How To Make An Orange Julius

Learn how to make an Orange Julius at home! The irresistible cold-frothy blended drink is easy to make and tastes just like the one from the mall. With only four basic ingredients, this creamsicle-like drink is perfect to enjoy all summer long.

Don’t just stop with an Orange Julius, try your hand at making other drink favorites at home! Learn to make your own Iced Coffee, try out Nutella Banana Milkshake or Gooey Butter Cake Milkshakes with the kids, or impress your guests by serving an Italian Soda Bar at your next summer soiree! 

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Why We Love To Make Orange Julius

When I think of an Orange Julius, I can’t help but think of a mall food court. All the smells of burgers, pizza, and Chinese food all cooking together. Begging my mom for the orange frothy drink I saw everyone else at the mall buying. Now, you can recreate that sweet, frothy treat in your own home! No mall craziness needed.

Sometimes, I just crave something sweet and simple. Nothing fancy, but definitely delicious. This 4-ingredient homemade Orange Julius smoothie usually hits that spot and brings me back to summers at the mall when I was growing up. 

Now I try to avoid the mall and the food there. But I can still get that classic orange drink at home! It’s healthier, budget-friendly, and every bit as delicious as I remember.

What Exactly Is An Orange Julius?

Orange Julius is a beverage chain in the U.S. that started in the 1920s! It began as an orange juice stand out in L.A. A sweeter, frothy, less acidic take on the traditional orange juice began being served and became extremely popular with the patrons, giving way to the Orange Julius drink. During the 1950s and 1960s, Orange Julius was sold at a variety of outlets, including state and county fairs (it was the official drink of the 1964 New York World’s Fair!) and freestanding Orange Julius stands.

An Orange Julius is a creamy cold drink similar to an orange juice smoothie with a thinner, frothier texture. It’s created by blending frozen orange juice, milk, sweetener, vanilla, and ice.  Some liken it to a melted creamsicle! 

Dairy Queen bought Orange Julius in 1987, so you can get your Julius® Original at select DQ locations……or you can make an Orange Julius at home!!

What You Need To Make An Orange Julius

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(full printable recipe at the end of this post)

A frothy, cold, orange juice drink that tastes like a creamsicle! 

Tools:

Blender

Ingredients:

• frozen orange juice concentrate – This brings the icy cold orange flavor to the Orange Julius.
• milk – 2% or whole milk. Whole milk is going to give you the thickest consistency. This could also be made with your favorite almond or soy milk. Whatever your dairy (or non-dairy) preference is!
• water – This will give your Orange Julius the right consistency. It isn’t quite a smoothie, and we don’t want it too thick like a milkshake. The water helps blend and thin it out to make it just right.
• powdered sugar – To get that frothy texture we all remember. Not only does powdered sugar provide the froth, but it adds a touch of sweetness as well. 
• vanilla extract – another layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the orange juice.
• ice cubes – For that frozen, blended texture. The more you use, the thicker your drink will be……just note that too much ice will water it down. 
• whipped cream – You can’t have an Orange Julius without the whipped cream on top!

How To Make An  Orange Julius

This copycat recipe of an Orange Julius is so easy to make! With a few simple ingredients and a couple of minutes in the blender, you’ve got a refreshing summertime treat. You’re ready to sip your way to sunshine in a glass!

STEP ONE: Combine the frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, water, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ice cubes in a blender.

STEP TWO: Blend for about 1-2 minutes, until everything is smooth and frothy.

STEP THREE: Garnish with a delicious dollop of whipped cream and maybe even an orange slice if you’re feeling extra fancy. Slip a straw in and enjoy!

Orange Julius FAQ

Does an Orange Julius ontain raw eggs? 

The original Orange Julius offered a raw egg blended into the drink as a good source of protein for bodybuilders. However, in the 1980’s the raw egg option was dropped for food safety reasons, and bananas were offered as a substitute.

What happens if you put eggs in an Orange Julius?

Orange juice, like vinegar, contains acids that react with the eggs to produce carbon dioxide gas. So basically the acid in the orange juice mixed with egg whites will create fizz and froth in your drink.

Is Orange Julius still around?

In 1987, the Orange Julius chain was bought by Dairy Queen. DQ, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, owns the rights to all Orange Julius stores and has expanded the chain so its drinks are offered at some of its Dairy Queen stores, called Treat Centers.

Variations To Try

ADD-INS: Frozen banana slices are a favorite Orange Julius add-in at our house.  But, frozen strawberries and/or pineapple make a wonderful option as well.  Added bonus…the frozen fruit will help thicken your drink!

FRESH ORANGE JUICE: If you don’t have frozen orange juice concentrate, freeze orange juice and break it into chunks before adding it into the blender. Adding regular orange juice and more ice to get the frozen texture will just dilute the flavor and make the drink more liquid and soupy than we want.

DAIRY OPTIONS: This could also be made with your favorite almond, coconut, oat or soy milk. Whatever your dairy (or non-dairy) preference is! 

TRY YOGURT:  Another option for a little thicker shake is to swap out the milk and water for plain or vanilla Greek yogurt.

EGG WHITES: Add whipped egg whites for a richer and creamier (yet still frothy) taste and texture. Be sure to use pasteurized eggs or powdered egg whites.

FLAVOR SWAPPING: Try another flavor by swapping the frozen orange juice concentrate for frozen strawberry, pineapple, berry, or the frozen fruit of your choice! Try frozen concentrated lemonade or pink lemonade for a different kind of citrus flavor!

MAKE ORANGE JULIUS POPSICLES:  Pour the mixture into a popsicle mold and freeze for a fun treat!

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Originally posted September 2008. UPDATED June 2021. We spiffed up this post with more info and better pictures! No changes to the original recipe.