If you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and packed with nostalgic vibes, an Orange Julius is just the treat you need. This classic beverage captures the magic of frothy orange flavor blended with a hint of vanilla, all in a chilly, refreshing sip. Whether you remember sipping on one at the mall or you’re brand new to this dreamy drink, making an Orange Julius at home is shockingly easy and delivers the same irresistible taste that’s made it a fan favorite for generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup milk (whole, almond, or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sweeteners
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar or honey
Others
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 small orange, peeled and segmented (optional, for extra flavor)
How to Make Orange Julius
Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients
Start by measuring out all your ingredients and peeling and segmenting the orange if you’re using it. Having everything ready to go ensures your Orange Julius comes together in a snap, and no one has to wait long for that first creamy sip.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Add the orange juice, milk, sugar or honey, vanilla extract, ice cubes, and orange segments (if using) to your blender. Secure the lid and blend on high speed for about 30–60 seconds, until the mixture is totally smooth and frothy. The secret to the epic texture of an Orange Julius is blending long enough for it to get supremely creamy and airy.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Pause and give your drink a quick taste. If you like it a little sweeter, add an extra splash of honey or sugar and blend again. Want it thicker? Toss in half a frozen banana or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for extra creaminess and body.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Pour your freshly blended Orange Julius into tall glasses, grab a straw, and enjoy right away while it’s chilly and frothy. This drink is all about instant refreshment, so don’t let it sit too long!
How to Serve Orange Julius
Garnishes
Take your Orange Julius up a notch with a few fun garnishes. Try topping each glass with a slice of fresh orange, a sprinkle of orange zest, or even a dollop of whipped cream. A little umbrella or funky straw adds a retro touch that makes every sip feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Pair your Orange Julius with a light breakfast or snack. It’s fantastic alongside a flaky croissant, a stack of pancakes, or a fresh fruit salad. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try it with a warm cinnamon roll for a true treat-yourself moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or brunches, serve Orange Julius in mason jars or chilled glass bottles. You can even freeze the mixture in popsicle molds for a frosty summer treat. Mini shooters make a fun addition to a breakfast buffet or kids’ birthday bash.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Orange Julius, store it in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a few hours, as the frothy texture will settle over time, but you can always shake it up before serving.
Freezing
For a fun twist, pour any leftovers into popsicle molds or ice cube trays and freeze. These creamy, citrusy pops are a refreshing snack on a hot day and capture all the flavor of your favorite Orange Julius in frozen form.
Reheating
Since Orange Julius is meant to be enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t necessary. If your drink separates or loses its frothiness, simply re-blend with a few fresh ice cubes to restore its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Orange Julius vegan?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite non-dairy milk—almond, oat, or coconut all work beautifully. Swap the honey for sugar or maple syrup, and you’ve got a completely plant-based treat.
Can I use fresh oranges instead of orange juice?
Yes! Fresh oranges make the flavor even brighter and more vibrant. Just blend peeled orange segments directly into the drink, and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.
What can I do if I don’t have a blender?
While a blender gives the best frothy texture, you can use an immersion blender or even a food processor in a pinch. Just make sure to blend long enough to get that signature creamy finish.
Can I add protein or supplements to make it a meal?
Definitely! Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder, collagen, or your favorite supplement before blending for a nutrient boost that turns your Orange Julius into a satisfying breakfast or post-workout snack.
How do I make it thicker and creamier?
For an extra-thick Orange Julius, blend in half a frozen banana or a scoop of vanilla yogurt. Both add luscious creaminess and make the drink even more filling and dessert-like.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making an Orange Julius at home, now is the perfect time to blend up this frothy, sunshiny treat. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face—so grab your blender and give it a whirl!
Print
Orange Julius Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage, Smoothie
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Orange Julius recipe that creates a creamy, frothy, and refreshing orange smoothie made with fresh orange juice, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Perfect for a quick, delicious beverage that can be customized for dairy-free or thicker variations.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup milk (whole, almond, or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sweeteners
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar or honey
Others
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 small orange, peeled and segmented (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a blender, add the orange juice, milk, sugar or honey, vanilla extract, ice cubes, and the peeled and segmented orange if using. This assortment provides the sweet and creamy base of the drink.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed for about 30-60 seconds until the mixture is smooth, frothy, and creamy, ensuring there are no ice chunks and the orange segments are fully incorporated.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Taste your Orange Julius and add more sugar or honey if desired, then blend briefly again to mix in any additional sweetener.
- Serve Immediately: Pour the frothy drink into glasses and serve right away for the best texture and freshness.
Notes
- For a thicker, creamier texture, add 1/2 frozen banana or a scoop of vanilla yogurt before blending.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk.
- This drink is best enjoyed immediately after blending to preserve its frothy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
