Easy Morir Soñando Recipe with Lime (Dominican Drink)

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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. Serve over ice on a summer day!

To know me is to understand how obsessed I am with fruity drinks! Morir soñando has been my obsession for years. It’s the perfect drink for summer, but you can also enjoy it year round!

two glasses of morir soñando with ice garnished with orange slices

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

Why is it called ‘morir soñando’?

The literal translation of morir soñando is ‘to die dreaming’. The name basically emphasizes how decadent and “dreamy” this popular drink is!

Where does morir soñando come from?

It originated in the Dominican Republic but it’s also popular in the U.S.

Is it okay to mix milk and orange juice?

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.

Can I add alcohol to morir soñando?

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.

ingredients for making morir soñando - orange juice, 2 cans evaporated milk, granulated sugar, lime and vanilla extract. Oranges shown for decoration

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.

large measuring cup of cold orange juice with 4 ice cubes

bowl of morir soñando-combined orange juice and condensed milk shown with whisk

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!

2 tall glasses of Dominican morir soñando garnished with lime

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.

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Pineapple Agua Fresca (How to make Agua Fresca de Piña)

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