Orange Julius

This Orange Julius recipe can be made in 5 minutes or less. There is even an adults-only version with an added splash of vodka or champagne. The perfect sweet treat for a hot summer day!

What is Orange Julius?

I found this recipe written on a notecard in my mom’s wooden recipe box on the kitchen counter labeled The REAL Orange Julius recipe. Because obviously there are the UNREAL Orange Julius recipes out there too. 

Who knows if it is actually the real thing, but I put them in a side-by-side taste test and I couldn’t tell the difference. If you’ve never had one, they are a mix between fruit smoothies and a Disney Dole Whip and trust me they’ll be the best thing you’ve ever tasted.

Being a healthy woman, she very rarely allowed us to enjoy an Orange Julius at the mall or at home, so I also see them as quite a treat. Now as an adult, I can attest to them being even more delicious when I add a splash of vodka or even champagne!

Orange Julius started in 1926 in Los Angeles, California by a man named Julius Freed. So thank you Mr. Freed for this delicious summer refreshment. Did you know the original, original Orange Julius recipe called for raw eggs? Yep, you read that right- raw eggs. The egg whites in particular helped to achieve that frothy, creamy texture.

I believe they still might use egg white powder. However, as you can see, the recipe has since evolved, and you can still achieve that delicious, creamy drink without the need for eggs.

Recipe Must Haves

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this copycat orange julius recipe. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

• Frozen orange juice concentrate – Of course, you could use regular orange juice, but you will need to add more ice to make up for the consistency change.

Mix Things Up

You can make your orange julius your own in any way you’d like! Here are a few suggestions.

• Change the flavor – Although technically it wouldn’t be the classic orange julius recipe without the orange flavor, you could really switch out the juice concentrate for any flavor. Try pineapple concentrate for instance.
• Add ice cream – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or orange sherbet and enjoy! You can even make them float style by pouring the orange julius drink over the scoops of ice cream instead of blending them in.
• Make it boozy – Adding vodka or champagne would definitely be different than the original orange julius smoothie. But on a hot day, I love adding a little something fun to my happy hour cocktail list!

Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

4.43 from 26 votes

Copycat Orange Julius is the REAL recipe they use at the store! A frothy, frozen orange drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot day.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Servings: 4

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Equipment

• Ninja Blender System

Ingredients

• 6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Ice Cubes
• Orange Slices for garnish

Instructions

• Combine the 6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate, 1 cup milk, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla into a high powered blender. Blend until smooth. Consistency of orange juice concentrate can vary, so you can add more water if the beverage is too thick.
• Add Ice Cubes to about 3/4 of the way full and blend until a drinkable texture.
• Pour into glasses and garnish with an Orange Slices for garnish.
• If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Video

Notes

Vodka or champagne is optional.  

If you are adding vodka to the whole batch, add 4 ounces (1 regular sized shot glass = 1 ounce, so 4 shot glasses) with the rest of ingredients when blending. If adding to individual drinks, add the shot straight to serving glass and stir before serving. If you choose to use champagne do NOT add during the blending process, it will decrease the carbonation. Add it to each glass individually and stir gently or just use it as a floater.

Nutrition

Calories: 188 kcal, Carbohydrates: 44 g, Protein: 3 g, Cholesterol: 1 mg, Sodium: 30 mg, Potassium: 382 mg, Sugar: 44 g, Vitamin A: 285 IU, Vitamin C: 58.7 mg, Calcium: 88 mg, Iron: 0.1 mg

Author: Chef Jessica Formicola

Calories: 188

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: orange crush recipe, orange julius, orange julius recipe

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