Save yourself a trip to the mall with this cool and creamy orange smoothie. It tastes just like an Orange Julius and is ready in 5 minutes or less.
I love making copycat drinks at home like Starbucks’ Chai Latte and Sonic’s Ocean Water.
Just the name Orange Julius makes my mouth water! Growing up they were a special treat when we went to the mall. Then a few years back Orange Julius and Dairy Queen collaborated and they became a much more frequent treat!
However, the price can add up quickly! This copycat recipe tastes even better than the original and is SO easy! This cool creamy drink is a delight to drink.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy: This Inexpensivedrink only requires 4 ingredients and is ready in 5 minutes.
- : Make a whole batch for the cost you’d pay for one at the mall.
- Tastes just like the real thing: Tangy orange juice and creamy milk bring back the nostalgic taste we all know and love.
What Is An Orange Julius
The Orange Julius is a classic American drink that was popular in the 1980s. It combines orange juice and dairy into a thick smoothie-like drink. Its flavor is reminiscent of an orange creamsicle.
History
This drink was invented in Los Angeles, California by Bill Hamlin as a way to make orange juice less acidic and less bothersome to his stomach. The name is a play on the main ingredients. The original recipe included a powdered mix that was mixed with water, but it has evolved to include just orange juice and milk. It was introduced Dairy Queen in 2012.
Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: Orange juice concentrate is made from fresh fruit harvested at the peak of flavor to produce pure sugar (fructose) without any water or pulp. This type of juice provides maximum flavor with minimum packaging waste. Look for it in the frozen foods aisle.
To use fresh-squeezed orange juice exchange 1 cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice for every ½ cup of orange juice concentrate. - Whole Milk: For the creamiest texture use whole milk. You can use low-fat or plant-based milk but the texture will not be the same.
- Powdered Sugar: The original recipe uses granulated sugar which doesn’t dissolve well in cold water.
- Vanilla: Don’t leave this out, it adds a little something extra
- Ice: Use more ice for a thicker drink and less ice for a thinner drink.
How To Make An Orange Julius
- In a blender, combine all ingredients. Pulse until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and garnish with an orange wedge if desired.
Tips and Tricks
- Blend: If using a blender, make sure to pulse until frothy.
- Orange Juice Ice Cubes: Avoid a watered-down drink by making orange juice ice cubes to use in this recipe.
- Serve Right Away: This is best when served immediately. If not consumed immediately, there is no way to store it without it becoming watered down.
- If you do have leftovers pour them into an ice cube tray or popsicle tray for a future treat.
More Frozen Drinks To Try
Orange Julius Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Ounces Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
- 1 Cup Whole Milk
- 1 Cup Cold Water
- ¼ Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ Cups Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.
Notes
- Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: Orange juice concentrate is made from fresh fruit harvested at the peak of flavor to produce pure sugar (fructose) without any water or pulp. This type of juice provides maximum flavor with minimum packaging waste. Look for it in the frozen foods aisle.
To use fresh-squeezed orange juice exchange 1 cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice for every ½ cup of orange juice concentrate. - Whole Milk: For the creamiest texture use whole milk. You can use low-fat or plant-based milk but the texture will not be the same.
- Ice: Use more ice for a thicker drink and less ice for a thinner drink.
- Blend: If using a blender, make sure to pulse until frothy.
- Orange Juice Ice Cubes: Avoid a watered-down drink by making orange juice ice cubes to use in this recipe.
- Serve Right Away: This is best when served immediately. If not consumed immediately, there is no way to store it without it becoming watered down.
- If you do have leftovers pour them into an ice cube tray or popsicle tray for a future treat.
What a delicious summer refresher! An orange julius sounds fabulous..
Thanks Thalia! xx
Your pictures are beautiful!! And that drink looks amazing, guess I found the one to make this weekend
Aw thanks so much Ana xx