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This refreshing nostalgic drink tastes just like the original and whips up in 5 minutes!
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.
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
- 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
How to Make Orange Julius
- 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.
Complete the Meal
- MAIN DISHES: Easy Pancakes, French Toast Sticks, Breakfast Casserole
- SIDE DISHES: Bacon in the Oven, Scrambled Eggs, How to Make Hashbrowns
- More DRINK RECIPES: Orange Juice Smoothie, Aloha Tropical Smoothie,
MORE COLLECTIONS: Summer Drinks, Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes, Frozen Drink Recipes
Orange Julius Recipe
Refreshing & simple Orange Julius takes a minute to make and tastes just like the real thing. It is a favorite family treat!
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)
No Eggs?
- 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.
How to Store Orange Julius?
- Store leftovers in the fridge for a day or so in an airtight container
How to Freeze?
- My favorite thing to do with leftovers is to pour them into a popsicle mold as a refreshing treat.
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.