Homemade Strawberry Milk
Add Preferred SourceStore-bought strawberry milk often tastes too sweet and artificial. Making your own with real strawberries is simple and tastes way better. It has the natural sweetness of the fruit, a smooth texture, and just the right amount of creaminess.
I originally made this as a quick treat for my kids, and after trying it, I stopped buying the pre-made kind altogether. If you’re looking for a more natural version that still brings back those childhood vibes, this one’s it.
Ingredients
- Whole milk – Whole milk works best. Low-fat or skim milk will be thinner and less creamy.
- Strawberries, hulled and chopped – Fresh strawberries have the best flavor. Frozen strawberries work, but don’t thaw them first—blend them frozen for a better texture.
- Granulated sugar, or to taste – Start with less sugar and add more if needed. Strawberries vary in sweetness.
- Water – Helps blend the strawberries into a smooth syrup.
- Red food coloring, optional – Adds vibrant pink color. Gel food coloring works best—liquid food coloring won’t give enough intensity.
How To Make Strawberry Milk
Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.
Combine the strawberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan and set it over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are very soft and the liquid has thickened into a syrup.
Remove the pan from the heat. Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the mixture through, pressing the softened fruit with a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids and let the syrup cool slightly.
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the strawberry syrup to a glass of cold milk and stir well until fully blended. Taste and add more syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
If you want a classic pink color, stir in a few drops of red food coloring. Serve cold and enjoy right away.
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Ripe strawberries give the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- If your berries are super sweet, cut back on the sugar.
- For a thicker treat, blend the syrup, milk, and extra strawberries into a shake.
- Let the syrup cool completely before mixing for the coldest drink.
- Swap in oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Serving Suggestions
Great on its own, strawberry milk also pairs nicely with cookies, cake, or pancakes. Try serving it with strawberry shortcake or fresh fruit for a double-berry hit. It’s also perfect for lunchboxes when stored in a sealed bottle.
Storage
Store leftover syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before using. To freeze, pour into an ice cube tray. Once solid, transfer cubes to a freezer bag and store up to 3 months. Just thaw and stir into milk when ready.
Homemade Strawberry Milk
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup strawberries hull and chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or to taste
- 1/4 cup water
- drops red food coloring optional
Instructions
- Mix the strawberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium until it comes to a gentle boil. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the berries are soft and the liquid thickens into a syrup.
- Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the mixture through. Press the fruit with a spoon to get all the juice, then discard the solids.
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the syrup to a glass of cold milk. Stir well.
- Taste, and add more syrup if you want it sweeter.
- Add a few drops of red food coloring if you’d like the classic pink color.
- Serve cold and enjoy.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Ripe strawberries give the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- If your berries are super sweet, cut back on the sugar.
- For a thicker treat, blend the syrup, milk, and extra strawberries into a shake.
- Let the syrup cool completely before mixing for the coldest drink.
- Swap in oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
