Fruity, creamy Orange Julius is a food-court fave. This citrusy beverage tastes even more refreshing when you make it yourself.
There will always be something nostalgic for me about drinking an Orange Julius. When I was a teenager, no trip to the mall was complete without one. And now, all these years later, I still find myself wanting one from time to time. Maybe you stumbled across this recipe because you feel the same way, or maybe you’re looking for a healthier way to make an Orange Julius at home. Well, no matter what brought you here, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Refreshing and light, yet sweet and creamy, there really is nothing like it! Though many of us may be familiar with this drink as a treat at the mall, its history actually dates all the way back to the 1920s. It all began at Julius Freed’s orange juice stand in Los Angeles, when his friend, real estate agent Bill Hamlin, encouraged Julius to change the drink’s formula to accommodate his sensitive stomach. So a less acidic, creamier orange drink was born, and sales boomed like crazy.
The restaurant version of Orange Julius lists orange juice, sugar, flavorings, milk, and egg whites as ingredients—the egg gives the beverage its signature frothy texture. For this recipe, we’re going to do things a bit differently. To make your Orange Julius, you’ll need frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, ice cubes, and orange slices as a garnish, if you like. In just five minutes, you’ll be as refreshed as ever…all without having to deal with crowds at the mall!
Is This Orange Julius Healthy?
This recipe for Orange Julius can be considered a slightly healthier alternative to buying a real Orange Julius, which uses a sugary syrup to sweeten the drink. You’ll only need to use 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to make your drink at home, which is a fairly small amount. You can also pay close attention to any added sugar on the label of the orange juice concentrate you’re buying, as some options may have more sugar in them than others. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, it’s also possible to use your dairy-free milk of choice rather than cow’s milk.
The Best Non-Dairy Milk For An Orange Julius
Wondering which non-dairy milk works best as a substitution for cow’s milk? My personal favorite is almond milk, either the unsweetened version or the vanilla version for an extra kick of vanilla flavor. I like almond milk best since it doesn’t have too strong of a flavor on its own, so it won’t affect the final taste of your Orange Julius too much. For this same reason, soy milk also works well. I don’t recommend using oat milk, though, since it has a distinct oat flavor that doesn’t pair well with this drink. If you like, you could also try using coconut milk. This will result in an orange drink that doesn’t taste quite like the original Orange Julius, but could still be a delicious tropical twist.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
This Orange Julius is best served right away, since as the ice melts, the drink will become less frothy. The melting ice may also make your Orange Julius taste more watery. If you have leftovers though, you can store them in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Can I Add Other Ingredients To This Orange Julius?
A classic Orange Julius is perfect in itself, but there are some fun variations you can try. For a grown-up version, try adding a splash of vanilla vodka or rum. You can also combine juice flavors. I love using a little bit of pineapple juice or mango juice for a tropical twist.
Can I Add Protein Powder To My Orange Julius?
If you’re looking for a way to sneak some extra protein into your diet, try adding vanilla protein powder to your Orange Julius. Just omit the vanilla extract so that the vanilla flavoring isn’t overpowering, then add your desired amount of protein powder.
Serving Suggestions
I love how light-tasting an Orange Julius is, so I often like to serve it with other light meals, like a summery salad. This Fresh Corn and Mango Salad is just bursting with flavor, making it a perfect pairing. Or, try this Green Goddess Salad for an ultimate health kick!
Also, if you love an Orange Julius drink, you’ve got to check out these Creamsicle Vegan Cheesecake Bars.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Place the frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar into a blender.
- Add the ice cubes and blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and frothy.
- Pour the Orange Julius into glasses and serve immediately, garnished with an orange slice.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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