Showa Style Ichigo Milk Recipe

There’s something insanely nostalgic yet utterly fresh about sipping on homemade Showa-Style Ichigo Milk, where sweet, juicy strawberries meet creamy, dreamy milk in a splash of pure joy.

I love bringing back the flavors of my past, and Showa Style Ichigo Milk takes me back to the good old days. The fresh strawberries that star in this drink really pack a punch.

I could taste their sweetness and freshness in every sip. The strawberries were paired with a hint of sweetness from granulated sugar and the richness of sweetened condensed milk.

When I took a drink, I felt like I was experiencing the very first time I had this treat. Strawberry milk is pretty much the premise here.

But with the ice cubes I added, this drink reached a whole new level of refreshingness.

Showa Style Ichigo Milk Recipe Ingredients

• Fresh Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, adding natural sweetness and a hint of tartness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the recipe while balancing the tartness of fresh strawberries.
• Whole Milk: Provides creaminess, essential fats, and proteins for a smoother texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Thickens and adds a rich, creamy sweetness to the drink.
• Ice Cubes: Optional for a chilled, refreshing twist enhancing the overall experience.

Showa Style Ichigo Milk Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• Ice cubes (optional)

How to Make this Showa Style Ichigo Milk Recipe

1. In a bowl, mix the diced strawberries with the white sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 10 minutes, letting the strawberries exude their juices.

2. Using a fork or potato masher, thoroughly mash the strawberries until the result is a chunky puree with some small pieces of strawberry left over.

3. In a large glass or a mixing bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with the smashed strawberries. Blend until the combination is uniform.

4. Slowly incorporate the whole milk into the strawberry and sweetened condensed milk mixture, stirring all the while to ensure it comes together without lumps.

5. Sample the mixture and correct the sweetness, if needed, by incorporating additional sugar or sweetened condensed milk, in accordance with your preference.

6. For a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the strawberry pulp. If you prefer a more rustic texture, leave the pulp in.

7. Refrigerate the strawberry milk for a minimum of 30 minutes to enable the flavors to blend harmoniously.

8. If desired, serve the strawberry milk in glasses over ice cubes for an extra refreshing touch.

9. Before serving, give the milk a good stir to guarantee that the strawberry pulp is evenly spread throughout.

10. Savor your homemade Showa-Style Ichigo Milk, whether as a refreshing drink or a satisfyingly sweet treat.

Showa Style Ichigo Milk Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Fork or potato masher
3. Large glass or additional mixing bowl
4. Spoon or spatula for stirring
5. Fine mesh sieve (optional, for straining)
6. Refrigerator
7. Glasses for serving
8. Ice cube tray (optional, if using ice cubes)

FAQ

• What is Showa Style Ichigo Milk?Ichigo Milk, Showa Style, is a Japanese drink from the Showa era made with whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh strawberries. The drink serves as both a delicious way to consume fruit and a good source of vitamins. The milkshake variant of the drink became popular in the 1960s.
• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?Indeed, utilizing frozen strawberries is feasible. Be certain to defrost them and eliminate any superfluous moisture prior to application.
• Is there a non-dairy alternative for the milk?Certainly, you may use almond, oat, or soy milk in place of whole milk, but the flavor might not be exactly the same.
• Can I adjust the sweetness in the recipe?Definitely. If you want a drink with less sugar or sweetened condensed milk, you can call for a reduction in those ingredients.
• What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?A fast alternative can be made by boiling whole milk with sugar until it reduces, or use slightly more sophisticated methods with milk that hasn’t been allowed to undergo the full evaporation process.
• How should I serve Showa Style Ichigo Milk?Serve it chilled, if desired, with ice cubes, for a refreshing beverage.
• How long can I store Showa Style Ichigo Milk in the fridge?Keep in an airtight container for 1 or 2 days at most, but it’s best eaten as soon as you make it!

Showa Style Ichigo Milk Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute frozen strawberries for fresh strawberries, thawed and drained.
You can substitute honey or agave syrup for the granulated sugar so that your baked goods can be sweetened with a more natural, liquid sweetener.
Almond milk or oat milk can be used in a dairy-free version to replace whole milk.
You can substitute an equal amount of coconut condensed milk for sweetened condensed milk. This will give you a different flavor profile, of course, because coconut condensed milk has a very distinct taste. Still, if you want to stay vegan or just get the same dish with a slightly different taste, coconut condensed milk makes a great substitution.

Pro Tips

1. Macera for More Flavor After mixing the strawberries with sugar, let them sit for an extra 5-10 minutes to enhance the maceration process. This will intensify the natural strawberry flavor in your milk.

2. Chill Ingredients Ensure that the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk are thoroughly chilled before you start. This will help the strawberry milk be refreshing right after it’s made, especially if you choose not to serve it over ice.

3. Blending Tip For a smoother consistency without straining, use an immersion blender after mashing the strawberries. This allows for a more homogeneous blend while still retaining some of the strawberry texture.

4. Infuse for Depth Before refrigerating, consider adding a pinch of salt or a drop of vanilla extract. A small amount can help elevate the sweetness and depth of the strawberry flavor.

5. Ice Cubes Variation Freeze extra strawberry puree or strawberry milk in ice cube trays. Use these strawberry ice cubes in your milk to enhance the flavor as they melt, without diluting the drink.