This vegan strawberry milk drink is made with real strawberries, creamy coconut milk, and is naturally sweetened with maple syrup. It’s refreshing, nostalgic, and comes together with just a few simple steps.

I grew up loving strawberry everything.

Frankenberries. Strawberry shortcake. Fruit Roll-Ups. And of course, that classic pink Nesquik powder. I could never quite get enough of it.
⠀
I still love strawberry milk. But these days, I love it in a way that actually feels aligned with how I live and eat now — less artificial stuff, more real food. Less sugar crash and more “I feel good” after drinking it.
⠀
The first time I had Korean-style strawberry milk, I couldn’t believe what I’d been missing. Real strawberries. Chunks of strawberries. A creamy, dreamy, sweet-as-you-want-it drink that tastes like something you’d order in a fancy café but feels like pure comfort.

I was hooked.
⠀
This Korean-inspired version hits all the right notes — made with coconut milk (or whatever plant milk you love), naturally sweetened, layered with fresh strawberry flavor, and easy enough to make in 10 minutes. I drink it when I need a little pink joy in a glass. And every time I pour it over ice, I fall in love with it all over again.

What is Korean strawberry milk?

Korean strawberry milk is a popular drink in South Korea’s café scene — where beautiful, layered drinks are basically an art form. Instead of using artificial syrups or powders, it’s made with real strawberries: a quick homemade syrup and sweetened strawberry chunks, poured into creamy milk for a dreamy, pink drink.

It can be made with or without dairy, but this plant-based version keeps it creamy with coconut, oat, or cashew milk — much like our Korean Banana Milk. You still get those iconic layers, bursts of real fruit, and a lightly sweet flavor that tastes like dessert but feels way more fresh and nourishing.

Why this recipe works

Boiled strawberry syrup = big flavor + gorgeous color
Cooking down strawberries with maple syrup brings out their natural sugars and enhances the bright red color — no food colorings or white sugar needed.
Carton coconut milk = light creaminess
Boxed coconut milk adds a silky texture without the heaviness of canned. It blends smoothly and lets the strawberries shine.
Layered texture = café-style experience
Swirling syrup and sweetened strawberry mixture into milk creates those pretty ribbons and juicy bites that rival any store-bought strawberry milk or strawberry latte.
Naturally sweetened = better than the grocery store version
No store strawberry syrup here — just simple, real ingredients and maple syrup for that easy homemade strawberry milk feel.
Simple steps, beautiful results
There’s a quick syrup, a 5-minute marinated strawberry mix, and a little assembly. Nothing complicated — just real ingredients coming together beautifully.

In the kitchen tips

Use ripe strawberries
The riper they are, the sweeter your drink will be — so you may not need as much sweetener. For the best flavor, we love picking our own or grabbing a pint at the farmers market during peak strawberry season.
Blend the syrup, chop the mix-in
Pureeing the syrup gives you that silky base, while chopped strawberries create texture and the signature layered look.
Add a pinch of salt
Just enough to enhance sweetness and deepen flavor.
Use carton coconut milk
Provides creaminess without the weight or separation issues of canned coconut milk.
Maple syrup dissolves easily
Perfect for cold drinks — no gritty sugar granules or extra heating required.
Chill your glass
It’s a small step but a great way to keep the layers crisp, especially on a hot summer day. It also helps keep layers distinct and gives that refreshing café-style finish.
Stir gently before sipping
A soft swirl keeps the aesthetic while balancing flavor in each sip.

Substitutions and additions for strawberry milk

No coconut milk? This works with any non-dairy milk: oat milk makes it thick and creamy, cashew milk adds richness, soy milk is protein-rich with a neutral, milk-like flavor, and almond milk is light and slightly nutty.
Want it thicker? Use all frozen berries or stir in 2–3 tbsp of coconut cream. This adds a thicker, silkier texture from higher fat content — ideal for more richness and that “dessert drink” feel.
Want protein? Add a scoop of vanilla Sunwarrior protein powder.
No maple syrup? You can use simple syrup, agave, or even homemade strawberry syrup instead. The flavor will shift slightly, but as long as you’re using real strawberries, it’ll still taste fresh and naturally sweet.
Add-ins: Try a dash of cinnamon, cardamom, or vanilla.
Make it a treat: Blend with vegan vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style pink shake.
For a fun spin, serve it with your favorite vegan pancakes, overnight oats, or a slice of Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

How to store strawberry milk

Strawberry milk is best fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Since it’s made with real fruit and plant-based milk of your choice, natural separation will happen. Just give it a good shake or stir before serving.
Store without ice and add fresh cubes just before drinking to prevent dilution.

FAQ

Can I make Korean strawberry milk ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep both the strawberry syrup and the mix-ins up to 3 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before serving for the best flavor and visual effect.
Can I use a different kind of milk in strawberry milk?
Absolutely. While coconut milk gives a rich, creamy texture, oat, soy, or cashew milk all work well. Just make sure it’s unsweetened so the strawberries shine.
Can I use frozen strawberries in strawberry milk?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work great — just thaw in the microwave first if you’re using a standard blender or food processor. If you have a high-speed blender, you can skip thawing. Frozen strawberries can be slightly more watery, so taste the syrup and adjust the sweetness if needed.
How sweet is this?
It’s gently sweet — like a café-style drink, not a dessert. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup.
Can I skip the strawberry mix-ins?
Yes! If you prefer a smooth drink, you can skip the mix-ins. Just add all the maple syrup to the saucepan when preparing the strawberry syrup.
Is Korean strawberry milk like a strawberry milkshake?
Not quite. Korean strawberry milk is thinner — closer to flavored milk than a shake. If you want it thicker, blend in ice cubes or use a bit less milk.
Can I use another sweetener in strawberry milk?
Yes! Maple syrup keeps it plant-based, but agave or simple syrup all work.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in Korean strawberry milk. Simply thaw them in the microwave for about a minute before using.

YIELDS: 2

AUTHOR: Julie Gaeta