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Who here has had an Orange Julius before? We’ve been long-time fans and LOVE to make this copycat Orange Julius recipe!
You really only need 5 ingredients (plus ice), the most important being the orange juice concentrate. This isn’t something we always have on hand, so there may be some planning involved. Everything else is always available at our house.
Then, you simply blend – it’s literally ready in minutes! This is one the girls love to whip up because it really is crazy easy. Best of all, this drink tastes just like the REAL version, which means we can make this at home whenever we want (and it’s WAY cheaper)!!
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!
- Quick + easy. Our kids love to make this orange julius recipe – simply blend! It’s literally ready in minutes!
- Just like the original. 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.
Orange Julius Ingredients
- 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate – 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).
- 1 cup milk – We prefer whole milk for a creamier drink. You can make it dairy-free and use coconut 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
- 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
- For the best flavor, use orange juice concentrate because it is 6x more potent than orange juice.
- We prefer to use whole milk for the creamiest 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.
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.
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!