Wash and finely chop the strawberries.
1½ cup strawberries
Combine the mashed strawberries, maple syrup or sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until syrupy. Let it cool completely.
3 tablespoons maple syrup, ¼ tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp lemon juice
Blend or mash the strawberry mixture into a compote or very smooth strawberry sauce.
Add 3 spoonfuls of the cooled strawberry mixture to the bottom of a tall clear glass. Tilt and swirl the glass to coat the sides with the strawberries.
Pour cold milk slowly into the glass, over the strawberry mixture. Watch the swirls form!
1 cup cold milk
Top with diced strawberries and add ice cubes for a café-style finish. Serve immediately and stir before sipping, or let the strawberries infuse into the milk for a more robust flavor.
Ice cubes, Extra chopped strawberries for serving