Orange Julius Recipe

The Perfect Orange Julius Recipe: Creamy Sunshine in a Glass

Blending citrusy magic and creamy smoothness, this orange julius recipe brings pure sunshine to your morning routine.

Forget boring breakfast drinks that leave you unsatisfied.

Cold and frothy, it promises a delightful burst of flavor in every sip.

Vibrant orange juice mingles with unexpected ingredients to create something extraordinary.

Refreshing and light, the drink feels like a tropical escape right in your kitchen.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a beverage that dances between sweet and tangy.

One taste, and you’ll be hooked on this delicious, quick-to-make treat.

How to Store Orange Julius Properly

Store leftover Orange Julius in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, giving it a quick stir before serving to restore its frothy texture.

Pour remaining drink into ice cube trays and freeze for future smoothie bases or quick cooling additions to other beverages.

If separation occurs, blend the chilled drink again for 30 seconds to restore its original creamy consistency and fresh taste.

Never leave the drink at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.

FAQs

  • What is an Orange Julius?

A classic frothy orange drink originating in California that became famous as a mall beverage, known for its creamy, smooth texture and bright citrus flavor.

  • Is Orange Julius healthy?

While delicious, it’s a treat with added sugar and calories. The drink contains vitamin C from orange juice and some calcium from milk, but it’s more of an indulgent beverage than a health drink.

  • Can I make this drink without a blender?

No, a blender is essential to create the signature frothy, smooth texture that defines an authentic Orange Julius.

  • How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk, and use dairy-free vanilla ice cream or coconut milk ice cream to create a similar creamy consistency.

Refreshing Orange Julius to Brighten Your Day

  • Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This Orange Julius recipe delivers a creamy, dreamy beverage that delights taste buds and brings smiles to everyone's faces.
  • Master Quick Mixing: Toss all ingredients into a blender and transform them into a silky-smooth drink in just minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous treat cravings.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust sweetness levels to suit personal preferences, creating a versatile drink that adapts to individual tastes.
  • Celebrate Any Moment: Whether it's a sunny afternoon, family gathering, or casual get-together, this refreshing drink elevates any occasion with its vibrant orange flavor and creamy texture.

Ingredients to Blend an Orange Julius

For the Base:
  • Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: A tangy and concentrated citrus flavor that provides the signature orange taste.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Creates a rich, smooth texture and adds sweetness to the drink.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sugar: Balances the tartness of the orange juice and enhances overall sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a warm, aromatic flavor to the drink.
For the Texture:
  • Ice Cubes: Provides a frosty, chilled consistency and helps create the frothy texture.
For the Garnish:
  • Orange Slice, Striped Straw: Adds a decorative touch and makes the drink more visually appealing.

How to Make Classic Orange Julius at Home

Step 1: Prep Blender Ingredients

Grab your trusty blender and get ready to whip up a creamy, dreamy Orange Julius. You’ll want to gather:
  • Frozen orange juice concentrate
  • Sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ice cubes

Toss all these delightful ingredients into the blender, making sure everything is ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Blend to Perfection

Secure the blender lid and crank that power to high. Let the magic happen as the ingredients transform into a smooth, frothy masterpiece.

Blend continuously for about 12 minutes, watching as the mixture becomes light, airy, and incredibly creamy.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the luscious Orange Julius into tall glasses, creating a beautiful, inviting drink.

For that extra touch of summer fun, add a bright orange slice to the rim and pop in a playful striped straw. Your refreshing beverage is now ready to cool you down and bring a burst of citrusy happiness to your day.

Tips to Get the Perfect Creamy Texture

  • Pop serving glasses in the freezer beforehand for an extra-cool, frosty experience.
  • Use high-quality vanilla ice cream and pure vanilla extract for a richer, more authentic flavor profile.
  • Adjust sugar amount based on personal preference or use alternative sweeteners like honey or stevia.
  • Add a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt for an extra protein kick and creamy texture.
  • Prepare the mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator, blending again briefly before serving for a quick refreshment.

Variations to Change Up This Drink

  • Tropical Paradise: Replace orange juice concentrate with pineapple juice, add coconut cream for a beachy vacation flavor profile.
  • Berry Blast: Swap orange juice with mixed berry concentrate, include fresh strawberries for extra fruity richness.
  • Protein Power: Mix in vanilla protein powder and reduce ice cream for a post-workout protein smoothie version.
  • Citrus Cooler: Add a splash of lime juice and use Greek yogurt instead of ice cream for a tangier, lighter drink.

Pairings That Go Well With Orange Julius

  • Pair Sweet Treats with Complementary Textures: Serve Orange Julius alongside light, crispy baked goods like almond cookies or shortbread that won't overpower the drink's delicate citrus flavor.
  • Complement with Breakfast Classics: Match this refreshing beverage with fluffy buttermilk pancakes or golden waffles topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a breakfast match made in heaven.
  • Create a Dessert Experience: Combine Orange Julius with vanilla pound cake or lemon bars to enhance the citrusy notes and create a balanced, satisfying dessert pairing that highlights the drink's creamy texture.
  • Balance with Savory Bites: Offer mini quiche or light cheese nibbles as a counterpoint to the sweet drink, providing a pleasant contrast that cleanses the palate between sips.
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Orange Julius Recipe

Orange Julius Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Orange Julius brings zesty California sunshine to your glass with a creamy, frothy blend of fresh orange juice, milk, vanilla, and ice. Refreshing and nostalgic, this classic drink delivers a delightful coolness you’ll savor sip by sip.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) frozen orange juice concentrate
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) vanilla ice cream

Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (420 grams) ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Place frozen orange juice concentrate, sugar, milk, vanilla ice cream, vanilla extract, and ice cubes into a high-powered blender.
  2. Activate blender and pulse on high speed, creating a smooth, creamy consistency while ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Continue blending for approximately 30-45 seconds until the mixture becomes frothy and light with a uniform texture.
  4. Transfer the vibrant orange beverage into chilled serving glasses, ensuring an even pour.
  5. Enhance presentation by garnishing with a fresh orange slice perched on the glass rim and inserting a playful striped straw.
  6. Serve immediately to preserve the drink’s refreshing temperature and delightful frothy texture.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter, more vibrant flavor if you prefer a less processed taste.
  • Swap dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk to make this drink dairy-free and suitable for different dietary needs.
  • Reduce sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or stevia for a healthier version that still maintains the classic Orange Julius taste.
  • Freeze extra Orange Julius in popsicle molds for a fun summer treat that kids and adults will love.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 minute
  • Category: Mocktails
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 261
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 43 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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