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This refreshing nostalgic drink tastes just like the original and whips up in 5 minutes!

Orange julius served in a glass with fresh orange slice.
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What is an Orange Julius?

Who here has had an Orange Julius before? We’ve been long-time fans and recently decided to try making our own copycat version at home.

  • Few Ingredients. It’s made up of ice, orange juice, sweetener, milk and vanilla is still found in mall food courts.
  • Quick + Easy. Even a kid can make it, plus it’s made in minutes!
  • Delicious. It’s kind of like an orange juice smoothie, except it’s more creamy and frothy. We think it tastes like a melted orange creamsicle.

Best of all, this orange julius recipe tastes just like the real version, which means we can make this at home whenever we want.

Orange Julius ingredients on a marble countertop.

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate If you do not have the frozen orange concentrate you can 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).
  • 1 cup milk – use whole milk for a creamier drink. Make it dairy-free and use coconut milk or almond milk.
  • 1 cup water added to get the right texture
  • 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract – balances out the flavor of the drink
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar use more or less depending on the desired level of sweetness
  • 1 cup ice cubes keeps the drink cool, thick, and frothy 
Ingredients poured into Blendtec.

How to Make Orange Julius

  1. BLEND. Combine 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate, 1 cup milk, 1 cup water, 1-2 teaspoons vanilla, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 cup ice cubes in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

FLAVOR VARIATIONS

Frozen bananas or strawberries are particularly delicious. Add in some pineapple concentrate for a bit of extra flavor. Keep in mind that additions can cause a thicker or thinner texture.

Orange Julius recipe ingredients blended in blender.
4.98 from 192 votes

Orange Julius Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
Refreshing & simple Orange Julius takes a minute to make and tastes just like the real thing. It is a favorite family treat!
Servings: 2
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

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 all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Freeze It: Our favorite thing to do with leftovers is to pour them into a popsicle mold and freeze for a refreshing treat during the summer.
Julius with a Twist: Add other ingredients to the Orange Julius, like frozen bananas, strawberries or even pineapple juice, for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1glass, Calories: 301kcal, Carbohydrates: 61g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 65mg, Potassium: 721mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 56g, Vitamin A: 520IU, Vitamin C: 123mg, Calcium: 190mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

What is Orange Julius?

  • In the 1920’s, Julius Freed opened an orange juice stand in Los Angeles, but sales weren’t so great. His friend, Bill, made a less acidic, more frothy version of orange juice which Julius adopted and began serving at his OJ stand.
  • People loved it and began ordering Orange Julius’ left and right. In 1987 Dairy Queen bought the Orange Julius Company. (Source)
  • Many traditional orange Julius recipes call for egg whites, or egg white powder to help get a nice foamy texture, but I managed to get just the right amount of foam without using raw eggs.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for a day or so in an airtight container
  • My favorite thing to do with leftovers is to pour them into a popsicle mold as a refreshing treat.

For more Drink Recipes:

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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4.98 from 192 votes (110 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




144 Comments

  1. Kristina says:

    5 stars
    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!

  2. Jamie C says:

    5 stars
    Love this! My kids always ask for it and say it’s better than Dairy Queen!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      That’s what I love to hear!! Tell them thank you 🙂

  3. Joy says:

    5 stars
    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!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I am so glad you found it, too! Thank you for letting me know!

  4. Patrice says:

    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.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I am so glad you found it 🙂 I sure hope you like it!!

    2. Bethy says:

      5 stars
      Patrice did you ever make It?

    3. Davilyn eversz says:

      5 stars
      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!

  5. Tyler says:

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe will use again thankyou

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yay! I am glad you liked it 🙂 Thank you!

  6. Amy says:

    5 stars
    This recipe makes my inner child happy! Thank you for sharing it!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Haha!! I’m glad it does & I’m glad to share! Thanks for stopping by!

  7. Melissa Howell says:

    5 stars
    I have always wanted to know how to make an Orange Julius! Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Glad you found the recipe!! We love them! Enjoy!

  8. Julie says:

    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!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      They are so good!! I hope you like it! Enjoy!

  9. Claudia Phillips says:

    5 stars
    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.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Perfect!! I’m glad you liked it!! Thank you so much!

  10. Hailey says:

    5 stars
    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 :).

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      You are so welcome!! And, I completely agree..love this drink!! Thanks so much!