Vanilla or Chocolate Milk: Add all ingredients to a pint-size Mason jar. Tighten on the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Let sit for a few seconds so the bubbles disperse. (If there seem to be small bits of undissolved cocoa powder, you can pour it through a fine mesh strainer like the small kind meant for tea.)
Strawberry or Banana milk: Add all ingredients to a blender. Starting on low and working up to high, blend very smooth.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Notes
Use cow's milk or nondairy unsweetened plain milk as you like.
Use honey or agave instead of maple syrup.
I prefer whole milk for kids, and because it tastes creamiest in these recipes, but you can use any you prefer.
For the recipes with fruit, make sure the strawberries taste good and the banana is super ripe for best flavor.
Sweeten to taste.
If you make the milks ahead and store, shake them before you serve—especially the chocolate milk.
Know that the strawberry milk thickens if you make it with freeze-dried berries and store it overnight. (It tastes great, but is just noticeably thicker. You can add a little more milk if desired.)
Add a dash of cinnamon to the chocolate, banana, or vanilla milk for a different flavor profile.
Add 1/2 cup ripe banana or strawberries to the Chocolate Milk to make a mixed flavor!