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.
- Milk
- Sugar
- Orange slice
- Vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
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
Equipment
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
Nutrition
More Fun Drinks
If you know me, you know how much I love a good drink! Whether alcoholic or not, these are some of my favorites.
Delicious! Tastes just the like the mall version and it brings back memories.