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We have made this Copycat Orange Julius Recipe since we were kids. It is a refreshing citrusy drink, perfect for a warm summer day!
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Homemade Orange Julius drinks are full of orange zest and flavor! It is the one of the best ways to cool down and feel refreshed on a hot summer day. You can use fresh orange juice, frozen, or make it easier with a concentrate. This orange drink is a family favorite!
This drink is similar to an orange creamsicle with a twist! You will love the flavor combination as well as the refreshing boost the oranges provide. Treat yourself to a classic drink with only five ingredients!
Ingredients for Homemade Orange Julius
This classic mall drink has simple ingredients that are always easy to have on hand. It is perfect for brunch, lunch, or an afternoon snack!
- Orange juice concentrate – This is the main ingredient that has all the flavor! Take this concentrate out of the freezer a little before blending to have it nice and slushy.
- Milk – This is the creamy taste that helps all the ingredients blend together. For a much lighter taste, you can use skim milk.
- Water – Just a little bit of water. You don’t want too much to ruin the flavor.
- Sugar – Sweetness is a MUST!
- Powdered sugar – A little hidden secret! Powdered sugar will thicken and still sweeten the smoothie.
- Vanilla – Just one teaspoon vanilla extract to help bring all the flavors together.
- Ice cubes – The trick is to add in one ice cube at a time. Grab your ice cube trays and get ready to crush this smoothie!
Some Suggested Variations
We love when our readers share their variations with us, then we can all try something new! One reader suggested making it a Lime Julius instead. To do this, use lime juice concentrate instead of orange and omit the vanilla. Some other suggestions include using grape or cranberry frozen concentrate instead of orange. So many possibilities!
Another helpful reader suggested cutting down on the concentrate by replacing the bulk of the concentrate with 1 cup milk, ⅓ cup sugar, 1 orange peeled, and 1 Tablespoon of orange juice concentrate. Then you blend and mix with ice cubes until you reach your desired consistency.
Make it a Berry Orange Julius
For an added twist, try adding fresh strawberries, raspberries, and/or pineapple! You can also add frozen fruits. If you are using fresh, add them in during the first blend with the orange juice concentrate. If you are using frozen fruits, add them in with the ice during the second blend.
“So good! This is my husband’s favorite drink! He asks for it whenever he’s feeling ill as it’s his perfect “feel better” drink! But, of course, this comfort food drink is his favorite when he’s feeling awesome, too! 😀”
-Betsy
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the other way around! DQ loved the drink so much, in 1987 they fully bought the drink and made it their own.
Well, there’s actually two! First is the powdered sugar which we added in our recipe and the second is a raw egg. We did not use any egg whites in our recipe and later on, they did omit the egg ingredient after a few changes and made it into an egg white powder.
An orange julius has a texture like a smoothie but is a little too sweet compared to a smoothie. It is more like a dessert. It is frothy, lightly frozen, and tastes more like a creamsicle.
Storing an Orange Julius Drink
This drink is best prepared and enjoyed fresh. You can place the frozen drink in the fridge for a few minutes if needed but it will melt and lose its consistency otherwise.
Drink Up! Even More Beverages to Enjoy
Although the nostalgia of the Orange Julius copycat keeps us coming back for more, there are several other drinks to sip when you need a refreshing kick.
Orange Julius Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Blendtec Blender
Ingredients
- 6 ounces orange juice concentrate
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2-3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- about 10-11 ice cubes
Instructions
- In a blender, blend all ingredients except ice.
- Slowly add ice cubes one at a time until it reaches a "smoothie" consistency. Serve immediately.
I’d use ice cream instead of milk.
Super refreshing and delicious! My whole family loves this drink!
My favorite reminds me going to the mall as a kid! Great recipe!
I love homemade orange julius. We used to make them when I was a teenager. This recipe is awesome and super easy to make!
So good! This is my husband’s favorite drink! He asks for it whenever he’s feeling ill as it’s his perfect “feel better” drink! But, of course, this comfort food drink is his favorite when he’s feeling awesome, too! 😀