This Copycat Orange Julius is a simple, refreshing drink that will take you back to those days of sipping on an orange Julius at the mall’s food court. With a creamy vanilla twist and a balanced mix of orange and cream flavors, this homemade version is a treat that’s both nostalgic and delicious. Ready in just a few minutes, it’s perfect for a family-friendly beverage that’s budget-friendly and easy to make.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• ¾ cup frozen orange juice concentrate

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup water

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 8 ice cubes

Directions

1. Blend the ingredients: Add all the ingredients into your blender. Blend until smooth and well-combined.

2. Add ice: Add the ice cubes 1-2 at a time and blend again until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Serve and enjoy: Pour into glasses and serve immediately for a frothy and creamy texture.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 120 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Protein: 2g

• Fat: 1g

• Saturated Fat: 0.5g

• Cholesterol: 5mg

• Sodium: 40mg

• Potassium: 245mg

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 25g

Why Choose a Homemade Orange Julius?

While the original Orange Julius is a favorite for many, making it at home offers several advantages. First and foremost, it’s a more affordable option. Store-bought versions or mall offerings can add up quickly, especially if you’re treating the whole family. Making your own ensures that you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust sweetness or flavors to suit your taste preferences. Additionally, homemade versions typically contain fewer preservatives or artificial additives, making them a healthier choice for those who prefer natural ingredients.

The Ingredients That Make This Drink Special

The key to a successful Orange Julius lies in the balance between tangy orange, creamy vanilla, and just the right amount of sweetness. The recipe is simple, requiring just six ingredients: frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, water, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ice. The frozen orange juice concentrate is the star of the drink, providing that classic citrusy base. The milk and water combination creates a smooth, creamy texture that perfectly complements the orange flavor, while the powdered sugar sweetens the drink without being overpowering. Vanilla extract adds a deliciously creamy twist, giving the beverage a subtle depth of flavor. Finally, the ice helps create that frothy, refreshing texture that is so characteristic of an Orange Julius.

Blending It All Together

The process of making this Copycat Orange Julius couldn’t be easier. Simply add all the ingredients—frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, water, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ice—into a blender. Blend until everything is smooth and well-combined. The result will be a creamy, frothy drink that’s rich in flavor and refreshing on a hot day. The great thing about this recipe is its versatility—you can easily adjust the amount of sweetness, or even add more milk for a creamier texture or more ice for a thicker consistency.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Once the initial blend is complete, you can add the ice cubes one or two at a time, blending after each addition, until you reach the desired consistency. The key to a perfect Copycat Orange Julius is that smooth, frothy texture—thick enough to give it substance but not so thick that it feels heavy. Adding ice gradually allows you to control the thickness of the drink, so you can customize it to suit your preference. If you like a more slushy version, simply add more ice and blend until smooth. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more liquid consistency, you can adjust by adding a little more milk or water.

The Perfect Refreshing Drink for Any Occasion

This Copycat Orange Julius is a versatile beverage that’s great for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re looking for a simple afternoon pick-me-up, a fun treat for kids, or a crowd-pleasing addition to a brunch or summer gathering, this drink fits the bill. It’s also a fantastic way to cool off on a hot day, offering a refreshing blend of citrus and creaminess that’s both satisfying and energizing. Since the ingredients are simple and easy to find, it’s a perfect last-minute drink to whip up for family or friends.

Healthier Than You Might Think

One of the reasons this homemade Orange Julius is such a great choice is that it’s relatively low in calories and fat compared to other creamy beverages or smoothies. With only 120 calories per serving, it provides a tasty treat without overloading you with sugar. The milk adds a small amount of protein, and the potassium from the orange juice concentrate is an added bonus. If you’re looking to make it even healthier, you could use a low-fat or plant-based milk substitute like almond or oat milk. This flexibility allows you to create a version that meets your dietary preferences while still delivering all the delicious flavor of the classic drink.

Adjusting for Dietary Needs

For those who need to cater to specific dietary needs, this Copycat Orange Julius is quite adaptable. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can swap out the milk for a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. To make the drink even lighter, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or stevia. Adjusting the sweetness is easy and gives you the flexibility to suit different taste preferences. For those who are watching their sugar intake, you can reduce or omit the powdered sugar altogether, as the orange juice concentrate provides a good amount of natural sweetness.

The Nutritional Benefits of Copycat Orange Julius

This homemade version of the Orange Julius offers a refreshing, balanced drink with just the right amount of sweetness. Each serving contains 120 calories, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 25 grams of sugar, which is relatively low compared to other creamy beverages. While the sugar content comes primarily from the orange juice concentrate and powdered sugar, the drink still provides a good source of potassium (245mg) and a small amount of protein (2g). It’s also low in fat, with only 1 gram per serving, making it a great option for those watching their fat intake. If you’re craving something sweet but want to keep it light, this drink fits the bill.

Serving and Enjoying Your Orange Julius

Once blended and the desired consistency is achieved, simply pour your Copycat Orange Julius into glasses and serve immediately. You’ll notice the frothy texture as it settles into the glass, making it visually appealing as well as delicious. This drink is best served chilled, so make sure to enjoy it right after blending for the ultimate refreshing experience. For a fun presentation, garnish with a slice of orange or a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan if desired, although it’s perfectly delightful on its own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Copycat Orange Julius recipe offers all the refreshing and nostalgic flavors of the original, with the added bonus of being homemade and customizable to your preferences. Whether you’re looking to recreate a classic treat from your childhood or simply want a quick and tasty beverage, this recipe delivers every time. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and a creamy, frothy texture, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy on a warm day or whenever you need a sweet, refreshing pick-me-up. And since it’s so easy to make, you’ll likely be reaching for your blender time and time again to enjoy this delicious, homemade version of a mall favorite.