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Classic Orange Julius (Copycat Recipe) + Video

This classic Orange Julius recipe is an easy and delicious smoothie made with frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, vanilla, and ice. It’s frothy, creamy, cool, and sweet. If you love an orange creamsicle, you’ll love this drink!

Orange Julius smoothie in a cup with a straw and fresh orange slices.

Orange juice for breakfast just got a million times tastier with this frothy orange drink. And if you love oranges as much as I do, you could combine this drink with my Orange Rolls for a complete citrus feast.

This is actually one of those recipes I got in my home economics class. If it’s easy enough for teenager to make, then anyone can make it!

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Growing up we only ever had homemade Orange Julius on a rare occasion. It was saved for when we had a really nice breakfast, but I love this drink! It’s simple, creamy, frothy, and sweet.

Orange Julius smoothies in cups with straws and fresh orange slices.

What is an Orange Julius?

Orange Julius is an American beverage chain that is famous for their creamy orange drink, named after the owner, Julius Freed.

You might remember the drink stands at the mall. Nowadays they are combined with a Dairy Queen.

Fun fact, my mother-in-law used to work at an Orange Julius stand, and the original recipe uses egg whites. Yes, egg whites.

This “copycat recipe” might be different because there are no egg whites, but it’s still creamy, sweet, and full of orange citrus flavor.

Simply add orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, vanilla and ice to a blender, and mix until smooth.

Want to make it without orange juice concentrate and use fresh juice instead? Or make it dairy-free? Try this recipe.

Orange Julius smoothies in cups with straws and fresh orange slices.

More Orange Julius Flavors

This smoothie can be made into a variety of flavors by simply adding other fruits. Here are some ideas:

  • Orange Banana – throw in half of a fresh banana. Add the whole banana for extra banana flavor.
  • Strawberry Orange – add 1-2 cups of fresh strawberries.
  • Strawberry Orange Banana – add 1 banana, and 1 cup of strawberries.
  • Pineapple Orange – add 1 cup of fresh pineapple.

NOTE: You can substitute frozen fruit for fresh, but decrease the amount of ice so it will still blend easily.

Orange Julius smoothie in a cup with a straw and fresh orange slices.
4.38 from 64 ratings

Classic Orange Julius

Created by Amber Brady
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
An easy, creamy, frothy, and sweet smoothie drink.
Yields4 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 oz (178 ml) frozen orange juice concentrate, (1/2 can)
  • 1 cup (237 ml) COLD water
  • 1 cup (237 ml) milk
  • cup (68 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (480 g) ice

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • DO NOT DOUBLE! Your blender probably won’t be big enough. Make in separate batches.
  • Try it with 1/2 a banana.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Sharing this recipe with a link is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.

Did you make this?

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*Originally published 5/31/12. Updated 6/26/20.

4.38 from 64 votes (64 ratings without comment)

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8 Comments

    1. There is a “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page that will take you straight to the recipe card to view or print the recipe. Unfortunately you scrolled past the recipe card to get to the comment form.

  1. Can you use coconut water or coconut milk instead of the water and milk what would the calories be 

  2. I love Orange Julius! Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesdays.
    Rachel
    adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com

  3. Hey, I can’t believe I just doing this now, but I am now following you. Although I have seen your recipes on Pinterest. Looks like you are doing great. I really want some Orange Julius.

    1. Karen, did you not know that I started this blog? It is going really well. Getting close to 100 posts. I sure love how I get to try new things all the time! I am pretty good at finding & trying only the good recipes now. Glad you are finally following 🙂 You can go ahead & like me on facebook too 🙂 Link at the top right of the page! haha.

  4. And my blender just stripped a gear yesterday. This recipe looks wonderful. Wish I could make it for supper. (I know, its a breakfast drink but we don’t do breakfasts around here.) I love your blog.

    1. Well, darnit! Hopefully you can grab a new blender soon, or be handy & fix the one you have. Thanks for stopping by!

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