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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.
yummy
This sounds so good and refreshing, I will try it soon.
This is the best!! I love orange julius but never want to spend the money on buying them…now I can make them at home!
One of my favorites! This recipe is delicious. Reminds me off a 50/50 ice cream bar. We used to buy from ice cream truck.
Hi –
I’ve never had this before so I thought I’d give it a try. The recipe was easy and straightforward. It turned out really fantastic, especially for the 90 degree heat we are now experiencing here in New York. I am never disappointed when receiving your recipes. I would like to receive the recipe for your pineapple upside down cake. The video was running and it reminded me how much I LOVE it and how long it’s been since I’ve had one. If I don’t win the kitchen tools package but receive your pineapple upside down cake, I’d still be a winner. 🙂
It sounds delicious, love the idea of using almond or coconut milk.
so good! and easy…
This recipe is delicious and refreshing! It is perfect on a hot day, and we also like to have it as a breakfast drink at our house. It is simple enough my kids can make it too!
very good refreshing
This is definitely a 5 star. This is an amazing cold drink for me So refreshing on the hot summer days in Myrtle Beach SC. Will be whipping these up frequently.