What is the difference between strawberry fresca and strawberry milk?

Strawberry fresca is a light, fruit-forward Mexican drink made with blended strawberries, water, and sweeteners—often with milk or condensed milk for creaminess. It’s thinner and more hydrating than traditional strawberry milk, which is usually thicker and dairy-heavy.

Can I make strawberry fresca without condensed milk?

Absolutely! You can skip the condensed milk and use regular milk with a bit of sugar or honey. For a dairy-free version, coconut or almond milk also works beautifully while keeping it creamy and refreshing.

How long does homemade strawberry fresca last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, strawberry fresca stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as natural separation is normal.

Is strawberry fresca healthy?

Yes, strawberry fresca can be a healthy choice, especially if you control the sugar content. It's packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and hydration—perfect for hot days or after outdoor activity.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes! Frozen strawberries are a budget-friendly and equally nutritious alternative. Just thaw them first before blending to get a smooth texture, bright flavor, and a light dose of natural fiber and protein from the milk or dairy you add.

Strawberry Fresca Recipe – Easy Creamy Summer Drink

Name: Creamy Strawberry Fresca: A Budget-Friendly Summer Drink
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds strawberries, hulled (reserve a few for garnish); 4 cups water, divided; 3 to 4 cups milk (whole or 2%); 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; Ice, for serving; Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar, to taste

Description

Creamy Strawberry Fresca is a refreshing Mexican-inspired drink that combines ripe strawberries, water, milk, and sweetened condensed milk for a cool, fruity treat. It’s the perfect way to use up overripe berries and stay cool on a hot day. Think strawberry milkshake meets agua fresca—lighter, smoother, and totally summer-ready.

Ingredients

2 pounds strawberries, hulled (reserve a few for garnish)

4 cups water, divided

3 to 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

Ice, for serving

Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar, to taste

Instructions

In a blender, combine the strawberries with 1 cup of water. Blend until completely smooth.
Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove seeds and pulp.
Add the remaining 3 cups of water, milk, and sweetened condensed milk to the pitcher. Stir until fully combined.
Taste and add a spoonful of sugar if additional sweetness is needed.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or serve immediately over a tall glass of ice.
Garnish with chopped strawberries, if desired.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use oat milk or almond milk and a dairy-free condensed milk substitute.

Add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon for a flavor twist.

Adjust sweetness based on your strawberries’ ripeness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drink
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: strawberry fresca, creamy strawberry agua fresca, Mexican strawberry drink, summer strawberry drink, strawberry milk agua fresca