A refreshing, creamy drink made from just three simple ingredients, Korean Strawberry Milk delivers vibrant color and rich flavor in every sip. Fresh strawberries are gently cooked with sugar to create a syrupy puree, then swirled into ice-cold whole milk for a beautiful and delicious treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Korean Strawberry Milk is wonderfully simple—only fresh strawberries, a touch of sugar, and whole milk. The strawberries cook down into a sweet, syrupy puree that blends into the milk for a naturally flavored drink with a smooth, creamy texture. It looks stunning with its red-and-white swirls, tastes incredibly fresh, and comes together with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb fresh strawberries, washed, dried, stems removed, and roughly chopped
1/3 cup sugar (white, raw/turbinado, or brown)
32 oz whole milk
Ice cubes, optional
Directions
Prepare the strawberries by washing, drying, removing stems, slicing, and roughly chopping them.
Place a nonstick or stainless-steel skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped strawberries and sugar, stirring to combine.
Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes syrupy and thick with softened strawberry pieces.
Remove from heat and transfer the puree to a container. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and thicken.
To serve, spoon some strawberry puree into a glass. Swirl additional puree around the inside of the glass.
Add ice cubes if desired, then pour cold whole milk over the puree.
Stir with a straw and enjoy immediately.
Store any remaining strawberry puree in the refrigerator and use within one week.
Use honey or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Add a splash of vanilla extract to the strawberry puree for a deeper flavor.
Make a non-dairy version using oat, almond, or soy milk, understanding that flavor and texture will vary.
Blend the puree completely smooth if you prefer a drink without strawberry chunks.
Stir in a small amount of cream for an extra-rich version.
Storage/Reheating
Store the strawberry puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It should remain thick and syrupy when kept cold.
Only prepare individual servings of milk when ready to drink, as the mixture does not hold well once combined.
FAQs
How sweet should Korean strawberry milk be?
It depends on your preference. Start with the recommended amount of sugar and adjust up or down according to taste.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Frozen strawberries work, but the puree may become thinner and less syrupy due to additional moisture release.
Do I need to strain the strawberry puree?
No. The texture is best when small strawberry pieces remain, but you can strain if you want a smoother drink.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Prepare the puree ahead, but combine with milk only when serving for optimal freshness.
What type of milk works best?
Whole milk provides the creamiest flavor and texture, but any milk variety can be used.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. Reducing the sugar will slightly change the texture of the puree but still works fine.
How long does the strawberry puree last?
Up to one week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Can I serve this warm?
Traditionally, it’s served cold, but you can gently warm the milk (without boiling) and stir in the puree if desired.
How do I get the beautiful swirl effect?
Spread some puree along the inside of the glass before adding the milk. The contrast creates natural streaks of color.
Is this drink kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It contains simple ingredients and natural strawberry flavor.
Conclusion
Korean Strawberry Milk is a simple, refreshing drink that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries paired with creamy whole milk. With only three ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy a café-style treat right at home. Whether you serve it chilled on a warm day or simply crave a colorful, delicious drink, this recipe is a delightful addition to any kitchen.
Easy Korean Strawberry Milk is a vibrant and refreshing drink made with fresh strawberries, sugar, and whole milk. A sweet strawberry puree is swirled into cold milk for a creamy, fruity treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
