Besides taro boba, papaya milk, lychee slush, grass jelly drink and red bean ice drink, Korean strawberry milk is another popular Asian drink. Unlike regular commercial artificial strawberry milk, this Korean strawberry milk is known for its vibrant color, natural flavor, and creamy texture. Also, this homemade Korean strawberry milk recipe uses fresh strawberries to create a delicious syrup that is blended with milk and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add extra sweetness and creaminess to the drink. Let’s learn how to make this beautiful, visually appealing and refreshing drink for your treat, date night or gatherings with step by step photos and video tutorial!
Love sweets? Check out these Cookie Monster ice cream, strawberry chocolate, strawberry pie, banana strawberry smoothie, Asian shaved ice, Hawaiian shaved ice, guava cheesecake and cream buns recipes.
What is Korean strawberry milk?
Korean strawberry milk is a popular beverage in South Korea. It is made with fresh strawberries, milk, and a sweetener. Also, Korean strawberry milk is different from other regular strawberry milk in the market because it typically uses real and fresh strawberries. Therefore, it gives a fresh, natural flavor and vibrant color.
Many people love Korean strawberry milk because they love its fresh, fruity taste and creamy texture. Besides, it’s a delightful treat, especially during the strawberry season when the fruit is at its peak sweetness. In addition, many cafes in South Korea offer their own versions of strawberry milk, often with unique twists like adding whipped cream, ice cream, extra fruit pieces, or other flavorings.
Its popularity has also spread through social media around the world like taro boba, the drink’s aesthetic appeal makes it a favorite subject for social media posts, contributing to its popularity among younger generations. This Korean strawberry milk embodies the simplicity and elegance of Korean culinary traditions. Whether you enjoy it at a trendy Seoul cafe or make it at home, this drink is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face!
When you are ready to drink, remember to give the container a good stir to combine any separated layers. The natural strawberry puree may settle at the bottom, so mixing it ensures an even flavor.
What does Korean strawberry milk taste like?
Korean strawberry milk has a fresh and natural strawberry flavor. The most prominent taste in Korean strawberry milk is the fresh, natural flavor of real strawberries. It has the authentic taste of ripe strawberries, which are both sweet and slightly tart. This gives the drink a bright, fruity flavor that is very refreshing.
Also, the milk adds a creamy, smooth texture that complements the strawberry flavor perfectly. The creaminess of the milk balances the tartness of the strawberries, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. If you like, you can use different types of milk such as soy milk, coconut milk or almond milk as a vegan option.
Often a sweetener like sugar or honey is added, it enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries without overpowering them. This subtle sweetness allows the natural flavors of the strawberries to shine through.
In this Korean strawberry milk recipe, I like to add small bits of fresh strawberries in the drink. These bits add a delightful texture contrast and burst of juicy strawberry flavor with each sip which enhances the overall drinking experience. Besides, I love to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the drink to add extra creaminess and sweetness to this drink.
Overall, Korean strawberry milk tastes refreshing because of a delicious blend of fresh, juicy strawberries and creamy milk, with a mild sweetness and natural flavor. Its authentic taste and delightful texture make it a beloved beverage that stands out for its simplicity and quality.
What’s good about this homemade Korean strawberry milk recipe?
You will love this Korean strawberry milk recipe because of the fresh ingredients, homemade and visual appeal.
Fresh ingredients:
The primary ingredient in this drink is fresh strawberries. Fresh strawberries are either blended into a puree or cooked into a syrup. This ensures a natural and vibrant strawberry flavor, unlike the commercial strawberry milk with artificial flavorings.
Homemade Appeal:
Korean strawberry milk is often made at home or in cafes. The simplicity and delicious homemade drink is perfect for personal enjoyment or party gatherings!
Visual Appeal:
This Korean strawberry milk drink is often presented in a visually appealing manner, with layers of strawberry puree at the bottom and milk on top. It creates a beautiful layered effect. The drink transforms into a creamy pink when you stir, it offers both visual and taste pleasure. Besides, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream at top creates an elegant and good presentation as a visual appeal and taste.
Is Korean strawberry milk healthy?
I would not say Korean strawberry milk is healthy because of the sugar and ice cream added. However, it has a refreshing and more natural flavor than artificial additives drinks. It is a great treat and dessert drink for a party or date night.
What are the ingredients in strawberry milk?
The basic ingredients in the strawberry milk are strawberries, milk and a sweetener (sugar or honey). However, in this homemade Korean strawberry milk recipe, I like to use fresh strawberries, milk (I used regular milk, but you can use different types of milk), sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Adding a scoop of ice cream, it gives extra creaminess and sweetness to the drink which gives both visual and sensation appeal. However, if you don’t like ice cream, you can skip it because ice cream is optional.
How to pick strawberries?
Strawberries are typically in season from late spring to early summer, but it can vary by region. When strawberries are in season, it is much sweeter and with a strong strawberry fragrance. When you select strawberries, look for strawberries that are fully red. Avoid picking those with white or green tips.
In this Korean strawberry milk recipe, size is not important. Small to large are ok. However, choose firm, plump strawberries without soft spots or blemishes. Also, look at the leaves at the top of the strawberry. It should be green and fresh, not wilted or brown.
Cooking tips for how to make Korean strawberry milk:
Fresh Strawberries:
- Wash and soak 2 pounds of fresh strawberries for 3-5 minutes.
- Then, drain it and remove the leaves. After that, dice it.
- Put 1 pound of diced fresh strawberries into a pot and add ½ cup of sugar. Turn on the fire small, keep stirring and mashing it until the sauce thickens like syrup (around 8-10 minutes).
- Let the strawberry syrup cool off before assembling the drink.
- Put the rest of the diced strawberries (around 12 oz) into a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix it well. This is used for extra texture in the drink.
Assemble the drink:
- In a glass or jar, add 6 tablespoons of the strawberry syrup.
- Put 1 cup of ice cubes (5.2 oz)
- After that, add 2 tablespoons of the fresh diced strawberries with sugar.
- Pour ½ cup of milk.
- Lastly, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the top. ( This is optional.)
Serve:
- Serve it right the way after the drink assembles. The best is to consume the drink immediately once it is served.
Sweetness:
- You can always adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference and the sweetness of the strawberries. Also, you can use honey or a sugar substitute instead of regular sugar.
Storage:
- Store the strawberry syrup separately in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or put it in a jar and freeze them for up to a few months. When you are ready to use it, you can mix it with milk and serve it.
- Do not leave Korean strawberry milk at room temperature for extended periods because this can encourage bacterial growth and spoilage. Always refrigerate it when not in use and consume it as soon as possible.
Substitutions & variations:
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. First, thaw them and drain any excess water before using. Although frozen strawberries may be slightly softer than fresh, they will still work well for making the syrup.
Sweetness:
You can always adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference and the sweetness of the strawberries. Also, you can use honey or a sugar substitute instead of regular sugar.
What if my strawberries are not sweet enough?
If your strawberries are not very sweet, you can add a bit more sugar to the syrup. Always taste as you go and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Milk:
The choices of milk are whole milk, low-fat milk and fat free milk. If you are looking into vegan and plant based milk, you can use coconut milk, soy milk and almond milk.
Ice cream:
Ice cream is completely optional. However, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess to the drink. Also, you can always add vegan or plant based ice cream as a vegan option to this drink.
Can I add other flavors?
Yes, you can add other flavors like a splash of vanilla extract, yogurt, or a bit of lemon zest.
How to make vegan Korean strawberry milk?
In order to make vegan Korean strawberry milk, you can simply replace the regular milk and ice cream with plant based milk and ice cream.
Storage:
How to store leftovers?
Highly recommend finishing it as soon as possible after the drink is assembled and served. However, if you have leftover strawberry syrup, place it separately in the container and refrigerate it for 2-3 days or freeze it. On the other hand, the fresh strawberries with sugar mixture do not last long, so consume it the same day as possible.
Can I freeze this recipe?
It is not recommended for freezing the assembled Korean strawberry milk as the texture of milk and fresh strawberries have changed. However, if you have leftover strawberry syrup, you can place it in a container and freeze it for up to months.
How long does strawberry milk last?
For the best taste and quality, it’s recommended to consume Korean strawberry milk right after it is served. Fresh strawberries can spoil quickly, and their flavor may degrade over time.
FAQs:
The best is to use fresh and high-quality milk because it will help prevent curdling. Also, making sure the strawberry syrup is cool off before mixing with the milk as it can help avoid curdling.
Sure, you can use this strawberry syrup for topping such as pancakes, waffles, ice cream, yogurt, or even as a mix-in for smoothies.
Yes, of course! You can prepare a large batch of strawberry syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it. When ready to serve, just mix the syrup with milk. This makes it convenient for quick and easy strawberry milk any time.
If you prefer a thicker syrup, cook it longer to reduce more liquid. For a thinner syrup, add a small amount of lemon juice or water while cooking the strawberries.
How to make homemade Korean strawberry milk:
Preparation and cut strawberries:
1. Pour 6 cups of water into a big bowl.
2. Put 2 pounds of fresh strawberries into the water. Wash and soak it for 3- 5 minutes.
3. After that, remove leaves on the strawberries.
4. Then, cut and dice the strawberries.
Making strawberry syrup:
5. Next, put 1 pound of diced fresh strawberries into a pot.
6. Add ½ cup of sugar into the pot with diced fresh strawberries.
7. Mix the strawberries and sugar well. Try to mash it while stirring it. Turn on a small fire and cook it for 8-10 minutes until the syrup thickens.
8. The following step, pour the strawberry syrup into a bowl and let it cool off completely before assembling the drink.
9. While waiting for the syrup to cool off, put the rest of the fresh diced strawberries (around 12 oz) into a bowl. Then, add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix it well. (If you don’t like that much sugar, you can skip this step and not add sugar.)
Assemble the drink:
10. When the syrup is ready to use, put 6 tablespoons of strawberry syrup from step 8 into a jar or cup.
11. After that, add 1 cup of ice (5.2 oz).
12. Scoop 2 tablespoons of fresh diced strawberries with sugar mixture from step 9.
13. Pour ½ cup of milk into the jar or the cup.
14. Lastly, put a scoop of vanilla ice cream (2.1 oz) on top of the drink. (This can be optional.) Remember to stir it before drinking it to make sure the flavor layers are well mixed.
Enjoy this simple, refreshing and delicious homemade Korean strawberry milk recipe! Also, check out more Korean food: kimbap, japchae, tteokbokki, jajangmyeon, kimchi fried rice, homemade kimchi, kimchi tofu soup, Menola honeydew popsicles and ginseng chicken soup recipes for your meal or feast.
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Korean Strawberry Milk
Equipment
- 1 Pot
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Strawberries (Fresh, 1 pound for making the syrup, the rest as texture for the drink)
- ½ cup and 2 tablespoons Sugar (½ cup for making the syrup, 2 tablespoons for the rest of diced strawberries)
- 2 cups Milk (Only use ½ cup per glass, can make 4)
- 4 cups Ice cubes (Use 1 cup per glass, 5.2 oz)
Optional:
- 4 scoops Vanilla ice cream (Use 1 scoop per glass, 2.1 oz)
Instructions
- Pour 6 cups of water into a big bowl.
- Put 2 pounds of fresh strawberries into the water. Wash and soak it for 3- 5 minutes.
- After that, remove leaves on the strawberries.
- Then, cut and dice the strawberries.
- Next, put 1 pound of diced fresh strawberries into a pot.
- Add ½ cup of sugar into the pot with diced fresh strawberries.
- Mix the strawberries and sugar well. Try to mash it while stirring it. Turn on a small fire and cook it for 8-10 minutes until the syrup thickens.
- The following step, pour the strawberry syrup into a bowl and let it cool off completely before assembling the drink.
- While waiting for the syrup to cool off, put the rest of the fresh diced strawberries (around 12 oz) into a bowl. Then, add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix it well. (If you don’t like that much sugar, you can skip this step and not add sugar.)
- When the syrup is ready to use, put 6 tablespoons of strawberry syrup from step 8 into a jar or cup.
- After that, add 1 cup of ice (5.2 oz).
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of fresh diced strawberries with sugar mixture from step 9.
- Pour ½ cup of milk into the jar or the cup.
- Lastly, put a scoop of vanilla ice cream (2.1 oz) on top of the drink. (This can be optional.) Remember to stir it before drinking it to make sure the flavor layers are well mixed.
Notes
Cooking tips for how to make Korean strawberry milk:
Fresh Strawberries:
- Wash and soak 2 pounds of fresh strawberries for 3-5 minutes.
- Then, drain it and remove the leaves. After that, dice it.
- Put 1 pound of diced fresh strawberries into a pot and add ½ cup of sugar. Turn on the fire small, keep stirring and mashing it until the sauce thickens like syrup (around 8-10 minutes).
- Let the strawberry syrup cool off before assembling the drink.
- Put the rest of the diced strawberries (around 12 oz) into a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix it well. This is used for extra texture in the drink.
Assemble the drink:
- In a glass or jar, add 6 tablespoons of the strawberry syrup.
- Put 1 cup of ice cubes (5.2 oz)
- After that, add 2 tablespoons of the fresh diced strawberries with sugar.
- Pour ½ cup of milk.
- Lastly, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the top. ( This is optional.)
Serve:
- Serve it right the way after the drink assembles. The best is to consume the drink immediately once it is served.
Sweetness:
- You can always adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference and the sweetness of the strawberries. Also, you can use honey or a sugar substitute instead of regular sugar.
Storage:
- Store the strawberry syrup separately in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or put it in a jar and freeze them for up to a few months. When you are ready to use it, you can mix it with milk and serve it.
- Do not leave Korean strawberry milk at room temperature for extended periods because this can encourage bacterial growth and spoilage. Always refrigerate it when not in use and consume it as soon as possible.
Tracy O.
Wow! That's amazing!