I know it’s still spring, but the days are getting warmer, the sun is starting to shine, and so am I ready for summer and all its cold, fruity drinks. And I’m telling you, this Orange Julius will be it The For me the drink of the summer. This super easy Orange Julius recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare and is the perfect cold and creamy treat that makes me feel like I’m on vacation somewhere tropical (a girl’s gotta dream). Not to mention, there are so many ways to vary this Orange Julius recipe to make it more dessert-like, or healthier like a breakfast smoothie, or even turn it into an afternoon cocktail, so I’ll really be sipping this one all up . Summer. long. Don’t miss my suggested variations below!
What is an Orange Julius?
Orange Julius is a refreshing and creamy orange drink made from orange juice, milk, sugar, vanilla and egg white that creates a super frothy consistency. The drink was invented by Julius Freed at his Los Angeles juice stand in 1926 and has been a summer favorite ever since. The drink grew in popularity over the years and was even considered the official drink of the 1964 World’s Fair. Over the past few decades, it has become a staple in malls and on Dairy Queen menus. These days it’s usually made without egg whites, but it’s still just as dreamy and creamy as ever. And the best part? You don’t have to spend $6 per Julius at an ice cream stand because these deliciously creamy citrus drinks are so easy to make yourself at home!
You only need four simple ingredients to make a homemade Orange Julius (plus ice). Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- Frozen orange juice concentrate: This is the secret ingredient to making a super lemony Orange Julius without it being too watery. The orange juice concentrate gives the smoothie a lot of sweet-tart orange flavor while keeping it thick and frothy.
- Milk: Whole milk is added to balance the acidity in orange juice and give Orange Julius its signature creamy flavor. Although you can use low-fat milk, it will affect the creaminess of the drink. Whole milk is recommended.
- Sugar: A little sugar helps balance the acidity and bitterness in the orange juice concentrate, giving the Julius a deliciously sweet and smooth finish.
- Vanilla: Vanilla contributes to the creamy flavor profile and gives the drink an orange creamsicle-like taste.
- Ice: Ice makes the Orange Julius super cold and provides a deliciously thick and foamy texture. You can increase or decrease the amount of ice to give the smoothie the consistency you want.
Can you make Orange Julius with orange juice?
The recipe below uses frozen orange juice concentrate to achieve a really strong orange flavor while keeping the smoothie thick and rich. You can substitute the orange juice concentrate with about 2 cups of fresh orange juice, but this will make the Julius much less thick and the flavor won’t be as strong. For the richest, boldest flavor, be sure to purchase orange juice concentrate. The rest of the can can easily be stored in your freezer for your next Orange Julius, so it’s worth purchasing!
Orange Julius Variations
I love a simple classic Orange Julius, but there are so many great ways to change up the recipe to make it your own. Here are some other ingredients you can add to an Orange Julius for variety:
- Fruity flavors: Try adding banana, mango or pineapple for a tropical touch or strawberries for a summery flavor.
- Vegan Orange Julius: Make it vegan by replacing the whole milk with light canned coconut milk (not the kind in a carton that’s intended as a milk replacement).
- Protein Julius: Turn it into a protein smoothie by adding vanilla Greek yogurt or your favorite vanilla protein powder.
- Green Julius: Add a handful or two of baby spinach for a creamy, citrusy green smoothie.
- Alcoholic Orange Julius: Add vodka or rum to make a fun “adult” Orange Julius.
Orange Julius
This perfect Orange Julius recipe is refreshing, easy to make and full of creamy citrus flavors for a quick summer treat or healthy snack.
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- 1/2 Cup frozen orange juice concentrate ($1.16)
- 1 Cup Whole milk ($0.20)
- 1 TL vanilla extract ($0.45)
- 3 tablespoon granulated sugar ($0.06)
- 1 Cup Ice ($0.00)
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Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and fluffy.
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If your Orange Julius isn’t thick enough, add more ice. If the Julius is too thick, add a little water or milk and mix again until the desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Portion: 12ozCalories: 253kcalCarbohydrates: 49GProtein: 6GFat: 4GSodium: 58mgFiber: 1G
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How to make an orange julius – step by step photos
Add ½ cup frozen orange juice concentrate, 1 cup whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 cup ice to a blender.
Mix everything together until you get a smooth and foamy mixture. Adjust the consistency of your Orange Julius by adding more ice to make it thicker or adding a little water or milk to thin it out.
Pour the homemade Orange Julius into a large glass and enjoy immediately!
