Orange Julius Recipe: How to Make It at Home

There’s something nostalgic about an Orange Julius. If you grew up grabbing one at the mall, you probably remember that smooth, frothy mix of orange and vanilla. It’s not exactly a milkshake, but it’s creamier than juice. Cold, sweet, simple. The kind of drink that feels like summer in a cup.

And the good news? You can make it at home. No weird ingredients. No special equipment. Just a blender, a few things from your kitchen, and five minutes.

Here’s how to do it.


What Is an Orange Julius, Really?

If you’ve never had one, think of it this way: it’s part orange smoothie, part creamsicle, part soft drink. It’s made with orange juice, milk, sugar, ice, and vanilla. That’s it. Nothing fancy.

The original Orange Julius started as a juice stand in the 1920s. It became popular because it wasn’t just plain orange juice—it was smoother, less acidic, and easier on the stomach. Over time, it got blended with milk, sugar, ice, and vanilla to create what people now recognize as that frothy orange drink.

Now it’s a classic, and even though some food courts still serve it, the homemade version is just as good—maybe even better.


Why Make It at Home?

Honestly, because it’s fast, cheap, and tastes great. You don’t have to go anywhere, and you don’t need to buy anything special.

Most versions out there call for simple ingredients you probably already have:

  • Orange juice
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ice

And if you want it extra creamy, you can add a little powdered milk. Totally optional, though.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the full list, no fluff:

  • 1 cup orange juice – Fresh is great, but bottled works too.
  • 1 cup milk – Any kind. Whole, 2%, almond, oat… use what you like.
  • ¼ cup sugar – You can use a bit less if your juice is already sweet.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds that smooth, round flavor.
  • 1 cup ice – Crushed is best, but cubes are fine.
  • (Optional) 1–2 tablespoons powdered milk – For extra creaminess.

How to Make It – Step by Step

1. Add everything to the blender.

Start with the orange juice and milk so the blades don’t get stuck. Then add the sugar, vanilla, and ice. If you’re using powdered milk, toss that in too.

2. Blend until smooth.

Let it run for at least 30 seconds. You want it creamy and a little foamy. It should look light and have tiny bubbles on top.

3. Taste it.

Try a sip. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar. Too strong? Add more milk. Not cold enough? Toss in more ice and blend again.

4. Serve right away.

It’s best cold and fresh. Pour it into a glass and drink up. That froth won’t last forever.


Make It Your Own

The basic recipe works, but here are a few ways to switch it up:

  • Make it dairy-free. Use almond milk or oat milk. Still tastes great.
  • Use frozen orange juice cubes. Freeze orange juice in ice trays and use them instead of plain ice. Makes it even more intense.
  • Add frozen bananas or mango. Makes it more like a smoothie.
  • Cut the sugar. If your juice is sweet, start with 2 tablespoons of sugar instead of ¼ cup. You can always add more.

Does It Taste Like the Real Thing?

Pretty close. Some say it’s even better because you can tweak it how you like. The store version can be overly sweet or too icy. At home, you get to control that.

The original might have used a special powdered mix, but most people can’t tell the difference. The key is vanilla, cold ice, and a good blend.


Serving Ideas

You don’t need anything fancy. Just a tall glass and a straw, if you want one. But here are a few extra ideas if you’re feeling fun:

  • Add a slice of orange on the rim.
  • Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.
  • Blend with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
  • Serve in chilled glasses for hot days.

Storage Tips

Not gonna lie—this isn’t a drink you store for later. It’s best right after blending. If you leave it in the fridge, it’ll separate and lose the frothy top.

If you have to make it ahead, give it a quick stir or blend before serving. But it won’t be as light and airy.


Quick FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh oranges instead of juice?
Yes, just make sure to blend them well and strain out the pulp if you don’t like texture.

Q: Is it healthy?
It depends on how much sugar you add. You can definitely cut back or use honey or maple syrup. It’s a treat, but not a terrible one.

Q: What kind of milk is best?
Whole milk makes it creamier, but any milk will work.


Final Thoughts

This recipe is one of those simple things that hits the spot. You don’t need a lot of time. You don’t need special skills. You just need five minutes and a blender.

If you’ve been missing that old-school Orange Julius flavor, or just want something smooth and refreshing, give this a try. It’s cold, creamy, and feels a little nostalgic.

And if it doesn’t come out perfect the first time? Tweak it. Add more vanilla. Try less sugar. Use frozen fruit. That’s the nice part—you’re in charge.

Orange Julius Recipe: How to Make It at Home

Course: DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

5

minutes

🍊 Orange Julius (Homemade Recipe)
Cold, creamy, and frothy—just like the mall favorite, but made right at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)

  • 1 cup milk (any kind: whole, 2%, almond, oat, etc.)

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup ice cubes

  • Optional: 1–2 tablespoons powdered milk (for added creaminess)

Directions

  • Add all ingredients to a blender:
    Start with the orange juice and milk, then add sugar, vanilla extract, and ice. If using powdered milk, add it now.
  • Blend until smooth and frothy:
    Blend on high for about 30 seconds or until the drink is creamy and slightly foamy on top.
  • Taste and adjust:
    If it’s not sweet enough, add a little more sugar. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk or juice and blend again.
  • Serve immediately:
    Pour into cold glasses and enjoy right away for the best frothy texture.

Notes

  • Use frozen orange juice cubes instead of ice for a stronger flavor.
    Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
    For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk.

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