This Orange Julius is a creamy, citrus-forward smoothie with a balanced sweet-and-tart profile. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a light dessert. Made with just a few ingredients and ice, it comes together in minutes.
5 STAR REVIEW
Val says, “I made this last night and it was spot on!! My first job was at a theater located next to an Orange Julius so this recipe (which I followed exactly) brought back many happy memories.”
I’m not usually drawn to oranges or bananas on their own, but in a drink like this Orange Julius they’re irresistible. The finished drink is sweet, tangy, creamy, and refreshing — like a grown-up creamsicle that you can enjoy any time of day.
What is an Orange Julius?
An Orange Julius is a blended frozen beverage built around sweetened frozen orange juice concentrate. It sits between a shake and a smoothie with a fluffy, frothy texture and bright citrus flavor. The drink became popular in the 1920s in Southern California and later became a mall classic. If you can’t find one in a shop, you can easily make a great version at home in minutes.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Whole milk: Use whole milk for a richer, creamier texture. 2% or skim will work if you prefer a lighter drink.
- Frozen orange juice concentrate: Use the frozen concentrate (not diluted) for the best orange flavor and icy texture. If a particular brand is unavailable, try another brand’s concentrate.
- Sweetener: The classic versions used a flavored powder or sugar. For a smoother, creamier result, sweetened condensed milk works beautifully and adds richness. Don’t skip a sweetener — it balances the tart citrus.
- Ice: Crushed ice blends most easily; cubed ice is fine. More ice makes the drink thicker but can dilute flavor as it melts.
- Fresh orange juice option: If you prefer fresh juice, use 2 cups of fresh orange juice in place of the concentrate. The flavor will be lighter and the texture thinner; freezing juice in ice cube trays first helps achieve a closer texture to the original.
Orange Julius Drink
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 6 ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate partially thawed
- 1½ cups ice
- Raw egg or egg white powder optional
- Whipped cream for garnish, optional
- Orange slices for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender in the order listed.
- Blend on medium-high speed for a few seconds until the mixture is smooth and frothy.
- Pour into glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and an orange slice if desired, and serve with a straw.
Notes
- Frozen orange juice concentrate: Use frozen concentrate (undiluted) for intense orange flavor and an icy texture. Substitute other brands if one brand is unavailable.
- Sweetener: Instant vanilla gelatin or granulated sugar are traditional options, but sweetened condensed milk produces a smoother, creamier result. Either option balances the tartness of the orange.
- Fruit variations: Add frozen banana slices, strawberries, or pineapple for new flavor combinations and a thicker texture.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut milk for whole milk to make a dairy-free version.
- Yogurt variation: For a tangier, thicker drink, replace 1 cup milk with 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt and omit the ice.
- Raw egg: The original Orange Julius sometimes included a raw egg or egg white powder for extra froth. If you choose to add raw egg, be aware of food safety concerns and use pasteurized egg products if preferred.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an automatic estimate and can vary depending on the exact products and portion sizes you use. If precise nutrition data is important, calculate based on your specific ingredients.
How to Make Orange Julius Step By Step
Gather the ingredients listed above: milk, vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, partially thawed frozen orange juice concentrate, and ice.
Add to the blender in this order: 1 cup whole milk, 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract, ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk, a 6-ounce can of partially thawed orange juice concentrate, and 1½ cups ice.
Blend on medium-high for a few seconds until smooth and frothy. Pour into glasses, garnish with whipped cream and an orange slice if desired, and serve with a straw.
Other Refreshing Drink Recipes
- Cherry Limeade
- Coffee Banana Smoothie
- Raspberry Lassi
- Strawberry Smoothie
I hope you enjoy this easy, delicious Orange Julius—please leave a review if you try it!