Pink Milk Recipe

I absolutely love this strawberry milk recipe because it’s like sipping on a nostalgic throwback to childhood, but with a fun, grown-up twist thanks to the hint of vanilla. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which is perfect for my busy millennial life, and it looks adorable with a whipped cream and fresh strawberry garnish for those Instagram-worthy moments!

My favorite drink to make is Pink Milk. It is a beverage that is part of my childhood, and I thought it would be a great one to share.

To make Pink Milk, you need 2 cups of whole milk. To that, you add 2 tablespoons of syrup—strawberry syrup, to be precise.

You need 2 tablespoons of sugar. And you need a little bit of vanilla extract.

(You could also make it with the very optional ingredients of ice cubes and whipped cream, which are delicious elevating options.) And then, of course, the drink isn’t complete without a garnish of fresh strawberries.

Ingredients

Milk, Whole: A creamy base that is rich in calcium and protein.

Sweetness is added by sugar, which raises the carbohydrate level.

Syrup of Strawberry: Supplies sweetness and imparts a fruity flavor.

Vanilla Extract: Strengthens the fragrance and provides dimensions.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh strawberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Add 2 cups of whole milk to a mixing bowl or pitcher. Use a medium size.

2. Combine 2 tablespoons of sugar with the milk and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Add and mix very well: 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup.

4. Add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well to enhance the flavor.

5. Should you wish, you can pour the mixture into a blender along with several ice cubes and blend until smooth and frothy.

6. You can also mix it up and put it in the fridge for half an hour if you want to skip the ice and still get a drink that’s nice and cold.

7. When it has been taken to the cold temperature, serve the chilled pink milk in glasses over ice cubes, if you are using that addition.

8. It is not mandatory to top it with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

9. You can also add fresh strawberries on top of the dessert for a pop of color.

10. Savor right away your delightful pink milk.

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl or pitcher (medium size)
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Stirring spoon
5. Blender (optional)
6. Refrigerator (for chilling)
7. Glasses (for serving)
8. Knife (optional, if adding fresh strawberries)
9. Cutting board (optional, if adding fresh strawberries)

FAQ

• What type of milk is best for Pink Milk?Whole milk will give you the creamiest texture, but you can use any milk you like, such as skim, almond, or oat milk.
• Can I make this drink sugar-free?Certainly, you can swap out the sugar for something like stevia or a sugar-free substitute. A sugar-free strawberry syrup would work as well for a reduced-sugar situation.
• How long can Pink Milk be stored?The optimal way to appreciate it is fresh, but if you need to keep it, you can store it in the fridge for up to two days in an airtight container. Be sure to stir it before serving.
• Is it necessary to use vanilla extract?Vanilla extract adds to the flavor profile of the milk, giving it an aromatic, almost perfume-y quality. This is not a necessary step when making vanilla almond milk, but it does take the drink to the next level.
• What can I use instead of strawberry syrup?If you lack strawberry syrup, you can combine fresh or frozen strawberries with some sugar to make a syrup for your drink. It takes only a couple of minutes, and the results are delicious.
• Can I make this Pink Milk vegan?Absolutely, you can easily use a plant-based alternative, such as almond or soy milk, in place of whole milk.
• Are the garnishes mandatory?Optional garnishes, like whipped cream and fresh strawberries, are nice for visual appeal. They also add nice flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Almond or oat milk can be used in place of whole milk for a dairy-free option.
Sweeten with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute.
Raspberry syrup can be used in place of strawberry syrup to yield a different yet equally delicious berry flavor.
Vanilla bean paste or almond extract can take the place of vanilla extract for a unique twist.
Use frozen yogurt or ice cream instead of ice cubes to achieve a creamier texture.

Pro Tips

1. To ensure the sugar dissolves completely and quickly, warm the milk slightly before mixing in the sugar. Just be careful not to heat it too much, as you don’t want the milk to curdle when combined with the other ingredients.

2. For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a bit of pureed fresh strawberries alongside the strawberry syrup. This can enhance both the flavor and the texture of the drink.

3. If you prefer a lower sugar option, adjust the sweetness by substituting a portion of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup, but keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor profile.

4. Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring in the pink milk. This helps maintain the drink’s cold temperature longer, providing a more refreshing experience.

5. For a creamy twist, consider substituting a portion of the whole milk with half-and-half or light cream. This will make the drink thicker and richer, ideal for a more indulgent treat.