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!
This is sooooo refreshing! Perfect for snacks or parties! Such a crowd favorite!
Although I love the original I really wanted to have a thicker parenthesis almost like a shake or insurance. Would it work if I substituted vanilla ice cream for the milk?
You bet!
I learned how to make this in 7th grade.that was in 1997. To this day I still make this. My 4 sons have grown up on this drink. I still make this on holidays and my boys(being grown men)still stand by the mixer with glasses. Thank you for bringing back great memories for me!
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Simple and great tasting.
This recipe really took me back to my teenage years and being at the mall. It’s been ages since I’ve had an Orange Julius and it really is as good as I remember! Had it this morning and 2 kids gave it 5 stars and one gave it 4.5, but that is because she remembers her grandpa making her something like this like 6 years ago. You can’t mess with grandparents and nostalgia 🙂 I wasn’t going to add in the sugar initially because I don’t like having unnecessary sugar and usually cut down what recipes call for. Glad I kept it in! The orange juice concentrate had quite a bit of a sour to it so it needed the extra sugar love. Glad we used only half of the can of concentrate so we can make some more. I’m sure the kids will be making this by themselves in no time. To make it even creamier I will probably experiment with some heavy cream this summer as well! Yum!!!
I made this today for some friends! It was so good and refreshing on a hot Florida summer day. I shared the recipe with everyone too. We are just a group of 50 something ladies who get together 1 Friday every month to catch up.
We will try a different drink recipe next month and can’t wait. Thanks for sending me such amazing recipes to share with friends.
So yummy and delicious 🤗
As for the adult side, add 1-2 ounce of coconut rum and enjoy while you watch the children play.
3 or 4 oz even better
Fun and easy re pie. Kids loved it.
yummy
This sounds so good and refreshing, I will try it soon.
This is the best!! I love orange julius but never want to spend the money on buying them…now I can make them at home!
One of my favorites! This recipe is delicious. Reminds me off a 50/50 ice cream bar. We used to buy from ice cream truck.
Hi –
I’ve never had this before so I thought I’d give it a try. The recipe was easy and straightforward. It turned out really fantastic, especially for the 90 degree heat we are now experiencing here in New York. I am never disappointed when receiving your recipes. I would like to receive the recipe for your pineapple upside down cake. The video was running and it reminded me how much I LOVE it and how long it’s been since I’ve had one. If I don’t win the kitchen tools package but receive your pineapple upside down cake, I’d still be a winner. 🙂
It sounds delicious, love the idea of using almond or coconut milk.
so good! and easy…
This recipe is delicious and refreshing! It is perfect on a hot day, and we also like to have it as a breakfast drink at our house. It is simple enough my kids can make it too!
very good refreshing
This is definitely a 5 star. This is an amazing cold drink for me So refreshing on the hot summer days in Myrtle Beach SC. Will be whipping these up frequently.
I’m intrigued by the comment of the gal that mentioned egg white powder. I see they sell it on amazon. I plan on a purchase and trying it. About how much would one use in this recipe?
I haven’t ever added egg white powder to this before, so I’m not exactly sure how much.
This looks really good! Can’t wait to try it. I noticed you have pictured the small nugget ice. Does that work better than large ice cubes? I always loved the icy feel of an orange julius.
You could use either type of ice!
Delicious! I loved getting Orange Julius as a kid when we went to town. We still live very rural and this allows me to have the tasty treat at home…my family all love this recipe!
I will have to say you are one good cook, and so many of your followers appreciate the delicious recipes you share. With six children, it seems impossible that you have the time to do this but, believe me, it is much appreciated. This Orange Julius drink is spot on. One would pay a pretty penny to buy these at the store but what a treat to have it on hand whenever desired and no need to run out to purchase. This is simple, delicious and a crowd pleaser when doubling and tripling the recipe to share with others. I love the fact that I am not asking anyone to drink a raw egg. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe with us. I have put this recipe in my permanent recipe file box.
Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the drink and will again in the future too! That means a lot.
Was a delicious drink and very easy to make. My family and I love all the recipes that i have made from here. Thank you kristyn!
So simple and delicious. Tastes like the real thing. I did use the suggestion of freezing them. What a treat!
Thank you for your recipes
OMG!! I LOVE this recipe. It’s super easy and quick to make. It brings back memories of when I was younger and shopping and having to get Orange Julious before going home.
I haven’t tried this recipe yet but it sounds easy and delicious. I love orange julius drinks. I would also like to see a recipe for the pina colada julius which is also delicious.
Remember when I was young we used to buy them already made they were delicious.
How cool and refreshing this would be on a hot summer day; especially here in Texas right now.
Love these. They are one of my favorite drinks during the summer. Love your site and recipes. Thank you for sharing
I’ve made this before. It really is just like the “real thing.” I don’t know that there are many (any?) Orange Julius places around me. Thanks for the recipe.
This recipe is so easy and it tastes like summer. It’s light and refreshing and the kids love it. It reminds me of being at the mall and stopping in at Orange Julius.
I can’t wait to make this. This reminds me of my teenage years.
This is just the best !!!! – I just made this for the grand-kids and they fell in love 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing !
Walk Good – Sue
Love this Orange Julius recipe and so do my kids! Super easy to put together!
This looks great and thank you for the dairy free option. One o my family has to be dairy free. I think I want to freeze some too and enjoy on a hot summer day.
This reminds me of being in Middle School and going to the Mall for an Orange Julius! So yummy. Thank you for a quick easy treat~
Love it. So refreshing
This brings me right back to my youth. This is easy to make with easy-to-get ingredients. The vanilla makes all the difference.
I love how something so simple can taste so good. This is the perfect summer drink.
As much as I like most of your recipes this one has too much sugar. the orange juice concentrate is almost pure sugar & then you add more. Sorry, Ineed things that are healthier.
Thanks for the feedback and giving the recipe a try!
When I was a little girl I loved going to the local mall and getting Orange Juilius. I can’t wait to try this recipe with my grandchildren. Thank you for sharing your time and talents!
You’re welcome!! I love that food/recipes can bring back such fond memories. Hope you all enjoy!
Orange Julius is one of our favorites also. I like the idea of adding a little pineapple concentrate and using different milks rather than 2%. I think I’m going to like your version even better than my own
Not the orange Julius I remember growing up. This recipe was very tart.
Why do so many websites like this one show tiny videos (in this case recipe videos) while you’re scrolling the website. They’re totally worthless because they move at lightening speed plus they stop and start another recipe before the other one is finished so it makes no sense. Anyway thanks for the Orange Julius recipe, it brings back memories of the 80s:))
Tastes just like the poplar drink I was obsessed with in high school. Yum!!
My favorite guilty pleasure!! I have loved orange julius since I was a kid and this recipe taste just like it!
Ugh I know. And some worse than others. I move on If it becomes too much. It’s just not worth it, plus you’re bound to find it another place anyway:))
I’m so happy I found this recipe, it’s AMMAZING!!! Thank you!
You’re welcome! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Can you add rum?
I don’t drink, so I have never tried it, but I’m sure you could!!
Amazing! It’s just like it! Now I can make Orange Julius at home, thank you.
You’re welcome! So glad you enjoyed it!
I am so glad to have a good cold drink and thank you 😊
You’re welcome!
My daughter and granddaughter’s pick love them all so refreshing and can drink all year round makes great punch for showers
I, too, love Orange Julius. Years ago, I found a different recipe which is delicious!
In blender:
Orange juice
Ice cubes
Vanilla pudding mix
I don’t have set quantities but you will figure it out. Yum!!
Thanks for sharing! That sounds tasty too!
What a yummy refreshing drink. So easy my kids were able to make it with minimal direction from me!
I was so sad when I could no longer get these near me, so I made your recipe! just like I remembered.
Yay!! So glad you found the recipe!
I absolutely love this drink. It reminds me of my highschool years going to the mall and getting an orange julius.
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Wow, no words, it’s so good! Thanks!!!
I just made this recipe and oh my goodness…yum!!
I used OJ, rather than water, but followed the recipe to the letter otherwise.
I personally think the vanilla is a little strong, so I will half it next time and I know it will be perfect!
Thank you for the recipe, this is one of my favorite frozen drinks and it’s getting more & more difficult to find.
You are welcome! I appreciate you trying it. Thank you for letting me know!
I just made this not even 5 minutes ago and it is delicious, my grandmother who doesn’t even like it, likes this recipe. It was insanely good will keep this recipe for the future!!
Tell your grandma, I am happy she tried it & liked it! Thank you!
“NIRVANA IN A NUTSHELL”…..so good !
Deb
Glad you think so 🙂 Thank you!
Made this for a very special Christmas Eve breakfast 2020. Even the leftovers the next morning were good! Will definitely make again 🙂
Happy to hear that! We love this drink! Thank you!
It taste different than the orange Julius I grew up on. Just not as orangey. Next time I will use orange juice instead of water maybe that will work
Try my orange smoothie
Six ounces orange juice
Two tablespoons plain yogurt
Quarter cup of sugar
One cup of ice
Blend well
Enjoy
Try my creamsicle shake
Six ounces orange juice
One half cup ice
Blend
Add four scoops vanilla ice cream
Blend
Pour in a tall glass
Add one scoop vanilla ice cream
Enjoy with a spoon and a straw
Amazin’. We make ’em every night.
So happy to hear that! Thank you!!
i’M GLAD IT’S SHORT TO MAKE, YOU CAN’T FING AN ORANGE JULIUS STORE THAT OFTEN ANYMORE!
I used fresh Orange juice thst i froze ahead of time. After mixing tge ingredients i felt it Needed twice as much frozen juice, sugar and vAnilLa, but tasted great!
Thank you for giving it a try 🙂 We love this all summer long!
also fantastic with vanilla ice cream / milk combo for a real milkshake taste
Great idea!! Thanks!!
sixty years ago i remember the original Orange julius stands offered to add a banana for an extra 10 cents. it’s the real deal!
I used a couple extra ice cubes, unsweetened vanilla almond milk instead of the milk, and 1 Tbs. truVIa in place of the sugar and thought it was pErfect!
That does sound perfect!! Thanks for sharing!
Definitely needed sLightly more vanilla and a touch more milk but pretty good overall.
Thank you for trying this recipe!
It was really good. I used to work in one of those little cafe’s in a mall, 1957 I was 15 lol and we made them different, we used fresh orange juice, ice, orange sherbet, vanilla and no sugar. I’d make your recipe again for sure, we enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing it is definitely a 5 star (should be a 10)
Awe, thank you for saying that! That sounds delicious, the way you used to make it!
Looks Nice definitely should try thanks 🙂
I think you should too! It is delicious!
Thanks for bringing back some mall hanging memories. Delicious!
You are so welcome! Thank you for sharing that!
Just made this for my daughter & it was excellent!
Happy you liked it!! My family loves it, too! Thank you for trying!
Great recipe. I make this with fresh fruit as well. I like strawberry and blueberry I just add a little more sugar and use lactose free whole milk.
Those would be great additions! Glad you liked it! Thank you!
is tHere anyway this could be made wIthout regular milk? Would coconut milk or almond milk work? Thanks!
You sure could use either of those. I personally haven’t tried, but I bet they’d taste great!
of couRSE! AND SORRY FOR THE CAPS. FOR SOME REASON AT THIS WEBSITE, I CAN ONLY USE THEM. I USED SOY YOGURT AND YACON SYRUP, ITS STILL VERY GOOD. THINKING OF IT, I THINK COCONUT MILK WOULD MAKE IT TASTE WONDERFUL.
Add an egg to it tastes great
I will have to try 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
It’s ok. A real Orange Julius has egg whites in it though.
Yep
Actually, the original Orange Julius had a whole egg in it, they changed it with egg white powder which can be substituted with meringue powder (2 tsp) and added to this recipe.
I love Orange Julius! Great recipe!
We will be making this again, a little sweet, so next time we’ll add sugar to taste.. Thanks for your Lil recipe!!
You are so welcome. Thank you for giving it a try!
HI just found your site, I was ACTUALLY considering IF THIS RECIPE CAN BE SIMPLIFIED WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM INSTEAD OF MILK, SUGAR, vanilla and ice. its makes more sense to do this way. Just suggesting. thanks for all the recipes!
I have not tired, but I’ll have to try 🙂 Glad to share! Thank you!
I made the orange Julius with just vanilla bean ice cream and orange juice and it was good very good the me.. I got Blue Bell’s Vanilla bean..They make the best Vanilla bean ice cream and Tang makes the best orange juice to me but it was yummy ?…
I love this recipe. My kids and I made some popsicles out of it as well. It really was a delicious treat on a hot summer day!
Love this! My kids always ask for it and say it’s better than Dairy Queen!
That’s what I love to hear!! Tell them thank you 🙂
I have been looking for an orange Julius recipe to try & I found yours. I am so glad I tried it! It was the best! It’s super easy to make & I love that it doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. Thank you!
I am so glad you found it, too! Thank you for letting me know!
Just round your website, because i was looking for a recipe to make an orange julius. Been wanting one real bad. Havent had one for years, literally years. I will be 72 in 4 months. I’m going to make this tomorrow and i will send you a picture of it.
I am so glad you found it 🙂 I sure hope you like it!!
Patrice did you ever make It?
Ah, you too! I AM THE SAME AGE AND I WAS JUST THINKING A WHILE BACK HOW THEY USE TO BE ON ALMOST EVERY CORNER. IF I WAS GOOD AS A CHILD, OR AFTER A TRIP TO THE DOCTOR OR DENTIST, MY MOTHER WOULD REWARD ME WITH A ORANGE JULIUS. THESE DAYS I AM VEGAN AND I USED SOYMILK YOGURT IN PLACE OF THE MILK, AND YACON SYRUP INSTEAD OF SUGAR…..BUT ITS CLOSE ENOUGH TO BRING BACK THOSE MEMORIES. HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING YOURS ALSO!
Amazing recipe will use again thankyou
Yay! I am glad you liked it 🙂 Thank you!
This recipe makes my inner child happy! Thank you for sharing it!
Haha!! I’m glad it does & I’m glad to share! Thanks for stopping by!
I have always wanted to know how to make an Orange Julius! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Glad you found the recipe!! We love them! Enjoy!
I haven’t had an Orange Julius in *forever*! Will have to pick up the ingredients for this today. Can’t wait to try it!
They are so good!! I hope you like it! Enjoy!
This is delicious! The first time I made it exactly as directed. Today I used hone-vanilla kefir instead of milk and added fresh grated ginger. Both are wonderful.
Perfect!! I’m glad you liked it!! Thank you so much!
I love this recipe! It is absolutely delicious and we make it on a regular basis. It’s one of those ones that is a hit in the summer and the winter! I finally pinned it because for some reason I keep searching for it every time haha. Thank you for sharing it :).
You are so welcome!! And, I completely agree..love this drink!! Thanks so much!
That’s what a couple of people have said now..it must be. I will have to try 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
The powder is actually non dairy creamer.
It’s powdered milk. I got the recipe from one of the employees back in the 80’s. Fresh Orange juice was used, not concentrate, a whole egg, powdered milk, sugar and ice. I don’t remember adding vanilla, but if you do (from experience) use imitation. Pure vanilla extract is made with alcohol and imitation isn’t.