This Orange Julius recipe brings back memories of the Orange Julius stores that had THE BEST drinks and smoothies. They actually come from my native Los Angeles and were started as a fruit stand way back in 1926! We used to go to the Santa Anita mall when I was a kid, and I would beg my mom to stop in at the popular beverage joint. It always had a long line of people.
But it’s no wonder! They made the best Orange Creamsicle drink ever!
If you have never had an Orange Julius, I’m sorry. Your life is incomplete. Such deprivation is nearly criminal. But you’re in luck! This Copycat Orange Julius recipe tastes just like the real thing, and you can make it in 5 minutes!
It is the perfect blend of orange and vanilla… kind of like a liquid version of a 50/50 bar or an orange and vanilla smoothie.
Why You’ll Love Making This Recipe Orange Julius Recipe
I have made this Orange Julius recipe a lot this summer because it is so refreshing, but also because my kids LOVE it!
This is my daughter Nevaeh, and she has just started at a new school. It has been a very overwhelming and challenging start to the school year, so I have made this drink for her many times when she gets home from school. It gives her something to look forward to and to sip on while she decompresses and tells me all about her day.
How to Make an Orange Julius
Making an Orange Julius recipe is “easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy,” as my 4-year-old says. You need nothing more than a good blender.
This recipe is great to double, just don’t do it all at once in the same blender. I’ve been there and done that…. I spent 15 minutes cleaning orange juice off the ceiling and walls!
Orange Julius is also wonderful to freeze or make popsicles with!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
This Orange Julius recipe keeps it simple with just a handful of ingredients you likely already have at home. No fancy or hard-to-find items here, just the classics:
- 6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate: This is the heart of the recipe, delivering that refreshing citrus burst.
- 1 cup 2% milk: Creamy and smooth, this balances out the tang of the orange juice.
- 1 cup water: Keeps the drink light and perfectly sippable.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The key to that signature Orange Julius flavor, reminiscent of a dreamy creamsicle.
- 1-2 cups of ice: For that frosty, slushy texture we all love.
Take a moment to get everything measured and ready. It’s always nice to have all your ingredients lined up, making the process even more enjoyable!
Step 2: Blend Everything Together
Now comes the fun part, turning those simple ingredients into a creamy, frothy masterpiece! Start by tossing everything into your trusty blender. (Pro tip: Double-check that the lid is secure… trust me on this one!)
Begin blending on a low setting to mix everything together, then gradually increase the speed until it’s smooth and frothy. Start with one cup of ice and add more as needed to get your desired consistency; some like it thick and icy, while others prefer a lighter texture.
In just moments, you’ll have a drink that’s as fresh and delicious as the original Orange Julius. These refreshing drinks are perfect for cooling down on a hot day (or just treating yourself to a little nostalgia).
Make This Orange Julius Recipe Your Summer Go-To
This Orange Julius recipe is an absolute MUST TRY! You will be so glad you did! If you’re craving more refreshing copycat drinks, you’re in for a treat! Did you know I used to be a Starbucks barista? I’ve recreated some of their most popular beverages so you can enjoy them at home. Try this tangy and refreshing Copycat Starbucks Iced Black Tea Lemonade, the smooth and creamy Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Iced Coffee, or the vibrant and fruity Copycat Starbucks Iced Passion Tea Lemonade. These drinks are easy to make, light on your wallet, and perfect for warm summer days!
Drop me a line in the comment section below and tell me what you think of this recipe. I would love to hear about the other drink recipes you love for summer time, too! Happy cooking, y’all!
