Beverages

French Strawberry Milk (Lait Fraise)

Name: French Strawberry Milk (Lait Fraise)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups Fresh Strawberries; 4 cups Whole Milk; 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar; 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional); 1 for serving (optional) Ice

10 min4 servingsEasy180 cal

A classic French beverage, Lait Fraise is a delightful and refreshing drink made from fresh strawberries, milk, and a touch of sweetness. It's a simple yet elegant treat, perfect for a warm afternoon or as a light dessert that captures the essence of French simplicity. Lait Fraise, directly translating to "strawberry milk," is a beloved staple in French households and cafés, especially during the spring and summer when strawberries are in peak season. While seemingly simple, it embodies the French appreciation for fresh, high-quality ingredients transformed into understated pleasures. It's often enjoyed by children as a treat and by adults as a nostalgic, refreshing indulgence, symbolizing the joy of seasonal produce.

FrenchBeverageStrawberryMilkDrink

Ingredients

Instructions

1
Thoroughly wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then quarter them for easier blending.
2
In a blender, combine the quartered strawberries, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and the optional vanilla extract.
3
Blend the strawberries until they form a smooth purée. Taste the purée and add more sugar if desired, blending again to incorporate.
4
Pour the strawberry purée into a large pitcher or jug.
5
Gradually add the cold whole milk to the pitcher, stirring gently with a spoon or whisk until the purée is fully incorporated and the milk turns a uniform pink color.
6
For an extra smooth texture, you may strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any strawberry seeds, pressing down on the solids to extract all liquid. This step is optional but recommended for a refined finish.
7
Chill the Lait Fraise in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly cold before serving.
8
Serve chilled, optionally over ice, and garnish with a fresh strawberry slice or mint sprig if desired.

Chef's Tips

•**Storage**: Store Lait Fraise in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Stir well before serving as separation can naturally occur.
•**Substitutions**: For a lighter version, use low-fat or skim milk. Plant-based milks like almond or oat milk can also be used, though they will alter the flavor profile. For extra richness, a splash of heavy cream can be added.
•**Sweetness**: Adjust the amount of sugar based on the natural sweetness of your strawberries and personal preference. Riper strawberries will generally require less added sugar.
•**Fun Fact**: While simple, the concept of fruit-flavored milk is ancient, with early versions often using mashed fruits and honey. Lait Fraise is a modern take on this tradition, celebrating the natural sweetness of fresh berries with elegant simplicity.