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Did you know that May is all about celebrating one of my favorite fruits, the scrumptious strawberry?! I know the strawberry season starts at different times across the US, but here in California, the strawberry season is in full swing. And I can’t believe that I almost let May go without posting a strawberry recipe for National Strawberry Month! So today, I’m sharing a really simple way to make your own DIY Homemade Strawberry Milk. Really, it only takes 3 ingredients + milk to make the most delicious strawberry drink.
Every strawberry season, my youngest daughter insists on going strawberry picking and this year was no different. We went on an overcast day, which made it the perfect temperature for strawberry picking – not too hot and not too cold. In fact, the weather might have been too perfect because we ended up with $37 worth of strawberries! One large basket was eaten on the drive home and the other two were devoured within two days. But then, I made the mistake of buying another huge tray of strawberries from a nearby stand and my kids just weren’t feeling it – they were ‘strawberried’ out. I didn’t want the strawberries to go to waste, so I that’s when I decided to make a simple strawberry concentrate to create my own DIY Homemade Strawberry Milk.
DIY Homemade Strawberry Milk
The first thing I needed to do was wash and cut all the strawberries. I used about three small baskets of strawberries, which ended up being 4 cups when chopped. Next, I added it to a large pot with a little water set over medium heat.
When the strawberries begin to soften, mash them up using a hand mixer beater attachment* or large fork. Remove from the heat when the strawberries are completely liquefied and let it cool before adding honey.
*Since the liquid is hot, I held the beater attachment with my hand and did not use it with the electric mixer.
Next, add the cooled strawberry liquid to a blender and puree until smooth. Pour the puree into a strainer set over a bowl and use a spoon to help the push the liquid through. Discard the strawberry seeds and pulp.
There should be about 3 cups of smooth strawberry puree left in the pot/bowl. Here is where you want to taste it and adjust the sweetness. If your strawberries were tart, you may need to add more honey.
Here is where the magic really begins and I need you to not freak out. I know the amount of strawberry puree to milk ratio may seem like a lot, but remember, this is the real deal. There aren’t any artificial flavors or sugars to boost the strawberry flavor, so the sweetness of the strawberries will ultimately determine the amount of puree you add to the milk. If you’re like me and like a thick-n-creamy strawberry milk, add 6-8 tablespoons of strawberry puree to a cup of cold milk – it’ll almost be like a shake. If you want just a hint of strawberry, like my daughter, add 4-5 tablespoons of strawberry puree to milk. Now drink up and enjoy!
What do you do with leftover strawberries?
DIY Homemade Strawberry Milk Concentrate
How to make strawberry concentrate base for homemade strawberry milk.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh chopped strawberries
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 - 1 cups honey (amount depends on sweetness of strawberries)
Instructions
Strawberry Concentrate
- Add chopped strawberries and water to a small pot over medium heat. Cook for 15 minutes. Stir and mash the strawberries with a spoon until the strawberries are broken down and liquefied. Remove pot from heat and let cool for 20 minutes. See notes if using strawberries out of season.
- Stir honey into the cooled strawberry mixture. Add the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Rinse the pot used to cook the strawberries and a place a fine mesh strainer over it. Pour the puree into the strainer and use a spoon to push the puree through. Discard the seeds left in the strainer.
- Place strained puree in a sealed container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Strawberry Milk
- Add 6-8 tablespoons to every 1 cup of milk. Stir and enjoy! You'll have a thick and creamy milkshake like strawberry milk. For a less intense flavor, use only 4 - 5 tablespoons.
Notes
- If the strawberries being used aren't in season and are tart, add 1/4 cup of sugar to the strawberry concentrate while reducing the strawberries on the stove.
- Strawberry concentrate can be used over pancakes, ice cream, in soda, and more!
- Makes approximately 3 cups of strawberry concentrate
- 6 - 8 tablespoons creates a thick & creamy milkshake like strawberry milk
- 4-5 tablespoons will create a less intense flavor
Recommended Products
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Estilo Dairy Reusable Glass Milk Bottles with Straws and Metal Screw on Lids (Set of 6), 10.5 oz, Clear -
Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set (3-Piece, Microwave and Oven Safe),Clear -
niceeshop(TM) Biodegradable Environmental Paper Striped Party Straws (Red White,Pack 25 Pcs) -
Mesh Strainer -
Good Cook 3-Piece Mixing Spoons Set -
MICHELANGELO Saucepan Set with Lid, Nonstick 1Qt & 2Qt Copper Sauce Pan Set with Lid
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 166Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 2gSugar: 40gProtein: 1g
I just stopped by to let you know I featured you at the Healthy Living Link Party. Thanks for linking up and sharing your wonderful recipe!
Blessings, Leigh
Thank you Leigh. It’s always a nice surprise and much appreciated to be featured.
Yummy!! What a great flavored milk!! Thanks for sharing on my 2 favorite Things on Thursday – link Party! Hope to see you again! Pinned!!
I love strawberries and eat them weekly, this would be a fabulous drink for me, loaded with calcium for my old bones.:)) thanks Maria
I would have never thought of making my own strawberry milk. My kids love the powdered stuff but I hate giving it to them because of all the additives and preservatives. I am going to have to try this. Thanks for sharing!
This looks so much better than the Nesquick strawberry milk I used to make for my kids, and much healthier. I will be trying this recipe.