Sakura Strawberry Milk
A delicious and cute twist on Korean strawberry milk
Can strawberry milk look and taste even cuter? Yes, it can! This Sakura Strawberry Milk recipe has the right amount of sweetness and mild tartness of strawberries, paired with a hint of floral notes from sakura extract that makes it just IRRESISTIBLE in Spring (and summer)!
Featuring fresh (or frozen) strawberries, sakura extract and milk, it’s the perfect drink when you are looking for something creamy and refreshing at the same time.
And of course, the beautiful pink color makes it super eye-catching.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious drink with sakura powder, try this sakura strawberry latte: it will brighten up your day!
Does this taste like Starbucks sakura strawberry latte?
This recipe is NOT a Starbucks sakura strawberry latte copycat.
In case you are wondering, Japan’s Starbucks unveils every year during sakura season a new sakura-inspired beverage.
The craze around sakura strawberry latte has also evolved into powder and pods to make this coffee drink at home:
Although I last had a sakura beverage at Starbucks in 2019, I have been following the sakura drinks on social media and am aware that the recipe in this post does not resemble or have the same taste as the sakura strawberry lattes and drinks that Starbucks has offered in the past.
That said, in my opinion this recipe tastes even better because it has real strawberries, real cherry blossoms powder and it doesn’t need so much sweetener to taste delightful.
What you’ll need
Notes about the ingredients and alternatives
Strawberries
Both fresh strawberries and frozen strawberries work fine.
When using frozen strawberries, let them thaw before muddling.
If you don’t have the time to thaw them at room temperature, you can microwave them for around 30 seconds.
Sugar
Feel free to use your preferred type of sweetener.
As long as it’s a neutral tasting option, it will go perfectly with this recipe.
Personally, my go-to choice is xylitol.
Ice Cubes
You can also skip them, but you can read under “Tips” why I prefer using them.
Milk
Feel free to use your preferred type of milk.
I’ve tried this recipe using dairy milk, almond milk and cashew milk; all of them turned out great.
Sakura powder
This is an essential ingredient to get the floral notes from cherry blossoms. You can find it in some online shops.
What to do if you don’t have sakura powder
I am fortunate to live in a place where I can order this sakura powder online (I am not sponsored nor an affiliate, but I truly love this sakura powder).
However, I am aware that sakura powder is not readily available, even in Japan.
So, if you are unable to obtain sakura powder, an option could be try this recipe to make your own cherry blossom syrup at home, but I have not personally tried it yet.
Another option to get a cute and delicious beverage is trying this other Strawberry Milk recipe instead.
Instructions
Time needed: 5 minutes
How to make Sakura Strawberry Milk
- Muddle the strawberries
Add sugar to the strawberries and mash them with a fork or muddler.
You can do this directly in the glass to save you some dish washing time.
- Make sakura concentrate
While the strawberries are macerating, make sakura concentrate by combining the powder with the water.
- Assemble the drink
Put the ice cubes on top of the muddled strawberries, then pour in the milk.
Top with the sakura concentrate and enjoy!
Tips
- If you are using frozen strawberries, thaw them before muddling them. You can quickly do this in the microwave.
It only takes around 30 seconds and brings out the aroma of the strawberries beautifully!
Plus, since they will be softer than fresh strawberries, it makes the muddling process even easier.
Not to mention, the sugar will also dissolve in a breeze. - The ice cubes create a barrier so the drink layers stay separate for a longer time.
This isn’t as much for aesthetics purposes (the layers in this drink are all pink), but for the taste: the sakura concentrate being at the top longer allows to better enjoy its aroma.
However, if you don’t like your drinks so chilled, you can also skip the ice. - If your sakura powder is already sweetened, you may need to adapt the amount of sweetener in the strawberries.
No, this recipe doesn’t contain any coffee and therefore it’s caffeine-free.
I sometimes call this recipe “sakura strawberry milk tea” because it has that cute milk tea aesthetic, but it doesn’t contain any tea either.
When you blend the strawberries, the beverage still tastes great.
However, I personally found it difficult to appreciate the sakura (unless using lots of it). That’s why I prefer having the strawberries mashed on the bottom.
I use a wide straw, like the ones used for boba.
But you can also drink the beverage as is and it case there remain some strawberries, scoop them with a spoon.
Sakura Strawberry Milk Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 Strawberries Fresh of Frozen
- 1 tsp. Sugar or Sweetener of choie
- 2 tsp. Sakura powder
- 3 Tbsp. Warm water
- 4-5 Ice cubes
- ⅓ Milk of choice
Instructions
- Muddle the strawberries. You may do this directly in the glass to save you dish-washing.Let them macerate with the sugar while you are making step 2.
- Make sakura concentrate by combining the sakura powder with the warm water and stirring with a spoon or handheld frother.
- Put the ice cubes over the mashed strawberries.The pour the milk.Top with sakura concentrate.
Video
Notes
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw them. You may do this by microwaving them for around 30 seconds.
Nutrition
And there you have it – a creamy and delicious Sakura Strawberry Milk!
May this lovely and satisfying drink add some excitement to your day!
So cute! I bet this isn’t only prettier than Starbucks drinks, but also much healthier! I love this idea, thanks for sharing!
Thank you for you kind words!