunshine—a blend of natural melon sweetness with just the right amount of sugar to enhance the flavor without overpowering it.
The cantaloupe brings a unique musky sweetness that’s distinctly different from other melons, offering a rich and full-bodied flavor profile.
And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with just three ingredients (and one of those is water!) you probably already have in your kitchen.
Making melon syrup at home means you’re in control of what goes into it—no artificial flavors or preservatives here. It's also much cheaper to make at home, rather than buying store bought from Monin or Torani.
Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted with different types of melon or even combined with other fruits or herbs for a custom flavor twist.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves to experiment in the kitchen or just wants to add a new go-to recipe to their summer repertoire.
If you love the taste of melon, be sure to try this Melon Compote or Watermelon Syrup. Love making homemade simple syrups (I do!), then be sure to check out this huge list of Homemade Pancake Syrup Recipes.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With only three ingredients and a straightforward process, this syrup is simple enough for anyone to make.
- Versatile: Use it in drinks, desserts, or as a topping for pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream.
- Natural Ingredients: No artificial flavors or preservatives—just fresh melon, sugar, and water.
- Customizable: Try it with different types of melon or add other fruits or herbs for a unique flavor twist.
- Perfect for Gifting: Bottle it up and give it as a homemade gift—it’s sure to impress! Why not also add a bottle of Elderberry Syrup, Pineapple Syrup, or Matcha Syrup!
Ingredients
- Melon (Cantaloupe): The star of the show, cantaloupe gives the syrup its distinct sweet and fragrantly musky flavor. You can substitute honeydew, watermelon, or even a mix of different melons for a slightly different taste.
- White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps preserve the syrup. You can use cane sugar, but avoid brown sugar as it may overpower the melon’s delicate flavor.
- Water: Helps to dissolve the sugar and bulk out the syrup.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Types of Melon to Use
While cantaloupe is the classic choice for this syrup, you can use honeydew, watermelon, or even specialty melons like Galia or Charentais for different flavors.
Other Names for Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is also known as muskmelon, rockmelon (in Australia and New Zealand), or spanspek (in South Africa). These names refer to the same melon species with slight variations depending on the region.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Deseed the melon and cut the ripe flesh into small cubes, so you have 1 cup of melon.
Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour in the mixture to remove the cantaloupe pieces.
Pour into a bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator once completely cooled.
Note: the melon syrup will thicken further once cool.
Variations
- Mixed Melon Syrup: Combine different types of melon, like honeydew and watermelon, for a unique blend of flavors.
- Herbal Infusions: Add a sprig of fresh mint, basil, or thyme to the syrup as it simmers for an herbal twist.
- Citrus Kick: Add a strip of lemon or lime zest to the pot while simmering to give the syrup a bright citrus note.
- Spiced Syrup: A pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon can add warmth and complexity to the syrup, making it perfect for fall.
Serving Suggestions
- Drinks: Stir into iced tea, lemonade, or cocktails for a refreshing twist. Try it with some of these Poolside Drinks.
- Desserts: Drizzle over ice cream, cheesecake, cakes or fruit salad for a fruity touch.
- Breakfast: Use it as a sweetener for oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes or waffles.
Storage
Store: Store your melon syrup in a clean, airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks.
Freeze: If you want to make a larger batch, you can freeze the syrup in ice cube trays and store the cubes in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Flavor Pairings for Melon (Cantaloupe)
Cantaloupe pairs beautifully with flavors like mint, basil, lime, ginger, and honey. It also works well with other fruits like berries, citrus, and tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.
What Does Melon Syrup Taste Like?
The taste of this melon syrup is sweet, slightly musky, and intensely fruity, with a rich cantaloupe flavor that shines through.
It’s balanced by the sugar, which enhances the natural sweetness without overwhelming the melon’s delicate notes.
Top tips
- Choose Ripe Melon: The key to a flavorful syrup is using a ripe melon. Look for cantaloupes that have a sweet aroma and yield slightly to pressure.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Allowing the syrup to simmer for the full 10 minutes helps to extract maximum flavor from the melon.
- Fine Mesh Sieve: Use a fine mesh sieve to strain out the melon pulp for a smooth syrup. Pressing gently on the solids with the back of a spoon can help extract more liquid.
- Cool Before Bottling: Make sure the syrup has cooled to room temperature before transferring it to a jar or bottle to avoid condensation. How to Sterilise Glass Bottles.
FAQ
Absolutely, but the flavor might be a little less intense. No need to thaw it before adding to the pot.
You can experiment with other fruits like peaches, strawberries, or even pineapple for different flavors.
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📖 Recipe
Melon Syrup
Equipment
- Pot
- Fine mesh sieve
Ingredients
- 1 cup melon (150g) I used cantaloupe, but honeydew and others also work
- 1 cup white sugar (200g)
- 1 cup water (240g)
Instructions
- Deseed the melon and cut the ripe flesh into small cubes, so you have 1 cup of melon.
- Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour in the mixture to remove the cantaloupe pieces.
- Pour into a bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator once completely cooled.
- Note: the melon syrup will thicken further once cool.
Notes
- Choose Ripe Melon: The key to a flavorful syrup is using a ripe melon. Look for cantaloupes that have a sweet aroma and yield slightly to pressure.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Allowing the syrup to simmer for the full 10 minutes helps to extract maximum flavor from the melon.
- Fine Mesh Sieve: Use a fine mesh sieve to strain out the melon pulp for a smooth syrup. Pressing gently on the solids with the back of a spoon can help extract more liquid.
- Cool Before Bottling: Make sure the syrup has cooled to room temperature before transferring it to a jar or bottle to avoid condensation.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Holley
I had some canatloupe that was getting a bit old so gave this recipe a try. This syrup is so easy to make and absolutely delicious! I just used this in my breakfast smoothie and it's a game changer!
Kelley
We used this syrup in a cocktail and it was fantastic!!
Ned
This Melon Syrup was sweet, vibrant, and was perfect in our gin and soda cocktails!
Beth
Oh, yum! I have a few cocktail recipes that this will be perfect for!