Learn how to make delicious Morir Soñando with this simple recipe! One of the most popular drinks in the Dominican Republic, morir soñando is made from equal parts orange juice and evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla and a hint of lime.
Morir Soñando is a quintessentially Dominican beverage. Whether enjoyed with breakfast or as a refreshing drink, it perfectly complements the flavors of traditional Dominican dishes like mangu and los tres golpes.
Why this recipe works
Morir soñando is proof that it is perfectly ok to mix milk and orange juice! The combination has a sweet, refreshing taste and a creamy, yet delicate texture.
The trick to having success with this recipe is to use cold ingredients and combine them quickly so the mixture doesn’t curdle. Refer to the photos as a guide if you need to!
Frequently asked questions
The literal translation of morir soñando is ‘to die dreaming’. The name basically emphasizes how decadent and u0022dreamyu0022 this popular drink is!
It originated in the Dominican Republic but it’s also popular in the U.S.
Yes, it is perfectly fine as long as you keep the ingredients cold! I strongly suggest chilling the milk and orange juice in the fridge for at least a couple of hours before making this recipe.
Although it’s traditionally a non-alcoholic drink, you can add rum or another liquor of your choice.
Ingredients
Morir soñando is made from the following:
- Orange juice – fresh squeezed or store-bought will both work. If you’re using store-bought, make sure it’s labeled 100% juice.
- Evaporated milk – adds body and depth of flavor, it’s best to chill it in the refrigerator beforehand.
- Granulated sugar – added for sweetness.
- Vanilla extract and 1 or 2 lime wedges to enhance the flavor
- Plenty of ice cubes
Refer to the recipe card for exact measurements and quantities.
Substitutions and variations
Evaporated milk is commonly used in morir soñando, and it’s my personal favorite because of its rich flavor and creaminess. Here are a few substitutes you can make though:
- Use whole milk for a lighter version of morir soñando. Just be careful because regular milk has a tendency to curdle if it’s not cold enough! In my experience it’s best to drink the morir soñando right away when using whole milk.
- For an even thicker, creamier morir soñando, omit the sugar and replace 1 can of the evaporated milk with 1 can of sweetened condensed milk.
- For vegan morir soñando, use a plant-based milk like oat milk almond milk or another plant-based milk of your choice. I personally prefer the creaminess and neutral taste of oat milk!
If you’re looking to store the morir soñando in the fridge for a couple of days, using canned milk is your best bet in terms of storage-life.
Tools needed
You don’t need anything fancy to make this drink! Just a few basics:
- Pitcher or a large spouted mixing bowl
- Long handled spoon or whisk for mixing
- Juicer or squeezer if you’re squeezing your own orange juice
How to make Morir Soñando
Step 1: Start with cold ingredients!
You’ll want to chill your ingredients in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours before starting. This is important so that the drink doesn’t curdle when you combine the ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the milk and orange juice together
Pour the cold orange juice into a pitcher or bowl. Add a few ice cubes to keep it nice and cold.
Pour the evaporated milk into the pitcher in a slow and steady stream. Whisk quickly as you combine the milk with the orange juice to prevent the mixture from curdling.
Step 3: Add sugar, vanilla extract and lime
Pour in the sugar as you continue to whisk, then add the vanilla extract. Finish off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and stir a couple more times.
Step 4: Chill and serve
Chill the morir soñando for at least 2 hours, or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with fresh slices of orange or lime and serve immediately!
Storing leftovers
Morir soñando can be kept in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Using evaporated milk gives the Morir Soñando a longer shelf-life. If you’re using regular milk, you should drink it right away.
Make sure to shake or stir the refrigerated leftovers before pouring, as the drink can separate as it sits in the refrigerator.
You’ll love these other drink recipes:
Agua de Horchata – Easy Recipe
Pineapple Agua Fresca (How to make Agua Fresca de Piña)
Easy Piña Colada Recipe – 4 Ingredients!
Easy Morir Soñando Recipe with Lime (Dominican Drink)
Ingredients
- 4 cups orange juice chilled
- 2 cans evaporated milk chilled
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1-2 lime wedges
- ice for serving
- orange slices or lime wedges for garnish optional
Instructions
- Chill the orange juice and evaporated milk in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before starting.
- Pour the cold orange juice into the pitcher or bowl, add 2-3 ice cubes and stir to get it nice and cold. Pour the cold evaporated milk in a steady stream and whisk quickly as you combine the milk and orange juice!
- Pour in the sugar as you continue to whisk and then add the vanilla extract and a squeeze of lime. Give the mixture a final stir.
- Chill the morir soñando for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with orange slices or lime wedges (optional).
Notes
- Orange juice and milk must be chilled ahead of time for best results. Remove the evaporated milk from cans prior to chilling.
- Whisk quickly to ensure the mixture doesn't curdle
- Leftovers can be stored for 1-2 days in the refrigerator if using canned milk. Morir soñando made with fresh whole milk should be consumed right away.
Renia says
I made it for my mom as a brunch accompaniment. I think she’s hooked on them now. Thanks for sharing.!
C. Michele says
Hi Renia!
I forgot to mention how addicting it is! I’m so glad your mom enjoyed it!
Nadia W says
This Morir Soñando sounds so good! I love that the easiest drinks are often the tastiest. This sounds so refreshing on the hot end-of-summer days.
C. Michele says
Thank you Nadia! It is certainly very easy and very tasty! I really admire the simplicity of Latin drinks! I hope you enjoy it!
Desirée says
This drink was delish! Both me and my husband enjoyed it!
C. Michele says
Hi Desirée! I’m so glad that you and your husband enjoyed it! Told you it was a good one!
Samantha says
This drink is so yummy! It tastes like an orange creamsicle dream!
C. Michele says
Yes!! It does taste very similar! I’m glad you liked it!
Adri Ruff says
My husband and I truly enjoyed your recipe this weekend. We ended up making a batch on Saturday and then again today to share with some friends. Absolutely delicious!
Britney says
I saw this recipe when you posted it on Instagram and I knew that I had to give it a try! It was SO tasty!! I’m currently sipping on this now and loving every minute of it!
Kaluhi says
Very interesting! Milk and orange a quite unexpected, but this looks really refreshing nonetheless. I’ll definitely be trying it out!
Tamara says
This drink was so creamy, and delicious! Me and my kids are obsessed now. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Chenée says
This was so easy! And perfect for me because I LOVE a creamsicle. It was so refreshing and delicious.
Capri Lilly says
These drinks are so tasty! I feel like a professional barista!
C. Michele says
Aren’t they?! I’m so glad you liked them!
Chef Mireille says
I am half Haitian and since we share the same island with DR, some of our foods are similar. My Dad used to make this all the time when I was a child and I hated it back then, but as I got older I learned to love it. However, this version with the lime and condensed milk elevated the flavor and I will definitely be making this version from now on.
C. Michele says
Hi Chef Mireille! What is it called in Haiti? I love how most island recipes are connected! My family is from Cape Verde and while we have some similar dishes, they don’t make anything like this in Cape Verde! I wish!
Marta says
Oh, this took me back to my childhood! I always loved sipping on morir soñando for breakfast. I remember laughing at my friends who thought Orange Julius was so good! It was trash compared to this!
C. Michele says
I’m so happy you liked it Marta! I agree that Orange Julius doesn’t compare! Did you know they’re still around! Talk about a blast from the past!
Natasha Wells says
Wow! I would have never thought to mix a cocktails with condensed milk…..a must try for me!
C. Michele says
Yes I get a lot of surprised glances/comments from people when I make this! Comparing it to an orange creamscicle seems to work as a good talking point! Glad you enjoyed it!