Ingredients
Strawberry Syrup
- 3 cups strawberries, sliced in half and stems removed
- 1 3/4 cups sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, enhances strawberry flavor)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
To Serve
- Milk (as needed per serving, approximately 1 cup per glass)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Remove the leaves from the strawberries and slice them in half. Place them into a blender or food processor.
- Puree Strawberries: Process until the strawberry mixture is very smooth, ensuring a silky base for your syrup.
- Strain Puree: Pour the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan, pressing the mixture to extract as much juice as possible while separating out seeds and pulp for a smooth syrup.
- Cook Syrup: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the strawberry juice. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup slightly thickens.
- Cool and Store Syrup: Pour the hot syrup into a bottle or jar. Optionally, create a decorative label for your homemade syrup. Refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes until well chilled.
- Serve Strawberry Milk: To enjoy, stir about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chilled strawberry syrup into one cup of cold milk, adjusting the amount of syrup to your taste preference. Serve immediately and enjoy a fresh, tasty strawberry milk that surpasses store-bought versions.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar amount according to your sweetness preference.
- Adding lemon juice is optional but enhances the natural strawberry flavor.
- The syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Use whole, skim, or plant-based milk according to dietary preference.
- For a smoother drink, strain the milk-strawberry mixture again before serving, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
