Strawberry Milk blends the rich flavors of real strawberries with a touch of brown sugar in cold, creamy milk. A favorite in Korea and Japan, this homemade version is the perfect addition to your breakfast table, a delightful treat, or a quick snack to uplift your day.
Place a pan over medium heat and toss in the fresh (or thawed, if frozen) strawberries along with the brown sugar. The sugar will slowly melt, creating a luscious base for your syrup.
Allow the mixture to gently cook, stirring occasionally. The strawberries will soften and release their juices, blending with the sugar to form a rich, flavorful syrup in about 5-7 minutes.
Once the strawberries have softened, use a potato masher or the back of a fork to mash them, releasing more flavor into the syrup. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The mixture will thicken slightly, indicating it's nearly ready.
Turn off the heat when the syrup is sticky and the strawberries have turned pulpy. This is your signal that the flavor is concentrated and the syrup is ready. Allow the strawberry syrup to cool down completely before adding it to the milk. This helps maintain the freshness of the milk and ensures a refreshing taste.
Grab your favorite glass and spoon in 3-4 tablespoons of the cooled strawberry syrup. Pour cold milk over the syrup, filling the glass to your desired level. Gently stir the mixture together, watching the milk swirl into a beautiful pink hue. Take a moment to enjoy the transformation before taking your first sip of the deliciously refreshing Strawberry Milk.
Serving
Enjoy this Homemade Strawberry Milk with your breakfast, as a delightful treat, or as a quick snack.
Notes
Here are a few helpful tips to elevate your Strawberry Milk to the next level:
Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can really make a difference. Use ripe, sweet strawberries and high-quality milk for the best taste.
Strawberry Syrup: I love the texture and extra flavor the strawberry pulp adds to the syrup, so I don't strain it out. If you prefer a smoother syrup, feel free to strain the pulp. Just a heads up, if you're straining, adding a bit of water while cooking the syrup can help.
Cold Milk: To really enjoy this drink, make sure your milk is cold. It brings out the freshness and flavor beautifully.
Sweetness Adjustment: Taste your strawberry syrup before mixing it with the milk. Everyone's sweet tooth is different, so feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
Vegan Options: While I've gone with cow's milk, you can easily switch to oat, almond, or any non-dairy milk to make a vegan-friendly version. It's all about making this drink work for you.
Layering for Presentation: If you're serving this drink to guests or just want to make it extra special, layer the syrup and milk without mixing them. Serve it with a long spoon or a straw and let your guests or family enjoy stirring their own drink. It makes for a great visual!
Garnish: A simple garnish can elevate your Strawberry Milk. A fresh strawberry on the rim of the glass or a sprinkle of chopped mint leaves can add a touch of elegance and a burst of freshness.