Combine the dates and water in a medium pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
Stir and smash the dates with the back of a wooden spoon to break them down. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Pour the contents through a strainer, while pressing on the date meat to extract the syrup.
To make this into a Tequila Pomegranate Cooler:
Shake together 1/2 ounce date syrup, tequila, lime juice, pomegranate juice and ice. Pour the mixture into a rocks glass and sip.