- Chop strawberries into small pieces.
- Combine half the strawberries with sugar in a heatproof bowl. Mash until juices release.
- Microwave strawberry-sugar mixture for 30-40 seconds, or heat in a saucepan until simmering.
- Let strawberry syrup cool completely.
- Layer cooled syrup, remaining chopped strawberries, and chilled milk in serving glasses or bottles.
- Stir gently before drinking, or refrigerate for later use.
- Calories:201 kcal25%
- Energy:840 kJ22%
- Protein:5.1 g28%
- Carbohydrates:36.6 mg40%
- Sugar:27.3 mg8%
- Salt:75 g25%
- Fat:2.4 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Strawberry Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink With Fresh Berries
Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything more refreshing on a hot day than a tall glass of ice-cold strawberry milk? I remember making this all the time as a kid, and now it’s become a go-to for a quick treat for my little ones too. It’s seriously the easiest thing to whip up, and tastes a million times better than anything you can buy in a carton. Plus, using fresh strawberries just makes it feel extra special, doesn’t it? Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry milk isn’t just delicious; it’s perfect for those days when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, requires minimal ingredients, and is incredibly customizable. Honestly, it’s a little bit of sunshine in a glass! It’s also a fantastic way to get kids (and adults!) to enjoy more fruit.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy strawberry milk:
- 250 grams fresh strawberries (about 1 cup chopped)
- 0.25 cup (50 grams) sugar
- 450 ml chilled milk (about 2 cups)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk strawberries! You can use pretty much any variety you like. I personally love using the smaller, sweeter varieties like Chandleri or Albion – they pack a lot of flavour. But really, any ripe, red strawberry will do.
Now, about the milk. Full-fat milk will give you the richest, creamiest strawberry milk. But if you prefer a lighter drink, low-fat or even skim milk works just fine. You can even experiment with different types of milk – I’ll share some ideas in the variations section!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s make some strawberry milk! It’s so simple, you won’t believe it.
- First, give your strawberries a good wash and chop them into small pieces. Don’t worry about being too precise here.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine half of the chopped strawberries with the sugar. Now, this is where the magic starts! Gently mash the strawberries and sugar together until the strawberries release their lovely juices.
- Next, you have two options. You can microwave the strawberry-sugar mixture for 30-40 seconds, or gently heat it in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. We’re just trying to dissolve the sugar and create a simple syrup.
- Let the strawberry syrup cool completely. This is important! You don’t want to melt all your lovely chilled milk.
- Now for the fun part! In serving glasses or bottles, layer the cooled strawberry syrup, the remaining chopped strawberries, and the chilled milk.
- Give it a gentle stir, and enjoy immediately! Or, if you’re making it ahead of time, pop it in the fridge for later.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the mashing step! It really helps to release the strawberry flavour.
- If you’re using very large strawberries, you might want to use a little more sugar to balance the tartness.
- For an extra smooth drink, you can blend the strawberry syrup before adding the milk.
Variations
Okay, this is where things get interesting! Here are a few ways to jazz up your strawberry milk:
- Vegan Option: Swap the dairy milk for your favourite plant-based milk! Almond, soy, or oat milk all work beautifully. My friend swears by cashew milk for the creamiest results.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
- Strawberry Pulp Variation: If you prefer a smoother drink, blend the strawberries before adding them to the milk.
- Mango Strawberry Milk: My family loves this one! Add about ½ cup of mango pulp to the strawberry milk for a tropical twist. It’s seriously addictive.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry milk is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with:
- A light breakfast like toast or cereal.
- A simple snack like cookies or biscuits.
- As a refreshing drink alongside a spicy Indian meal – the sweetness really balances the flavours.
Storage Instructions
Homemade strawberry milk is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The milk might separate a little, so just give it a good stir before drinking.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions!
- Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe? Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.
- How can I make this strawberry milk thicker? Try using full-fat milk, or adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a few ice cubes and blending.
- Is this recipe suitable for kids? Absolutely! It’s a healthy and delicious treat that most kids will love.
- Can I add any other flavors to this strawberry milk? Definitely! A dash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few mint leaves would be lovely.
- How long does homemade strawberry milk stay fresh? It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the strawberries can start to lose their flavour and the milk might separate.
Neha Deshmukh
Neha holds a B.A. in History with a focus on Indian and world history, including ancient, medieval, and modern periods. At RecipesOfIndia.org — the world’s largest database of Indian recipes — she combines her love for food and history by exploring how India’s past has shaped its culinary traditions.