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Sweet strawberries team up with creamy evaporated milk for a tasty, feel-good drink that's both fun and quick to make. You can toss it together in under fifteen minutes, so it's awesome when friends pop over or you need to cool off at a summer cookout. It's always a hit with the crowd!
The first time I tasted this was outdoors at my sister’s picnic. Everyone wanted a glass, thanks to its bold pink color. Now every time my niece visits, this is all she wants to drink!
Delightful Ingredients
- Ice cubes and strawberry slices: Chill and decorate each serving by piling in a few ice cubes and slices. If you can, go for see-through, big ice to keep it super cold and bright.
- Water: Helps blend and mellow out all the flavors. Filtered water gives the cleanest sip and smooth taste.
- Condensed milk: Makes everything smoother and sweeter, kind of like dessert. Swap in honey or your go-to sugar alternative if you prefer it lighter.
- Evaporated milk: Adds the creamy kick and old-school taste. Best if you use straight-up cans without added extras.
- Fresh strawberries: Grab the juiciest, darkest berries you can. That’s where all the flavor comes in—especially if they’re local and in season.
Easy Steps
- Serve and Sip:
- Spoon ice and berry slices into each glass. Pour the strawberry drink on top and enjoy right away—brightest color and taste guaranteed.
- Find Your Sweet Spot:
- Take a sip before serving and, if you want it sweeter, stir in a little extra condensed milk or sugar. I usually do this if the berries aren't super ripe. Mix again so it all blends smoothly.
- Top It Off:
- Add in the rest of the water (about four more cups). Give everything a good stir, making sure there aren't any streaks between milk and berries.
- Combine the Milks:
- Pour in both milks, mixing until they're totally blended into that bright pink base. This step makes it extra creamy and dreamy.
- Strain or Embrace Pulp:
- Decide if you like some pulp. If not, strain the blended berries into a pitcher using a fine mesh sieve. For a chunkier drink with more fiber, skip this step and keep it all in.
- Blend Til Smooth:
- Add strawberries and two cups of water to your blender. Blitz until the mix is velvety and pink—usually one to two minutes. Sneak a taste. It should be perfumed and sweet.
- Prep the Strawberries:
- Wash and remove the stems from a pound of strawberries, making sure none of the tough bits sneak in. The sweeter they are, the less sugar you’ll need overall.
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What’s Good to Know
- Packed with calcium from milk and vitamin C from berries
- Kids will have a blast trying homemade fruity drinks
- Super easy to make lighter or go dairy free if you want
Honestly, my favorite thing is dropping in fresh strawberry slices at the end. The fruit at the bottom takes me back to picking berries with Grandma after a long, sunny day. We'd always mix up a jug together and dig in!
Keep It Fresh
You can stash leftovers in the fridge for up to two days. Use a covered jug and skip the ice so it doesn’t get watery. Give it a quick stir before pouring since the layers might settle. Store extra strawberry slices separately and add right before drinking so they stay crisp.
If You’re Out of Something
Short on evaporated milk? Just use regular whole milk or try your top plant-based milk like almond or oat for a no-dairy version. Swap condensed milk out for maple syrup or agave if that’s what you’ve got. Frozen berries work too—just blend them a little extra so no icy chunks remain.
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The Best Ways to Share
Pour over crushed ice if you want it slushie style. Top with a swirl of whipped cream for a yummy treat. Tastes awesome with tacos or spicy snacks for a fun sweet and salty mix. It’s also great for casual lunches outside.
History and Traditions
This pink strawberry drink is part of the popular Mexican aguas frescas family. Folks serve it from giant jugs at open-air markets and backyard parties. It’s all about mixing fruit, sweetener, and water for a cool break. Each home does it their own way. This creamy version is extra-loved during summer, especially by kids.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → How do I make it dairy-free?
Just blend your strawberries with water and your choice of sweetener, leave out the milk, and squeeze in some lime if you want it extra zippy.
- → Is it okay to use frozen berries?
Definitely! Frozen strawberries work great. Just make sure to blend a bit longer with the water so everything gets nice and smooth.
- → What if it's not sweet enough?
Give it a taste before you pour. You can always add more sugar or condensed milk until it hits the spot for you.
- → Got tips for serving?
Load up glasses with ice, pour in your drink, and throw a few strawberry slices on top for a fun, fresh look.
- → Is it possible to make ahead of time?
Yep! Store it in the fridge and wait to add ice until you're ready to serve, so it stays rich and tasty.
- → What are some better-for-you sweeteners?
Try swapping out condensed milk for things like honey, monk fruit, or stevia if you want a lighter version.