Strawberry Milk Recipe – Easy Summer Drink with Fresh Berries

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Milk Recipe – Easy 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? Seriously, this drink just screams summer, and it’s so easy to make at home. I remember making this for the first time with my little cousin, and it was an instant hit! It’s become a family favourite, and I’m so excited to share my recipe with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry milk isn’t just delicious; it’s wonderfully simple. Forget those artificial flavours and colours – we’re using fresh strawberries to create a naturally sweet and vibrant drink. It’s perfect for kids (and adults!), takes just a few minutes to whip up, and is a fantastic way to use up seasonal berries. Plus, it’s way more satisfying than anything you can buy in a carton!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy strawberry milk:

• 150 grams strawberries (about 1 cup, hulled)
• 1/4 cup sugar (about 50 grams)
• 4-5 medium strawberries, for chopping
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (about 3.75 ml)
• 3 cups milk (about 720 ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

• Strawberry Varieties: Honestly, any strawberries will work, but I find that sweeter varieties like Chandleri or Albion give the best flavour. If your strawberries aren’t super sweet, you might need to adjust the sugar a little.
• Sugar Options: White granulated sugar is classic, but you can experiment! Try using caster sugar for quicker dissolving, or even a little bit of brown sugar for a slightly caramel-y flavour. You could also use honey or maple syrup, but remember they’ll change the flavour profile slightly.
• Milk Choices: I usually use full-fat milk for a richer, creamier texture. But feel free to use whatever milk you prefer! Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk – they all work beautifully for a vegan strawberry milk (more on that later!). Just keep in mind that non-dairy milks can sometimes be a little thinner, so you might want to use slightly less.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, rinse and hull your 150 grams of strawberries. Then, chop them into small pieces.
2. In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries and sugar. Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes. This lets the strawberries release their natural juices – it’s like a little spa day for your berries!
3. Now, heat the strawberry-sugar mixture over low heat until it boils. Give it a good mash with a spoon or even a quick blend with an immersion blender for a smoother consistency. Let it cool completely. This is your homemade strawberry syrup!
4. While the syrup cools, finely chop those 4-5 extra strawberries. We’re adding these for a little bit of texture – yum!
5. Divide the strawberry syrup equally among three glasses. Add 2 tablespoons of the chopped strawberries and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract to each glass.
6. Finally, pour 1 cup of cold milk into each glass. Give it a good stir, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t skip the macerating step! It really does make a difference in the flavour.
• If you want a super smooth syrup, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking.
• For an extra chill, pop your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Strawberry Milk: Simply swap the dairy milk for your favourite plant-based milk! Almond and oat milk are particularly good.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Start with less and add more if needed.
• Spice Level – Cardamom Infusion: My dadi (grandmother) always added a tiny pinch of cardamom powder to her strawberry milk. It adds a lovely warmth and complexity. Try about 1/8 teaspoon per glass.
• Festival Adaptations – Holi: During Holi, I sometimes add a tiny drop of pink food colouring to make it extra festive!

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry milk is perfect on its own, but it’s also lovely with:

• A light breakfast like poha or upma.
• A plate of biscuits or cookies.
• As a refreshing treat after a spicy meal.

Storage Instructions

Homemade strawberry syrup will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2 months). Just thaw it completely before using. The milk, of course, is best enjoyed fresh!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• How can I make strawberry milk thicker? Use full-fat milk, or add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a few ice cubes and blend.
• Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe? Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.
• What’s the best type of sugar to use? White granulated sugar is classic, but caster sugar dissolves more easily.
• Can this be made into a strawberry milkshake? Definitely! Just blend the strawberry milk with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• How long does homemade strawberry syrup last? Up to 5 days in the refrigerator, or 2 months in the freezer.