Orange Julius is a beloved drink that has been a staple in many people’s lives, especially as a refreshing treat on a hot day or as a spring drink to enjoy with friends and family. Known for its frothy, creamy texture and deliciously sweet orange flavor, this smoothie-like drink has captured the hearts of many over the years. While it originated in the 1920s, its popularity endures, often found at malls or food courts, but did you know you can easily recreate this iconic drink at home?
In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make a Copycat Orange Julius recipe, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. With a few essential tweaks, you can make your own DIY Orange Julius whenever you want. So, let’s dive in!
What Is an Orange Julius?
The original Orange Julius recipe was created in 1926 by a man named Julius Freed, who was a small-time juice vendor in Los Angeles. The drink started as a simple combination of orange juice and a little extra sweetener but quickly evolved into something special when it was blended with powdered milk and other ingredients that gave it a creamy, frothy consistency. Since then, the drink has become an iconic part of American fast food culture, but in recent years, people have become curious about how to make it at home.
The key to its unique texture lies in its blend of ingredients, which creates a deliciously creamy, thick, and frothy drink. While the original recipe contains orange juice concentrate, milk, sugar, and ice, today, we have many variations, including dairy-free or vegan options. Let’s now take a look at how to make your very own DIY Orange Julius in just a few minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Copycat Orange Julius Recipe
The great thing about the recipe for Orange Julius is that it only requires a handful of ingredients, most of which are already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup orange juice concentrate: This is a key ingredient that provides the drink’s signature orange flavor. You can find it in the frozen foods section of most grocery stores.
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk is ideal for achieving a creamy texture, but you can substitute with any type of milk (such as almond, oat, or soy) for a dairy-free version.
- 1/2 cup water: The water helps dilute the drink slightly, so it’s not too thick. You can adjust this based on your texture preference.
- 1/4 cup sugar: This provides the sweetness needed to balance out the tartness of the orange juice. Feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference, or substitute with honey or agave syrup.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a nice depth of flavor to the drink, enhancing the overall taste and making it taste more like a dessert.
- 1 cup ice cubes: Ice gives the Orange Julius its refreshing, frosty texture, so don’t skip this ingredient.
Optional:
- 1/4 cup carrot juice: For an extra nutritious boost, you can add carrot juice to the drink. This provides a natural sweetness and additional vitamins, which make the drink even healthier.
- 1/4 cup frozen orange slices: If you like your drink to be extra thick and cold, adding frozen orange slices can help achieve that perfect texture.
How To Make Orange Julius: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started on making your Copycat Orange Julius.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
The first thing you need to do is gather all your ingredients and have them ready. This will make the process much smoother, as you’ll be blending everything together in one go. If you’re using fresh oranges, squeeze the juice. If you’re opting for the frozen concentrate, simply thaw it out a bit so it’s easier to work with.
Step 2: Blend the Base Ingredients
In a blender, combine the following:
- Orange juice concentrate
- Milk (or your milk alternative)
- Water
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
Blend on high speed for about 20 seconds. You should have a smooth, liquid mixture by the end of this step.
Step 3: Add Ice and Blend Again
Next, add the ice cubes to the blender. The ice is what creates the signature frothy texture of the Orange Julius. For an extra thick and cold drink, feel free to add more ice cubes until you achieve your desired texture.
Blend everything together for another 20-30 seconds, or until the ice is fully crushed and incorporated into the mixture. At this point, your Orange Julius should be frothy and thick—just like the one you enjoy at the mall!
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Take a quick taste of your DIY Orange Julius. If you feel it needs more sweetness, you can add a little extra sugar or sweetener. Alternatively, if the drink is too thick, add a little more water or milk to reach your preferred consistency.
For an added twist, you can also try incorporating carrot juice for a healthy, vitamin-packed kick. Just blend in a small amount, and taste to ensure it complements the drink without overpowering the flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once you’re happy with the flavor and texture, pour the drink into glasses. Serve immediately while it’s nice and frosty. For extra flair, you can garnish with a small slice of orange or a few orange zest shavings.
Why This Copycat Orange Julius Recipe Is Perfect for Spring
Orange Julius is not just a refreshing drink; it’s a perfect way to embrace the flavors of spring. Its bright orange hue is reminiscent of the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, and the citrusy taste evokes the sunny warmth of the season. This makes it an excellent drink to enjoy during warm spring days, whether you’re lounging by the pool or having a casual family gathering.
Since this DIY Orange Julius recipe is so easy to make, you can whip it up in a matter of minutes to enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up or as a dessert substitute. It’s also a great recipe to prepare for parties, barbecues, or casual gatherings. You can even double or triple the recipe if you’re hosting a larger crowd.
Variations of the Classic Orange Julius Recipe
While the classic recipe is always a hit, there are plenty of ways you can customize your DIY Orange Julius to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun variations to consider:
1. Vegan Orange Julius
For a dairy-free version, substitute regular milk with your choice of plant-based milk. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are all great options. Additionally, opt for a non-dairy sweetener like maple syrup or stevia.
2. Protein-Packed Orange Julius
Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder (preferably vanilla or unflavored) to the mix to boost the protein content. This is especially great for a post-workout refreshment or a filling breakfast option.
3. Carrot and Ginger Orange Julius
To amp up the health benefits, add some fresh carrot juice and a small piece of ginger to your Orange Julius. Carrots are packed with vitamins, while ginger provides a refreshing zing and helps with digestion.
4. Orange Julius Smoothie
For an even thicker, more filling option, blend in some frozen fruits like bananas or berries. This turns your Orange Julius into a full smoothie, perfect for breakfast or as a quick snack.
5. Frozen Orange Julius Popsicles
Want to make a fun treat for the kids (or yourself)? Simply pour the finished Orange Julius into popsicle molds and freeze. After a few hours, you’ll have homemade, frosty popsicles with all the flavor of your favorite Orange Julius!
Benefits of Drinking Orange Julius
- Vitamin C Boost: Thanks to the fresh or frozen orange juice concentrate, this drink is loaded with vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system and supports skin health.
- Refreshing and Hydrating: With its water and ice base, this drink is incredibly hydrating, especially during hot weather. It’s the perfect thirst-quencher.
- Customizable: As shown above, there are endless ways to tweak the recipe. Whether you’re making it vegan, adding protein, or packing it with vegetables like carrots, the drink is highly adaptable to your needs.
Conclusion: A Refreshing Spring Drink You Can Make at Home
Now that you know how to make an Orange Julius, it’s time to put this recipe into action! Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm spring day, serving it at a gathering, or simply indulging in a nostalgic treat, this Copycat Orange Julius recipe will quickly become one of your go-to drinks. Not only is it easy to make and delicious, but you can also customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Plus, it’s a great way to use up that orange juice concentrate!
So, the next time you’re craving a refreshing drink, skip the mall and make this DIY Orange Julius in the comfort of your own home. Your taste buds will thank you!
