Description
Korean Strawberry Milk is a refreshing, sweet beverage featuring homemade strawberry syrup and macerated strawberries combined with chilled unsweetened non-dairy milk. This easy-to-make drink perfectly balances the natural tartness of strawberries with subtle sweetness, enhanced by a hint of lemon juice. Ideal for a quick treat or a delightful drink to brighten up any time of the day.
Ingredients
Strawberries
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, finely diced (2 ¾ cups) – separated into 2 cups and ¾ cup
Syrup & Maceration
- ¼ cup cane or brown sugar, divided (3 tbsp for syrup, 1 tbsp for maceration)
- 1 large squeeze fresh lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon)
Milk & Serving
- 2 to 3 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk (soy milk recommended)
- Ice cubes, as desired
Instructions
- Macerate Strawberries: Take the ¾ cup of finely diced strawberries and add 1 tablespoon of sugar to them. Stir well to coat the strawberries and let them sit aside at room temperature to macerate, drawing out their natural juices and softening.
- Prepare Strawberry Syrup: Place the 2 cups of diced strawberries into a saucepan. Add 3 tablespoons of sugar and a large squeeze of lemon juice. Heat the mixture and bring it to a boil, then reduce to just above a simmer. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the strawberries have broken down and the mixture becomes syrupy in consistency.
- Cool the Syrup: Remove the syrup from heat and transfer to a container. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in the refrigerator to chill until cold.
- Assemble the Drink: In a serving glass, add about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chilled strawberry syrup. Pour in about ¾ cup of your preferred unsweetened non-dairy milk, such as soy milk. Add ice cubes to the glass, then top with approximately 1 tablespoon of the macerated strawberries. Stir the drink gently to combine all elements.
- Adjust to Taste and Serve: Taste your Korean Strawberry Milk and add more syrup or macerated strawberries if desired for sweetness or texture. Enjoy immediately. Store any leftover syrup and macerated strawberries in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Adjust the sugar quantity based on your sweetness preference or the natural sweetness of your strawberries.
- Unsweetened soy milk is recommended for a creamy texture, but almond, oat, or other plant-based milks work well too.
- Keep the syrup refrigerated and consume within 3 days for freshness.
- This drink can be customized with additional lemon or lime juice for more tartness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
