Description
This refreshing homemade Strawberry Milk recipe blends fresh strawberries with a sweet, tangy syrup and creamy milk to create a deliciously fruity beverage perfect for any time of day. The syrup is made by simmering strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of water, resulting in a thick, flavorful base that is strained to remove seeds and mixed with cold milk for a naturally pink, creamy drink.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Syrup
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed, stemmed, hulled, and quartered
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Additional 1/4 cup water (for thickening, optional)
For the Strawberry Milk
- 2 cups milk
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly, remove the stems and hulls, and cut them into quarters to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Strawberry Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, 1/4 cup water, and lemon juice. Heat until the mixture reaches a light boil.
- Simmer to Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 8-10 minutes until the strawberries soften and the syrup thickens slightly.
- Strain the Syrup: Pour the cooked mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a liquid measuring cup or jar, pressing gently on the strawberries to extract juices. Skim off any foam from the syrup. Let it cool completely.
- Optional Thickening: If the syrup is too thin, return it to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Mix 1/4 cup water with 2 tablespoons cornstarch to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the simmering syrup, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and cool.
- Mix the Strawberry Milk: Stir 2-3 tablespoons of cooled strawberry syrup into 2 cups of milk until the mixture is evenly pink and smooth.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately over ice if desired. Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your strawberries or personal preference.
- Lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
- The cornstarch thickening step is optional but recommended if you prefer a syrup with a richer consistency.
- Shake or stir the strawberry milk well before serving if it has been sitting, as the syrup can settle.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
