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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.
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!!