We have made this Copycat Orange Julius Recipe since we were kids. It is a refreshing citrusy drink, perfect for a warm summer day!
Orange Julius Copycat Drink
We always loved to make these Orange Julius drinks when we were little. I mean REALLY little. I remember having to climb up on the counter to reach the blender. Maybe our love for cooking stemmed from this simple recipe. Who knows?
Anyway, these are SO easy to make and they don’t make a big ol’ mess. Plus my kids LOVE it! I actually like this version better than the real orange drink from the Orange Julius stand. I don’t know why. This way makes it more like smoothie.
Some Suggested Variations
We love when our readers share their variations with us. Then we can all try something new! One idea is to mix things up on this Orange Julius and make it a Lime Julius instead. One reader suggested this saying you can 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 C milk, 1/3 C 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.
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.
- Homemade Tomato Juice tastes similar to V8 but is so much better! Serve as a refreshing drink or use it as a base in so many different recipes.
- 5-Minute Slushies (AKA DIY Slushy Magic) are the coolest summertime treat. They can be made in minutes and kids think they are totally magic.
- Pomegranate Sunrise (Non-Alcoholic) Drink is perfect for a summer dinner party or barbecue. A delicious way to cool off and indulge a bit.
- Peaches and Cream Oatmeal Smoothie gives you an energetic start to your day. It’s also a great recovery drink after a workout.
- Tropical Slush with pineapple, coconut and lime is the perfect thirst-quencher for a hot summer day.
How to Make Orange Julius
Ingredients
- 6 oz orange juice concentrate
- 1 c. milk
- 1 c. water
- 1/4 c. sugar
- 2-3 Tbsp. powdered sugar
- 1 tsp 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.
Equipment
- Blendtec Blender
Kara says
I also have fond memories of having these when I was a little girl. My dad made them all the time!
Elizabeth says
When I was growing up, my town didn’t have an Orange Julius, so it was always a huge treat to go to the big city and have one. That and Subway. Oh, how times have changed, huh?
Andrea says
Love your site! Clicked over to it from somewhere else — honestly can’t remember where, though. Oh well. Anyway, I’m sipping away on my Orange Julius as I’m typing this. Made it with rice milk, for a dairy-free version. Will be posting a link to your recipe from my blog. Thanks for sharing!
faith says
this is almost exactly how we made them growing up. delicious! i also like doing lime julius (lime juice concentrate instead of orange and no vanilla).
Maija says
I've never been a huge fan of julius with so much concentrate. Try using 1 C milk, 1/3 C Sugar, 1 orange peeled, and 1 T of OJ concentrate. Blend, then mix ice cubes in until it's the consistency you want it. So yummy!
Julie says
Great idea! The large amount of concentrate bothered me as well, though I LOVE the traditional recipe. I too made it al the time when I was little. I’m anxious to try it with the orange!
Heather T. says
This is also delicious with Grape or Cranberry frozen concentrate!
Karrens says
We make this all the time now! Thank you! It is delicious!!! 🙂
shirley elizabeth says
This is so close to the recipe we always used too! One of my favorite things is to switch out the orange concentrate for lemon concentrate – just as good and sometimes tastier! And I agree, I once had an Orange Julius orange julius and thought it was so disgusting! I need to be careful what I say, though, because my bishop owns all the Dairy Queens in this area. 🙂
Jan says
I make mine with no sugar added. I add about 1-2 tablespoons of orange frozen concentrate orange juice, strawberries, milk, banana, optional egg whites, and you don’t need any sugar. Great Recipes, love your website. Thank-you I have tried several so far and they are all very good!
Amy (SpinTheMeal) says
Wow…this recipe really takes me back! Headed to the kitchen to try this out as soon as I finish typing this comment! 🙂
Love your blog and your wonderful breadth of different types of recipes. Can’t wait to try a few…got them bookmarked!!!
Heidi says
I would so love to make these! We are living overseas and don’t have access to frozen OJ concentrate. Do you know if I can just substitute regular OJ?
Erica says
It probably wouldn’t taste as good. You need the concentrate to get the rich flavor. You can sure try it though!
Joyce says
I used Tang, mixed in about 3 tbl. was great.
judy says
If this is for one serving, then I would have to say YE-OUCH! 729 calories
Erica says
It should be enough for 2-4 servings..
glenna says
the Original Orange Julius was made with Fresh Orange Juice and it also had Malt powder in it , my mom use to work @ the one in Riverside Ca, when i was young. Always loved the drink.
glenna says
sorry also sometimes people asked for a fresh egg in it too.
Jan says
I lived in Long beach in the late 60″s and it was a favorite of mine. Back then you could get it with or without a egg in it. I loved the egg added. We still make in our house today. Hmm, I wonder if I could use the Margaretta maker for them
Deb Foster says
Love your blogs, but not sure how to print out a recipe. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the great work!
Dave Smith says
The real Orange Julius used a tablespoon of Ice Cream mix you can now find. Before I found it I use the recipe but add a tablespoon of powered egg whites.
Amy says
Just made these for my kids now. We are moving & they are working so hard & helping so much! This was just the treat they needed. They are loving them!
Allison R. says
This is really close to the recipe my mom made for us growing up. And I agree, it’s better than the real thing.
Katherine says
I need to try this! I moved to the UK so I haven’t had an Orange Julius in years. Can’t wait to make it!
Brandi says
I loved going to the mall to get these when I was young. I was on the hunt to find a drink I could make at home and this is it! It’s so delicious and even better!
Betsy says
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! 😀
Matt Taylor says
I love homemade orange julius. We used to make them when I was a teenager. This recipe is awesome and super easy to make!
Melissa says
My favorite reminds me going to the mall as a kid! Great recipe!
Anna says
Super refreshing and delicious! My whole family loves this drink!