This homemade strawberry milk tastes a bazillion times better than anything you can buy from the shop and, while I feel compelled to mention it would make a great after school snack for the kids, it’ll also make any strawberry loving adult very happy too.

You’ll love this blueberry milk too.

Strawberry milk being poured into a miniature milk bottle.

This was my favourite milk drink when I was younger. I think my brother always drank spearmint and choc milk was good but nothing ever compared to a carton of strawberry milk. I knew I had to try to create this popular drink in my own kitchen.

It’s refreshing, it’s creamy and is filled with real strawberry flavour. And guess what?!! It’s super easy to make and only has 4 ingredients – all natural, healthy goodness.

Interesting to note too, that while it does contain sugar (which you can replace with a natural sweetener), strawberry milk is high in protein from the milk and vitamin C from strawberries, so you could definitely make a case for a daily glass of this goodness.

Ingredients for this strawberry milk recipe

Detailed quantities and instructions in the recipe card below.

  • Strawberries: fresh strawberries or frozen strawberries work. If using fresh, make sure they’re at they’re peak ripeness, or use frozen instead.
  • Sugar: since strawberries have natural sweetness you don’t need too much white sugar and you can even use other sweeteners.
  • Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract actually amplifies the strawberry flavour. Use this over essence which is a synthetic flavouring.
  • Milk: whole dairy milk gives a traditional flavour but you can use whatever milk you prefer. To make it dairy-free and vegan or vegetarian friendly try using cashew milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk or oat milk.

Unlike many recipes that just make a strawberry syrup, and discard the strawberry pulp, I use a blender to puree the whole lot together, for two reasons. First, it increases the strawberry flavour and secondly, it cuts down on the need for extra sugar since the strawberries are naturally sweet.

3 miniature milk bottles filled with strawberry milk with stripy red straws.

How to make strawberry milk from scratch

Detailed quantities and instructions in the recipe card below.

  1. Heat together strawberries, sugar and a touch of water over low-medium heat, stirring it from time to time. Once the sugar has dissolved, some syrup is produced and the strawberries are soft, remove it from the heat.
  2. Let it cool a little, then blend the strawberry sauce in a blender until smooth.
  3. Strain the puree through a fine mesh strainer and discard the seeds. A second strain through muslin cloth gives an even smoother result.
  4. Once totally cool, mix the puree with milk and vanilla.
  5. Give the milk a shake or stir before serving. Pour it into tall glasses and enjoy the fresh, sweet strawberry flavour.

Serve it cold. This milk will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and also makes great popsicles.

Turn it into a strawberry milkshake

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a blender with a glass full of strawberry milk. Blend then pour back into the glass, maybe topped with a little whipped cream. Voila!

Is this Korean strawberry milk?

No. Similar to this strawberry milk I grew up with, Korean style strawberry milk can be exactly like this (strained, smooth and mixed) but is more often served chunky with the thick strawberry puree not entirely mixed through and some chunks left in it.

Can I use other sweeteners?

For a sugar-free and keto-friendly strawberry milk, use monk fruit sweetener in place of the sugar. I use monk fruit sweetener from the sugar aisle of the supermarket which is a 1:1 ratio with sugar but check the pack of your sweetener for directions and adjust accordingly.

You could also use honey, maple syrup, agave syrup or rice malt syrup. All of these may affect the colour though and honey will give a background hint of honey.

More easy strawberry recipes you’ll love

3 miniature milk bottles filled with strawberry milk with stripy red straws.

IF YOU TRY THIS strawberry milk recipe, please take a moment to leave a rating and comment below. I love hearing from you, and it helps other readers too!

Closeup of a mini milk bottle filled with strawberry milk.
5 from 2 ratings
Sweet, creamy and filled withreal strawberries, this homemade strawberry milk recipe is a nostalgictreat. With just 4 ingredients, it’s very easy to make and it’ll beloved by kids and adults, alike.
Can be made sugar-free / vegan / keto friendly.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chopped strawberries, fresh or frozen (500g / 1.1lb)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ cup white granulated sugar (notes) (100g / 3.5oz)
  • 4 cups whole milk (1 litre / ¼ gallon)
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla

For best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Place the strawberries, water and sugar into a saucepan. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar has dissolved, a syrup has been produced and the strawberries are soft.
  • Blitz the strawberry mixture to a puree in a blender.
  • Strain the puree through a fine mesh strainer. For a super smooth puree, strain it a second time through muslin, squeezing all the puree through. Discard the seeds).
  • Add the milk and vanilla and whisk lightly to combine.
  • Using a spoon, skim and discard any froth from the top.
  • Enjoy cold, shaking well before pouring into individual glasses.
  • Store in the fridge for 2-3 days
  • Please take a moment to rate this recipe. I helps me to keep creating free recipes and helps other readers too.

Notes

  1. This recipe makes about 1 ½ litres (~ gallon) but can easily be halved
  2. Should be consumed within 3-4 days.
  3. Can be made sugar-free / keto-friendly by using sugar-free sweetener – check packet directions for amounts. 
  4. Can be made vegetarian / vegan using a non-dairy milk.
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Have you tried this recipe?Don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below and let me know how it was! I love hearing from you. Nutrition information is approximate and derived from an online calculator. The brands you use may cause variations.