There’s something about strawberry milk that instantly transports you back to carefree childhood days, but the store-bought stuff never quite lives up to the memory. Try making homemade Strawberry Milk with fresh strawberries. It’s the perfect blend of natural sweetness and creamy goodness, and it’s ridiculously easy to whip up.

A pink strawberry milk in a glass jar with a red and white straw, surrounded by fresh strawberries.

I first started making this for my kids as a fun afternoon treat. One sip and I knew I’d never go back to the store-bought versions again. If you’ve been craving that nostalgic taste without the artificial extras, you are going to love this recipe.

A hand holding a glass of pink strawberry milk with a red and white straw and a strawberry garnish.

Ingredients

Whole milk – You can use any kind of milk.
Strawberries – Hulled and chopped, but you can also use frozen strawberries.
Granulated sugar – Add as much or little as you like. You can totally control the sugar.
Water
Red food coloring – Optional, but a couple of drops will make it that pretty pink color.

Overhead shot of sliced strawberries, whole milk, and granulated sugar on a marble surface with a blue and white cloth.

How To Make Strawberry Milk

Combine the strawberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.
Bring the strawberry mixture to a low boil over medium heat. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the berries are fragrant and the liquid has reduced into a syrupy consistency.
Place a fine mesh strainer over a small bowl or cup. Pour the mixture through the strainer and press the solids with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible, then discard the solids.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of your strawberry syrup into a glass of cold whole milk. Stir well to combine. Taste and add more syrup if desired.
Stir in a couple drops of red food coloring if you want the classic pink flavor.
Pour into a glass, serve chilled, and enjoy every sip.

Step-By-Step Process

Overhead shot of sliced strawberries, milk (or buttermilk), and sugar on a marble surface with a blue and white cloth. — Ingredients.

Overhead shot of sliced strawberries in a saucepan with a red liquid, likely being cooked into a sauce or compote. — Ingredients.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

Use the ripest strawberries you can find for the best natural sweetness and vibrant flavor
If your strawberries are extra sweet, you can reduce the sugar or skip it altogether
Blend the syrup with milk and a few extra strawberries for a strawberry milkshake twist
Chill the strawberry syrup completely before mixing for the coldest, most refreshing drink
Try plant-based milk alternatives like oat milk or almond milk if you prefer a dairy-free version

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry milk is a treat all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a warm batch of cookies, a slice of pound cake, or even pancakes for a fun brunch surprise. I love serving it with a strawberry shortcake or alongside a bowl of fresh berries to double up on the fruitiness. It’s also a hit in lunchboxes in a sealed drink bottle.

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Two glasses of pink strawberry milk, garnished with fresh strawberries and red and white straws, on a white surface.

Storage

You can store the strawberry syrup in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just give it a quick stir before using. If you want to freeze it, pour the cooled syrup into an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw and stir into milk when ready.