Morir Soñando, translated as “to die dreaming” is a beloved Dominican(🇩🇴) drink that brings back nostalgic memories of my childhood. The name is extra af but Caribbean people are dramatic and with good reason when your food and drinks are *chefs kiss*. Despite being lactose intolerant, I couldn’t resist the creamy sweetness of this drink, so I dealt with the consequences – so worth it. The combination of fresh orange juice and milk was rich and indulgent, but it wasn’t the best choice for my stomach or fitness goals.
Traditional Morir Soñando has a hefty amount of sugar and uses evaporated milk – which is relatively high in fat compared to regular milk. Evaporated milk is made by removing about 60% of the water content from regular milk, which concentrates the milk’s nutrients, including fat and calories. While delicious, the macros of the traditional recipe can be tough for those on a fitness journey (yes, of course, we can have everything in moderation).
But here’s the lit news – you can still enjoy this nostalgic drink while making it healthier and not compromising flavor! Here’s my revamped recipe that offers all the creamy richness of a Dominican Orange Julius but with a few modifications and swaps for 16g of protein for less than 300 calories…aka you can lowkey have this every day if you wanted to 😏.
You don’t have to give up traditional Caribbean foods just because you’re trying to be healthier. It’s all about finding different ways to make your favorite Caribbean recipes a bit more health conscious! This recipe is a perfect example of how you can transform a beloved classic into something that supports your goals. Want more healthy gym friendly Caribbean recipes? Check out The Fit Caribbean Kitchen recipe ebook with over 30 recipes with macronutrients included.