Orange Julius

This recipe for a simple Homemade Orange Julius is super creamy, frothy, and refreshing. Just like the original Orange Julius recipe, it tastes like a cold melted creamsicle – yum!

If you’re on the hunt for more amazing smoothies, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to try our Strawberry Orange Julius, Blue Smoothie Bowl, and our copycat Disney Dole Whip Recipe.

Homemade Orange Julius

If you are an Orange Julius fan, you will be pleasantly surprised to find out just how easy peasy they are to make. And, if you aren’t familiar with them in the first place, you’re welcome! It’s the perfect chilly sweet treat to enjoy in the backyard on a hot summer day.

Our copycat Orange Julius is made by blending milk, water, frozen orange concentrate, sugar, vanilla and ice—no raw egg! It’s frothy, creamy, sweet, and totally refreshing for both kids and adults. Keep reading to learn how to make an orange julius as well as a few easy recipe variations.

What Is In An Orange Julius?

The original Orange Julius recipe made by blending orange juice, sugar, vanilla, egg whites and ice. It was creamy, frothy and became super popular somewhere around the 1960s when Orange Julius stands began to pop up at state fairs. Now it is owned by Dairy Queen and there are hundreds of stores, mostly in North America and parts of Asia.

The original Orange Julius recipe with egg was made in Los Angeles at an orange juice stand in the 1920s. The owner had made a recipe for a version of orange juice that was creamier, frothier and less acidic than plain orange juice (thanks to the dairy) and his sales skyrocketed.

Key Ingredients

• Milk – use either whole or 2% milk in this recipe so that it stays extra creamy and flavorful. Skim milk just won’t cut it.
• Vanilla Extract – pure vanilla extract has the best flavor and adds depth to the drink.
• Sugar – we use regular white granulated sugar.
• Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate – any brand will work.
• Ice – you’ll want to use cubes or crushed ice.

How to Make An Orange Julius at Home

1. Blend ingredients. Add the milk, water, vanilla extract, sugar and orange juice concentrate to a blender and blend until well-mixed.
2. Blend in the ice. Add the ice and blend until smooth.
3. Serve. Pour into individual glasses and serve with a straw. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Add in a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream to make your homemade Orange Julius into an extra creamy sweet treat.
• Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries, mango, raspberries, or blackberries to the mixture.
• For an extra creamy and smooth treat, add a ripe frozen banana. It adds a subtle sweetness and a velvety texture to the drink.
• For a healthy twist, add a handful of spinach or kale to the classic Orange Julius recipe. The leafy greens add a boost of nutrients and a vibrant green color to the drink. Blend until smooth and enjoy the refreshing taste with added health benefits.
• Replace the regular milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s super delicious. The coconut flavor complements the citrusy taste of orange perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This homemade Orange Julius is the perfect chilly sweet treat to enjoy in the backyard on a hot summer day. It’s frothy, creamy, sweet and totally refreshing for both kids and adults.