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!
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Homemade Orange Julius Recipe
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! An Orange Julius is 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. 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.
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.
Orange Julius Ingredients
- Milk - use either whole or 2% milk in this recipe.
- Water - cold water is best.
- Vanilla Extract - pure vanilla extract has the best flavor.
- Sugar - we use regular white granulated sugar.
- Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate - any brand will work.
- Ice - cubes or crushed will work.
How to Make Orange Julius at Home
- Blend ingredients. Add the milk, water, vanilla extract, sugar and orange juice concentrate to a blender and blend until well-mixed.
- Blend in the ice. Add the ice and blend until smooth.
- Serve. Pour into individual glasses and serve with a straw. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
- Orange Julius with ice cream. Add in a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream to make your homemade Orange Julius into an extra creamy sweet treat.
- Strawberry Orange Julius. Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries to the mixture.
- Pineapple Orange Julius: For a tropical twist, add chunks of fresh pineapple to the classic Orange Julius ingredients. The pineapple adds a tangy and sweet flavor to the drink, perfect for a sunny day.
- Mango Orange Julius: Add diced fresh mango for a delightful tropical flavor.
- Banana Orange Julius: Add a ripe banana for a creamy and smooth variation. The banana adds a subtle sweetness and a velvety texture to the drink.
- Mixed Berry Orange Julius: Mix a combination of fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, with the classic Orange Julius ingredients. The mixed berries add a burst of vibrant colors and a hint of tartness to the drink.
- Green Orange Julius: 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.
- Coconut Orange Julius: 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
Sure! The finished drink won’t have quite the same texture or strong orange flavor but it will still be totally delicious. All you need to do is skip the water and frozen concentrate and replace with 1 quart of fresh orange juice instead.
While the original Orange Julius recipe contained egg whites, this copycat version does not contain any eggs. Using the frozen orange juice concentrate helps to keep the drink creamy and thick even without eggs.
Homemade Orange Julius Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Water
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Sugar
- 12 ounces Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
- 2 cups Ice
Instructions
- Add the milk, water, vanilla extract, sugar and orange juice concentrate to a blender and blend until well-mixed.
- Add the ice and blend until smooth.
- Pour into individual glasses and serve with a straw. Enjoy!
Nutrition
More Drink Recipes
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- Virgin Strawberry Pina Colada
- Mint Lemonade
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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.
Cindi
My kids loved it, next we're going to try it with the adults for a backyard bbq this weekend! tysm for sharing
Jill Baird
So fun! Have a great BBQ!
michelle
yes! this is bringing me back to my childhood and I am in LOVE!
Jill Baird
It was a staple in my childhood too! So delicious!