Creating the beloved Korean strawberry milk at home is incredibly simple; you can even opt for frozen berries or store-bought jam! This refreshing recipe is easy to customize according to your dietary preferences and desired sweetness level.
What is Korean Strawberry Milk?
Korean strawberry milk is a trendy beverage, akin to the popular Korean banana milk. It consists of milk mixed with a sweetened strawberry syrup. You can find pre-packaged options from brands like Binggrae or enjoy freshly made strawberry milk at popular cafes throughout South Korea. Similar products, such as Sangria strawberry milk (also referred to as Japanese ichigo milk), may also be available.
This delightful drink can be enjoyed on its own over ice, or you can enhance it by pairing it with matcha to create a unique strawberry matcha latte.
Choosing the Right Strawberries
This recipe works beautifully with both fresh and frozen strawberries, making it a year-round treat. To prepare the strawberry milk, you’ll need to create a strawberry syrup by cooking fresh or frozen strawberries (with stems removed) along with sugar and water. This process takes about 10 minutes and results in a sweet, pulpy syrup.
It’s important to note that this recipe differs from making strawberry jam or preserves, which typically requires additional sugar and sometimes pectin. While we’ve made many batches of jam, those recipes involve cooking the fruit down to remove moisture for long-term storage.
Tips for Making Strawberry Milk
- To save time, you can add whole strawberries (fresh or frozen) directly into the pot with sugar and water. The fruit will break down as it cooks, so there’s no need to chop it beforehand. A masher or the back of a wooden spoon can be used to mash the strawberries midway through cooking.
- Prepare small batches of syrup in advance and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ensuring you use clean utensils each time you scoop from the jar.
- If you prefer not to make your own syrup, you can use store-bought strawberry preserves. Opt for an all-fruit variety without added sugar, as regular strawberry jam tends to be overly sweet. While store-bought options are quicker, they may not have the vibrant color of fresh strawberries.
Assembling Your Strawberry Milk
Once your strawberry syrup is ready, assembling the strawberry milk is a breeze. Pour the syrup into a glass and, if desired, add fresh, diced strawberries for added texture and flavor. Fill the glass with ice and pour in your choice of milk. Stir to combine, then taste and adjust the sweetness or milk level as needed.
Additionally, strawberry milk can be a delightful addition to your matcha lattes. Follow the same steps above, then top with your preferred matcha consistency, mix, and serve.
