Orange Julius Recipe is a sweet, frothy drink made with frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, water, vanilla, sugar, and ice. It blends up smooth and creamy in minutes, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, after-school snacks, or a fun summer treat.
We love this because it tastes like a classic mall favorite but is so easy to make at home. Use regular milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option, then serve it right away while it’s cold, fluffy, and fresh.
This is one the girls love to whip up because it really is crazy easy! For more copycat favorites, try our Sonic Cherry Limeade and Ocean Water drinks.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Few ingredients. It’s made up of ice, orange juice, sweetener, milk, and vanilla – so simple to make at home!
- Great any time. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, summer treats, and family movie nights.
- Frozen orange juice concentrate adds big flavor. It gives the drink a sweet, tangy orange taste without needing fresh oranges.
- Ice makes it frothy. Blending with ice creates that classic light and foamy texture.
Orange Julius Ingredients
- Frozen orange juice concentrate (6 ounces): Adds bright, sweet orange flavor and gives the drink its classic taste. If you do not have frozen orange concentrate, omit the added water and use 1 cup of fresh orange juice along with orange zest (start with 2 tablespoons of zest and add more to taste).
- Milk, or almond milk for a dairy-free option (1 cup): Makes the drink creamy and smooth.
- Water (1 cup): Helps thin the drink so it blends easily.
- Vanilla extract (1-2 teaspoons): Adds warm flavor that balances the orange.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the drink and gives it that classic dessert-like flavor.
- Ice cubes (1 cup): Chills the drink and help make it frothy.
- optional ingredients: Add frozen bananas, strawberries, or pineapple concentrate for a flavor twist
How to Make Orange Julius
BLEND. Combine frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, water, vanilla, sugar, and ice cubes in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Use frozen orange juice concentrate straight from the freezer for the best flavor and texture.
- Start with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then add more if you like a stronger vanilla flavor.
- Blend until completely smooth and frothy so the drink has that classic texture.
- For extra frothiness, blend in ¼-½ teaspoon of egg white powder.
- Serve immediately because the frothy top settles as it sits.
- Make-ahead tip: measure the ingredients ahead of time, but blend right before serving for the freshest texture.
Orange Julius Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 cup milk, (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine orange juice concentrate, milk, water, vanilla, sugar, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For the best flavor use orange juice concentrate because it is 6x more potent than orange juice.
- To use 1 cup of orange juice, omit the orange concentrate and water, and add in 2 tablespoons of orange zest.
- Whole milk helps produce a creamier drink.
- For extra frothiness, blend in ¼-½ teaspoon of egg white powder.
- Add the 1 cup of ice gradually to reach your desired thickness
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store leftover Orange Julius in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. Our favorite thing to do with leftovers is to pour them into a popsicle mold as a refreshing treat.
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This recipe was originally published August 2015.
You know if you omit the egg white powder and throw in pineapple powder at the same ratio you would pretty much have it. and this recipe is the best one.
We love this orange julius recipe! So refreshing, easy to make and my family enjoyed it!
This was so refreshing! I used almond milk and the vanilla extract added a nice touch. Perfect for a quick breakfast before work. Will definitely make it again!