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Refreshing & simple copycat Orange Julius recipe takes a minute to make and tastes just like the real thing. It is a favorite family treat!
Homemade Orange Julius is one of our go to breakfast drinks!! To complete the meal, just add one of our favorite breakfast casseroles or a big stack of pancakes.
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 recipe tastes just like the real version, which means we can make this at home whenever we want.
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)
just blend!!
The orange julius ingredients include:
- frozen orange juice
- milk
- water
- sugar
- vanilla
- ice cubes
Luckily, we had pretty much all of these ingredients at our house already!
BLEND. To make this yummy recipe, just throw everything in the blender and blend until nice and smooth. It’s that easy!
Orange Julius Tips
- Use fresh orange juice. Using Orange Juice and adding more ice will just change the texture and flavor, which isn’t what you want!
- No eggs. Many traditional orange Julius recipes call for egg whites, or egg white powder to help get a nice foamy texture, but I think I was able to manage just the right amount of foam without using raw eggs. Another way that can help add fluffiness to the foam is to substitute powdered sugar for the granulated sugar.
- Julius with a twist. Add other flavors to the Orange Julius. Frozen Bananas or strawberries are particularly delicious. Add in some pineapple concentrate for a bit of extra flavor. Just keep in mind that it will cause a thicker or thinner texture.
- Dairy-free. Make this dairy-free by using coconut milk or almond milk.
Storing
- STORE leftovers (if you have any) in the fridge for a day or so in an airtight container, but it’s much better to have it fresh!
- FREEZE. My favorite thing to do with leftovers it to pour it into a popsicle mold as a refreshing treat.
For more Drink Recipes:
Orange Julius Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 cup milk or almond milk*
- 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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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!