Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This copycat Orange Julius recipe is a blend of creamy, citrusy goodness with just the right touch of sweetness. The vanilla extract enhances the flavor while the ice cubes give it a frosty texture, making it a perfect indulgence for any occasion. It’s a healthier alternative too, as you can easily modify it to suit dietary preferences, such as using non-dairy milk or adding frozen bananas for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 ounces orange juice concentrate
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
¼ cup sugar (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup ice cubes

Directions

In a blender, combine orange juice concentrate, sugar (if using), milk, vanilla extract, and ice cubes.
Blend and pulse until smooth and frothy.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with an orange slice.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

Healthier Option: Omit the sugar and add frozen bananas for natural sweetness and extra nutrition.
Non-Dairy: Use almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk to make it dairy-free.
Extra Vanilla: Add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract for a more pronounced vanilla flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This drink is best served immediately for the freshest taste and texture. It doesn’t store well as the ice will melt, so it’s recommended to make and enjoy right away.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular orange juice instead of orange juice concentrate?

The concentrate gives the drink its signature flavor, so it’s best to use it. However, if you prefer, you can substitute with regular orange juice, but the taste may differ slightly.

2. Can I make this drink without sugar?

Yes, you can leave out the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup for a healthier option.

3. Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can blend in other fruits like bananas or berries to make it a mixed fruit smoothie.

4. Can I make this drink ahead of time?

This drink is best made fresh, as the ice will melt and affect the texture. If you need to prep ahead, you can freeze the ingredients (except the milk) and blend them later.

5. Can I use frozen orange juice concentrate?

Yes, frozen orange juice concentrate works perfectly for this recipe, giving the drink that thick, smooth consistency.

6. Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a great treat for kids, and you can adjust the sweetness level to suit their taste.

7. Can I use vanilla almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, vanilla almond milk will add an extra touch of flavor, but be mindful of the additional sweetness.

8. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients to make more servings, ensuring to blend it in batches if necessary.

9. Is this recipe dairy-free?

You can make it dairy-free by substituting regular milk with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk.

10. Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of sugar?

Yes, you can use sweetened condensed milk for added creaminess and sweetness, but you may need to adjust the amount based on your preference.

Conclusion

The Orange Julius is a timeless drink that combines the bright, refreshing taste of orange with the creamy richness of vanilla. Whether you opt for the traditional recipe or make it a healthier version, it’s an easy and delightful treat to enjoy year-round. This recipe brings the mall favorite straight into your home, making it a simple, nostalgic indulgence perfect for any occasion.

Orange Julius

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This Orange Julius recipe recreates the iconic, creamy, and frothy drink that has been a favorite for generations. With its perfect blend of tangy orange juice concentrate, sweet vanilla, and smooth texture, it’s a refreshing treat that’s simple to make and always delicious. Perfect for a quick, nostalgic beverage to cool off on warm days or any time you need a refreshing drink.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5min
Total Time: 5min
Yield: 2servings
Category: Beverage
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

6 ounces orange juice concentrate
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
¼ cup sugar (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup ice cubes

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Instructions

In a blender, combine the orange juice concentrate, sugar (if using), milk, vanilla extract, and ice cubes.
Blend and pulse until smooth and frothy.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with an orange slice.

Notes

For a healthier version, omit the sugar and add frozen bananas for natural sweetness and extra nutrition.
You can use non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk to make it dairy-free.
Add extra vanilla extract for a more pronounced vanilla flavor.