This delicious homemade Orange Julius Copycat Recipe is frothy, creamy, and tastes just like the one from the mall! This easy smoothie is made with five ingredients and ready in less than 5 minutes! So the next time you are craving an Orange Julius, make one at home for a fraction of the cost. I think it tastes even better than the original!
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I have been making this original Orange Julius recipe for over 40 years. It tastes so fresh and has no artificial flavors. And they go perfect with these homemade orange bars.
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What is an Orange Julius?
An Orange Julius is a frothy, refreshing drink that combines the flavors of sweet orange with milk, vanilla, and ice, creating a smoothie-like drink that's both creamy and citrusy.
Originating from the Orange Julius stand first introduced in Los Angeles in the 1920s, the Orange Julius drink quickly became popular across the United States, especially in malls and food courts.
The original is made with ice, orange juice, sweetener, milk, powdered egg whites, and vanilla flavoring. You can even find Julius originals at Dairy Queen.
Copycat Orange Julius Recipe With Orange Juice
- Easy to make at home.
- No artificial flavors or colors.
- Refreshing treat that is ready in less than five minutes.
- Contains no raw eggs.
- Cheaper and healthier than buying one at the mall or Dairy Queen.
Recipe Ingredients
Only a handful of ingredients are required to make this delicious recipe, and you probably already have them in your kitchen.
Ingredient Notes
- Frozen orange juice concentrate. I used Minute Maid 100% original, which is made with natural oranges and no added preservatives.
- Milk. I used 1% milk, but you can also use skim milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
- Sugar. I used granulated sugar, but you can also use powdered sugar, cane sugar, or your favorite sweetener.
- Vanilla extract. I used pure vanilla extract.
- Orange. Optional, but it's nice to garnish the drink with a slice of orange.
See the printable recipe card below for quantities and a full list of ingredients.
How To Make Copycat Orange Julius
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Add frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, vanilla extract, and two cups of ice to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add more ice cubes to make it thicker and blend again.
Step 3: Pour the Orange Julius into glasses, garnish with an orange slice, and serve!
Variations
- Add frozen strawberries to make a Strawberry Orange Julius.
- Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to make a protein-packed smoothie.
- Blend in some frozen pineapple or mango chunks for a tropical flavor.
- Make it dairy-free by using almond, coconut, or soy milk.
Expert Tips
- Use a good quality orange juice concentrate for the best flavor, and make sure it is frozen for the thickest smoothie.
- Start with 2 cups of ice and add more for a thicker texture.
- Start your blender on low to break up the ice and increase to the highest setting.
What to serve with an Orange Julius?
I love to serve these for breakfast or brunch for a special treat. They go perfect with Rhubarb Cream Cheese Muffins, Lemon Berry Dutch Baby Pancakes, Buttermilk Belgian Waffles, Sheet Pan Pancakes, and my Oven-Baked Western Omelet Casserole.
Recipe FAQs
One of the top-rated frozen concentrate orange juice is Minute Maid or Florida Gold, made with real ingredients and no preservatives.
Orange Julius is best when consumed as soon as it is made. However, you can keep it in the fridge for about a day in a container with a lid. Shake or reblend before serving.
Yes, you can make it with fresh orange juice, just omit the water.
More Smoothie Recipes
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Printable Recipe
Homemade Orange Julius Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate one can
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup water
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- Add the can of frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, vanilla extract, and two cups of ice cubes to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
- If you would like your Orange Julius thicker, add one more cup of ice cubes and blend until thick and frothy.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Use a good quality orange juice concentrate for the best flavor, and make sure it is frozen for the thickest smoothie.
- Start with 2 cups of ice and add more for a thicker texture.
- Start your blender on low to break up the ice and increase to the highest setting.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Chef Dennis says
Thanks for sharing this recipe, it was delicious! It's been ages since I had an Orange Julius it was a delicious treat.
Jeri says
I'm so glad you liked it!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
It sounds like eggnog, but different:) will try!
Paris says
This is something that I'm pinning to try on the weekend, it looks so good! I'll try it with almond milk, hope it turns out well.
Jeri says
I'm glad you like it, let me know how it turns out!
Alice | SkinnySpatula says
Looks absolutely lush!
Jeri says
Thanks, Alice!
Linda says
This orange julius brought brack happy memories and I can't wait to try this recipe
Jeri says
I hope you like it, we sure do!