Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of strawberries and cream, this homemade strawberry milk will quickly become your go-to drink. The balance between the sweetness of the strawberries and the creaminess of the milk makes it an irresistible treat. Plus, with only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy this refreshing beverage any time you like. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, and you can adjust the sweetness and intensity of the strawberry flavor to suit your personal preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups milk (preferably whole milk)

• ½ cup hulled and chopped strawberries (frozen is fine)

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup water

• A couple drops of red food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Pour 2 cups of whole milk into a large glass and place it in the freezer to chill until very cold. Skip this step if you're making the syrup ahead of time.

2. In a small pot, combine the strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a low boil and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until it becomes fragrant and reduces.

3. Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the syrup into a small bowl or cup, discarding the solid strawberries.

4. Mix 3 tablespoons (or about ⅔ of the syrup) into your very cold milk. Stir well, and then add more syrup to taste. If desired, add a couple of drops of food coloring to enhance the pink hue.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade strawberry milk!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 cups

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the whole milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.

• Sweetener Alternatives: Instead of granulated sugar, try using honey, maple syrup, or stevia for a different sweetness level.

• Enhanced Flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the syrup for an extra layer of flavor.

• Ice Cream Float: Turn your strawberry milk into a fun float by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Storage/Reheating

Homemade strawberry milk is best served fresh, but if you have leftover syrup, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy it again, simply stir the syrup into cold milk. If it has thickened, add a bit of water or milk to loosen it up. Avoid reheating the milk as it can alter the texture and taste.

FAQs

How do I make strawberry milk without food coloring?

Food coloring is optional and is only used to enhance the color of the milk. You can skip it if you prefer a more natural look.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries work perfectly in this recipe and can be used instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them if you want a smoother syrup.

How sweet can I make the strawberry milk?

The amount of syrup you add to the milk can be adjusted based on your preference for sweetness. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more if you like it sweeter.

Can I make the syrup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the strawberry syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just stir it into cold milk when you're ready to serve.

Can I use a milk alternative for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk of your choice. Keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly depending on the milk you use.

How long does the strawberry syrup last?

Stored in an airtight container, the syrup will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have a fine mesh strainer?

If you don’t have a fine mesh strainer, you can use a cheesecloth or even a coffee filter to strain the syrup, though it may take a little longer.

Is this recipe only for one or two servings?

While this recipe is perfect for one or two servings, you can easily scale it up by doubling or tripling the ingredients to make larger batches.

Can I make this without cooking the strawberries?

Cooking the strawberries helps to extract their juices and intensify the flavor. Skipping this step might result in a less flavorful syrup, but you could experiment by blending fresh strawberries with sugar and water if you're in a rush.

Can I add other fruits to this strawberry milk?

Definitely! You can experiment by adding other berries like raspberries or blueberries to the syrup for a mixed-fruit flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade strawberry milk is a delightful treat that's both simple to make and customizable. With just a few ingredients and a short amount of time, you can enjoy a delicious, creamy drink that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with a friend, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!