Homemade Strawberry Syrup: A Sweet Delight
Homemade Strawberry Syrup Recipe for Fresh Strawberry Milk and Lattes
Feeling a bit sluggish as spring arrives? I’ve found a sweet remedy! Instead of my usual coffee, I’m starting my days with a delicious, homemade strawberry latte. I recently received some beautiful strawberries, and my daughter, Coco, loves them so much! Making this syrup with these precious fruits has brought so much joy and sweetness to our home. There’s nothing quite like a delicious, fruity drink to brighten your day.
Ingredients for Strawberry Syrup- 800g fresh strawberries
- 800g sugar (equal weight to strawberries)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness and preservation)
For Washing Strawberries- 1 Tbsp vinegar
For Strawberry Latte (per serving)- 3 Tbsp homemade strawberry syrup
- 3 fresh strawberries (for garnish, sliced)
- 150ml milk
- Whipped cream or spray cream (for topping)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
For Strawberry Latte (per serving)- 3 Tbsp homemade strawberry syrup
- 3 fresh strawberries (for garnish, sliced)
- 150ml milk
- Whipped cream or spray cream (for topping)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
As spring blossoms, strawberries are a must-have. Their delightful aroma and sweet taste are wonderful on their own. Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, which can help combat fatigue. To keep fresh strawberries at their best for longer, they are susceptible to moisture and can easily become mushy or moldy if stored improperly. A good tip is to store them in a paper box lined with paper towels, ensuring they don’t touch each other, which helps prolong their freshness.
Step 2
Strawberries have delicate skin and soft flesh, so gentle washing is key. It’s best to rinse them quickly under running water rather than soaking them for more than 30 seconds, as this can cause Vitamin C to leach out. Before washing, leave the stems on and briefly soak the strawberries in a bowl of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. This helps to remove any dirt or residue effectively.
Step 3
After washing, it’s important to remove the stems from the strawberries using a knife. Then, gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any remaining surface moisture. Excess water can shorten the shelf life of your syrup and encourage mold growth.
Step 4
Sterilizing the glass jar is crucial for preserving your strawberry syrup. Place the jar in a pot of cold water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, let it simmer for about 5 minutes. After sterilization, remove the jar and place it upside down on a clean towel. The residual heat will help evaporate any remaining moisture, ensuring a dry and hygienic container.
Step 5
Prepare your strawberries by removing the green tops and then either mashing them or chopping them into desired sizes. A good starting ratio for strawberry syrup is 1:1 by weight for strawberries and sugar. However, you can adjust the sugar slightly based on the juiciness of your strawberries and your preferred sweetness. Adding a little extra sugar can also help extend the shelf life. You can use a potato masher for a smoother consistency, or for a chunkier texture, mash them with your hands (while wearing disposable gloves) or chop them into small pieces.
Step 6
Combine the mashed or chopped strawberries with the sugar. Stir well until thoroughly mixed. It’s a good idea to reserve a small portion of the sugar to sprinkle on top later. This top layer of sugar acts as a protective barrier against air exposure.
Step 7
Carefully layer the strawberry and sugar mixture into your sterilized glass jar. If you have some larger strawberry pieces, you can add them in between layers for texture. Finally, sprinkle the reserved sugar over the top layer, ensuring it covers the strawberries completely. This helps to seal the syrup and prevent spoilage.
Step 8
Your homemade strawberry syrup is ready to be used! While you can enjoy it immediately, allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for at least a day will deepen the flavors as the strawberries release their juices and meld with the sugar. Now, let’s turn this delicious syrup into a beautiful strawberry latte! Gather your strawberry syrup, fresh strawberries, milk, and some whipped cream.
Step 9
Start by adding about 3 tablespoons of your homemade strawberry syrup to a glass. Then, add 3 fresh strawberries that have been sliced. Next, pour in about 150ml of milk, filling the glass about two-thirds of the way full. You can adjust the milk quantity to your preference.
Step 10
For a delightful finishing touch, top your strawberry latte with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of spray cream. The creamy topping adds a touch of indulgence and makes your drink look extra special.
Step 11
With the sweet strawberry syrup, fresh fruit, creamy milk, and luscious whipped cream, your strawberry latte is complete! It looks and tastes just like something you’d enjoy at a trendy brunch cafe. It’s wonderful to be able to recreate such a treat at home.
Step 12
Having these ‘cafe moments’ at home is such a pleasure. Enjoying something sweet like this really lifts my spirits and boosts my energy. I hope you’ll try making your own delicious strawberry syrup and strawberry latte!
