How to Make Lychee Syrup

There is a lychee farm situated not too far from us. This farm had an open-type day where we could go and pick some lychees. You had to pay for a box and could pick enough to fill the box. So, we decided to go and check out the farm and pick some fresh lychees. These lychees were so juicy and delicious, I decided that I would try and cook with a few. This homemade lychee syrup is so easy to make and tastes delicious when poured over pancakes or ice cream or used as a cordial.

Homemade Lychee Syrup

This delicious lychee infused syrup adds a lovely sweet flavour to desserts, drinks such as iced tea and lemonade, and more. With only a couple of ingredients, it is easy to make and it keeps for a long time as well! 

If you love this syrup, you will also enjoy these delicious syrup recipes –  lime syrup, orange syrup, strawberry syrup, blueberry syrup, mulberry syrup, rosella syrup, and elderberry syrup.

What are Lychees?

Lychees are a little ball-shaped fruit that are sweet and juicy. They have a leathery-type shell that is peeled off to revel an opaque, white-fleshed fruit. Inside this fruit is a large black seed that is not eaten. 

Though they are very good for you – high in antioxidants, vitamins B and C, as well as loads of other minerals, they are high in sugar, so if you’re diabetic, you may want to enjoy them in moderation.

Ingredients

Ingredients to make lychee syrup are:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup lychees – peeled and pitted

Make Lychee Syrup

To make lychee syrup, first add the water and sugar to a saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Add in the lychees, gently stirring and pressing on the fruit.

Let the syrup reduce and thicken. Stir occasionally until the mixture will lightly coat the back of a spoon. It will have a similar consistency to that of maple syrup.

Cool slightly, then pour through a sieve into a clean glass jar. The lychee chunks can be eaten or discarded.

Use to flavour drinks or as a topping for desserts.

Store this syrup in the fridge for up to one week.

Storing this Lychee Simple Syrup

This lychee simple syrup can be stored in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for up to six months.

Uses for Lychee Syrup

Lychee syrup can be used for many things including:

• drizzling over pancakes, cakes or waffles
• as a dressing on fruit salad – remember a little goes a long way
• making a lovely, fresh homemade lemonade drink
• as an addition to marinades and dressings for a delicious sweet taste
• add a dash to water or iced tea 
• make your own lychee drink by adding a dash to sparkling water
• drizzle over ice cream for a lovely dessert
• add to yoghurt to give it a lovely, sweet flavour
• drop a small amount to hot tea to give it a fresh lychee flavour
• add a little punch to your smoothie 

If you are wanting to can this recipe, follow proper canning rules. Ladle into sterilised jars, leaving ½” head space. Wipe the rim of each of the jars with wet paper towel, place lid on and tighten. Place in canning pot and water bath for 15 minutes. For best long-term storage, keep jars in a cool, dry and dark place and use within a year.