Step 1

Rinse strawberries and drain all the water. Trim off the leaves and discard. Give the berries a quick chop.

Step 2

In a small to medium-sized sauce pan, add the chopped strawberries and sugar.

Step 3

Coat the strawberries in the sugar by gently stirring them, and set aside for 20 to 30 minutes. The sugar will dissolve and a syrup will appear.

Step 4

Place the sauce pan on the stove over low heat. Stir at intervals as the mixture gets heated up.

Step 5

Let the strawberry syrup come to a boil.

Step 6

When the syrup begins to boil remove from heat and place on your kitchen countertop. Mash with a vegetable masher, fork, wooden spoon or immersion blender until you achieve the consistency you desire.

Step 7

Check taste, and, if necessary, add more sugar. The syrup should have a flowing, drippy consistency, not thick like with a jam or sauce. Let it cool completely.

Step 8

Before serving, finely chop 4 to 5 medium strawberries - about 6 tablespoons.

Step 9

Take 3 glasses and place 4 tablespoons of strawberry syrup in each glass.

Step 10

Top with 2 tablespoons each of finely chopped strawberries (if using) and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 11

Pour in 1 cup cold milk of your choice - any nut milk or dairy milk will work. While drinking, stir with a spoon to blend. Enjoy!