Copycat Orange Julius

4.7 from 14 votes

Posted August 3, 2023Last Updated October 17, 2024

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Looking for a refreshing, nostalgic treat? This homemade Orange Julius recipe is quick and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients! This delicious, frothy drink is perfect for any time of the day!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Julius Recipe

My youngest son loves (and I mean LOVES) Orange Julius. He’ll ask for one any time we come within five miles of an Orange Julius establishment. Thank goodness we’ve learned how to make Copycat Orange Julius at home!

And according to my husband and kids, this copycat homemade version is even better than the original.

Love the simplicity of this recipe.

Allison

I actually remember my dad making this at home when I was a kid. In fact, I think I had homemade Orange Julius before I ever tried the purchased version.

That memory is what got me thinking about making Orange Julius at home for my kids. I don’t know if this recipe is exactly like the one I had growing up, but it does taste very similar to the one we buy from our local Dairy Queen.

This frosty orange beverage is especially fun to make during the hot summer months, and chances are, you already have the ingredients on hand.

I usually double the recipe for my family of five. If you’re blender doesn’t have a large capacity, that may require blending up two separate batches.

Although I can’t say we’ve ever had too much Orange Julius.

But it’s so easy to whip up this cold, creamy orange drink, I can make two batches in about five minutes! Best of all, my thirteen year-old thinks I’m the mom of the year!

I like to keep a supply of orange juice concentrate in the freezer, just for making Orange Julius. The rest of the ingredients (milk, sugar, vanilla, ice and water) I always have on hand.

If you’ve never tried making Orange Julius at home, what are you waiting for. I hope you love making this refreshing summer drink as much as we do!

What should I serve with this recipe?

Orange Julius is a perfect summer treat on it’s own, but it’s also a great beverage to serve at pool parties and backyard barbecues.

These are some of our favorite summer appetizers to enjoy with a refreshing glass of Orange Julius.

Ingredients for Orange Julius

Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: The key to the classic Orange Julius flavor is high-quality frozen orange juice concentrate.
Water: Tap water works fine.
Milk: Whole milk adds a rich, creamy texture to your Orange Julius, but low-fat works as well.
Ice Cubes: Ice cubes are essential for achieving the frothy, slushy texture that makes an Orange Julius so refreshing.
Sugar: White granulated sugar is traditionally used to sweeten the drink. You can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor, giving the drink its signature creaminess.

Recipe Tips

Everyone’s sweetness preference is a little different, so feel free to tweak the amount of sugar. If you’re cutting back on sugar, start with a little and add more if needed. You can always add, but you can’t take away, right?
Want to make your Orange Julius a little more filling? Toss in a scoop of vanilla protein powder! It blends right in and adds a little extra body to your drink, making it a great post-workout treat.
If you’ve got any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), pour the mix into popsicle molds and freeze. You’ll have delicious Orange Julius popsicles ready for a sunny day!

How to Make Orange Julius

Step 1

Grab your blend and add the ice cubes, water, and milk.

Step 2

Now it’s time to add the key ingredient—frozen orange juice concentrate. Scoop it into the blender, then add the sugar and vanilla extract.

Step 3

Pop the lid on your blender and blend everything together on high speed. Keep blending until the mixture is smooth and frothy—about 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 4

Here’s where you get to customize! Give your Orange Julius a quick taste. If you want it sweeter, add a touch more sugar. Need a little more vanilla? Go ahead and add a drop or two. You’re in control here!

Step 5

Pour your Homemade Orange Julius into glasses, pop in a straw, and enjoy! If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a slice of orange or a tiny umbrella.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! To make a dairy-free Orange Julius, simply swap the milk with your favorite plant-based alternative. Almond, oat, and coconut milk all work well in this recipe. Just be aware that each one will slightly change the flavor and texture of the drink.

How can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey, agave syrup, or a sugar alternative.

What type of milk works best for this recipe?

Whole milk is the traditional choice, giving the drink its creamy texture. However, you can substitute it with a low fat option, like 2% or skim milk.

Can I add other fruits or flavors to this recipe?

Yes! Adding a banana, a handful of strawberries, or even a splash of pineapple juice can give your Orange Julius a fun twist. Just blend the additional fruit or flavor in with the other ingredients. You might need to adjust the sweetness depending on what you kind of fruit you add.

Be sure to save this Copycat Orange Julius recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.

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