Copycat Orange Julius

Name: Recipe for Orange Julius
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 6 ounces (3/4 cup) frozen orange juice concentrate, no sugar added; 1 1/2 cups whole milk*; 3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar ((3 for more tart)); 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix powder ((may sub 2 tsps vanilla extract)); 1¼ cups ice ((16 ice cubes)); Optional: 1 pasteurized egg (about 3 TBS) OR 1 TB egg white powder

Transport your taste buds back to simpler, sunny times with a refreshing, nostalgic sip of Orange Julius – made in 5 minutes flat! In this recipe, I’ll share the secrets to achieving that extra frothy texture, perfectly balanced tart sweetness, and iconic creaminess right at home. Cheers to tips, tricks, variations and frothy fun!

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Watch How to Make Orange Julius

up close of orange Julius served in a glass with an orange and white striped straw

How to make an Orange Julius that tastes just like the real thing!

EXTRA FROTHY. You can take it or leave it, but for truly authentic frothy texture, add a pasteurized egg white—you will love the iconic airy texture! If you don’t use an egg white, blend the drink until super frothy.
EXTRA CREAMY. Many recipes call for skim milk or even water and milk which delivers a sad, watery texture—not this recipe! Additionally, a lighter base is more likely to separate and isn’t heavy enough to suspend the chunks of ice. Using whole milk or lighter milk with yogurt ensures signature creaminess.
SECRET INGREDIENT! An Orange Julius should taste reminiscent of an orange creamsicle with strong hints of vanilla. Instead of using vanilla extract that’s a bit overpowering, this recipe uses vanilla pudding powder for a depth of flavor and for extra frothy thickness.
FULL-FLAVORED. The original drink boasts full-throttle orange flavor that’s tangy with a hint of sweetness, and not vice versa. This is achieved by using plenty of orange juice concentrate and starting with less sugar, then adding more to taste.

orange Julius recipe served in two glasses garnished with orange slices

What is an Orange Julius?

An Orange Julius is a delightful, frothy citrus drink that has been tickling taste buds and cooling down hot summer days for nearly a century! It’s characterized by a creamy blend of zesty orange juice, velvety milk, a hint of sweet vanilla, and a touch of sugar, all whipped together with ice to create a magical, frothy delight. It’s like sipping sunshine through a straw!

WHO INVENTED ORANGE JULIUS?

The drink was created by Julius Freed, who opened an orange juice stand in Los Angeles in 1926. However, his original stand did not gain much popularity until his real estate agent, Bill Hamlin, suggested adding a few extra ingredients to the orange juice to make it less acidic with a creamy twist. Customers couldn’t get enough and soon they were shouting, “Give me an Orange, Julius!”

Orange Julius stands became a popular chain, expanding across the United States and eventually merging with Dairy Queen in the 1980s. Today, the Orange Julius drink is still enjoyed at Dairy Queen locations and other venues, continuing its legacy as a refreshing, nostalgic sip of happiness.

Is there Egg in orange julius?

Somewhere between its inception and the 1960s, customers recall watching an egg being cracked directly into the drink for extra frothy, velvety body. You could even request a second egg for a few cents more. Today, you can safely use pasteurized egg whites or egg white powder or skip the egg for a still-fabulous, refreshing treat made with orange juice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ice.

Homemade Orange Julius ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make this Orange Julius recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: This ingredient is crucial for the frothy, creamy texture and concentrated sweet-tart citrus flavor without making the drink watery. You cannot use orange juice and expect the same results. You’ll need 6 ounces of concentrate, half of a standard can, or ¾ cup. Take care to purchase pure concentrate without any sugar added.
Sugar: Powdered sugar helps balance the concentrate’s bitter acidity. You can start with less, then add more to taste because powdered sugar dissolves seamlessly.
Milk: This adds creaminess and helps balance the acidity. I recommend whole milk for maximum creaminess. However, you may use any milk or unsweetened dairy-free milk of choice, keeping in mind less fat = less creaminess. If using a lighter milk, I suggest adding a few scoops of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt. For non-dairy, I recommend oat milk for more frothiness.
Vanilla Pudding Mix: A couple of tablespoons balances the orange tanginess and infuses the dinks with orange creamsicle vibes. Equally important, it adds an extra velvety body to the drink, as opposed to using pure vanilla extract.
Ice cubes: This chills and thickens the drink. You can add more or less ice and blend to your desired consistency.
Egg white or egg white powder (optional): While you can blend to a frothy consistency, adding an egg white will make the drink extra creamy, airy, and frothy, just like the original. Take care to use pasteurized egg whites. These are eggs that have been heat-treated to kill any potential bacteria without cooking the egg. You can use an egg white from one pasteurized egg or pasteurized eggs found in cartons at most grocery stores (about three tablespoons). If you cannot find pasteurized eggs, it’s best to avoid using raw eggs altogether. Instead, add a small amount of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt.

top view showing ingredients for orange Julius: orange juice concentrate, sugar, milk, vanilla, ice cubes and egg white

How to Make Orange Julius

Let’s take a closer look at how to make an Orange Julius copycat with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Step 1: Add the orange juice concentrate, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla pudding mix powder to a high-powered blender.

showing how to make orange Julius by adding orange juice concentrate, vanilla and sugar to a high powered blender

Step 2: Blend the ingredients until smooth and frothy.

showing how to make orange Julius by blending the orange juice, sugar and vanilla until smooth and frothy

Step 3: Add the ice cubes and the egg white. Blend to your desired consistency. I like mine somewhere between a thick smoothie and a slushy with a few ice nubs. Keep in mind, the more you blend, the thinner the drink will become.

showing how to make orange Julius by adding ice cubes to the blender

TIPS for making Orange Julius

Blend Long Enough: Blend the mixture long enough to fully dissolve the sugar and achieve a smooth, frothy texture. Do most of the blending before adding the ice so it will already be frothy and you can choose how much to blend the ice. A high-speed blender works best.
Opt for Pasteurized Egg Whites: For safety and that authentic frothy texture, use pasteurized egg whites. These can be found in cartons at most grocery stores.
Adjust consistency: If your drink is too thin, blend in more ice. If it’s too thick, blend in a little milk.
Adjust to taste: Add more sugar for sweeter or orange zest for tangier. Everyone’s palate is different, so make the drink perfect for YOU!
Serve immediately: Because the drink contains ice, it will thin and become less creamy the longer it sits. For the best flavor and texture, serve immediately while it’s frothy and chilled.
Clean Your Blender Right Away: The sticky sweetness can be difficult to clean if left to sit. Rinse and wash your blender promptly for easy cleanup.

Orange Julius Recipe variations

Add yogurt: Use lower fat milk and/or omit the egg whites and instead add ¼ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt.
Dairy-Free Coconut Orange: You can use almond milk for a light, nutty flavor; coconut milk for a rich, tropical twist; oat milk for a frothy texture; soy milk for a similar consistency to cow’s milk; cashew milk for a smooth, nutty taste; or hemp milk for a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
Swap Orange Concentrate: Use any fruit concentrate instead of the orange such as strawberry, pineapple, pineapple-orange, lemon, or lime. You can also mix two different flavors together. Keep in mind that some fruits are sweeter than others, so you may want to start with less sugar.
Swap Ice Cubes: Try using frozen fruit in place of the ice cubes, such as frozen bananas, strawberries, blueberries, mango, or a combination, keeping in mind these will change the flavor profile. I freeze leftover fruit so I always have some on hand.
Tropical Orange Julius: Swap ½ cup milk for ½ cup pineapple juice (or use pineapple orange concentrate), ½ banana, and a handful of coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
Berry Orange Julius: Add ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) and 1 tablespoon honey for a fruity blend with a burst of berry sweetness.
Green Orange Julius: Add a handful of fresh spinach and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for a nutritious boost with fresh spinach flavor.
Minty Orange Julius: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves and a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing, cool minty finish.
Creamsicle Orange Julius: Reduce the milk to ½ cups and add 1 cup vanilla ice cream for a rich, creamy dessert-like drink reminiscent of a creamsicle.
Spiced Orange Julius: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced drink perfect for winter.
Protein Orange Julius: For a creamy, protein-packed drink, add one scoop of vanilla protein powder and two tablespoons of Greek yogurt.

top view of homemade orange Julius showing how thick, creamy and frothy it is

How to serve Orange Julius

Orange Julius is delicious served alone or with any meal, however, it pairs particularly well with breakfast foods such as:

Eggs: quiche Lorraine, mini quiche, frittata
Potatoes: hashbrown casserole, tater tot breakfast casserole
Pancakes, French toast & more: French toast, French toast bake, crepes, German pancakes, lemon ricotta pancakes, sweet potato pancakes, stuffed French toast
Breakfast casseroles: croissant breakfast casserole, crème brûlée French toast, tater tot breakfast casserole, French toast bake, blueberry French toast casserole
Coffee cake: cream cheese banana coffee cake , blueberry coffee cake, strawberry coffee cake, cream cheese strawberry coffee cake
Biscuits and sandwiches: breakfast sandwiches, Monte Cristo sandwich, biscuits and gravy

How to store a Copycat Orange Julius

Orange Julius is best enjoyed immediately; any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator. Leftovers won’t be as tasty because the ice will melt, reducing the creaminess and frothiness. You can attempt to revive leftovers by blending in additional ice cubes but this will water down the flavor.

Orange Julius FAQs

What is an Orange Julius?

An Orange Julius is a frothy, creamy drink made from orange juice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ice. Originating in the 1920s, it’s known for its refreshing and smooth texture that’s both nostalgic and delicious.

Can you make an Orange Julius without dairy?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free Orange Julius by using almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, cashew milk, or hemp milk. These alternatives provide a creamy texture and complement the citrus flavor of the drink.

What are some variations of the Orange Julius?

Popular variations of the Orange Julius include the Tropical Orange Julius (with pineapple juice and banana), Berry Orange Julius (with mixed berries and honey), and Chocolate Orange Julius (with cocoa powder and chocolate syrup). See the post for lots of ideas!

Is it safe to add egg to an Orange Julius?

Adding egg whites to an Orange Julius can be safe if you use pasteurized egg whites. Pasteurized eggs have been heat-treated to eliminate the risk of salmonella, making them safe to consume raw in beverages like the Orange Julius.

What makes an Orange Julius frothy?

The frothy texture of an Orange Julius comes from blending the ingredients at high speed, especially when using ice cubes and, optionally, pasteurized egg whites. This process incorporates air, creating a smooth and airy drink.

How can I make my Orange Julius taste just like the original?

To make your Orange Julius taste like the original, use fresh orange juice, whole milk, and high-quality vanilla extract. Blend thoroughly to achieve the classic frothy texture, and adjust the sweetness to your preference.

up close of orange Julius recipe showing how creamy it is

Looking for more Drink Recipes?

Lemonade
Pineapple Smoothie
Strawberry Key Lime Smoothie
Apple Cider
Tropical Smoothie
Hot Chocolate

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Tools Used in This Recipe

BlendTec Blender

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Servings: -4: 2 large (20 oz. each) or 4 small (10 oz.) drinks.

Total Time: 5

Prep Time: 5

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Ingredients

6 ounces (¾ cup) frozen orange juice concentrate, no sugar added
1 1/2 cups whole milk*
3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar (3 for more tart)
2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix powder (may sub 2 tsps vanilla extract)
1¼ cups ice (16 ice cubes)
Optional: 1 pasteurized egg (about 3 TBS) OR 1 TB egg white powder

Instructions

Add the orange juice concentrate, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla pudding mix powder to a high-powered blender.
Process until smooth and frothy.
Add the ice cubes and the egg white. Blend to your desired consistency, either like a thick smoothie or slushy with a few ice nubs. Keep in mind that the more you blend, the thinner it will become.
Adjust to taste with additional sugar for sweeter or orange zest (or concentrate) for tangier/less sweet and blend briefly. If your drink is too thin, blend in more ice. If it’s too thick, blend in a little milk. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Milk: I recommend whole milk for maximum creaminess. However, you may use any milk or unsweetened dairy-free milk of choice, considering less fat = less creaminess. I suggest adding a few scoops of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt if using a lighter milk. For non-dairy, I recommend oat milk for more frothiness.

Egg white or egg white powder (optional): While you can blend to a frothy consistency, adding an egg white will make the drink extra creamy, airy, and frothy, just like the original. Take care to use pasteurized egg whites. These are eggs that have been heat-treated to kill any potential bacteria without cooking the egg. You can use an egg white from one pasteurized egg or pasteurized eggs found in cartons at most grocery stores (about three tablespoons). If you cannot find pasteurized eggs, it’s best to avoid using raw eggs altogether. Instead, add a small amount of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt.
Variations: See post for LOTS of ideas!
Storage: Orange Julius is best enjoyed immediately. Leftovers won’t be as tasty because the ice will melt, reducing the creaminess and frothiness. You can attempt to revive leftovers by blending in additional ice cubes but this will water down the flavor.

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6 Comments

Karen says

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Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! This drink takes me back to long, lazy days of summer, endlessly roaming indoor shopping malls with at least 3 girlfriends and not a care in the world. For a treat, we would stop and buy an Orange Julius and sip on it ever so slowly so the taste would last forever. Thank you for the memories and will make it soon for the family. Yum!!!

- Jen says
  
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  I love that this brought back some great memories! I hope you and your family love the recipe!
  
Laura says

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Can’t wait to try this! It also brings back memories for me of walking around the mall as a teenager. Now that I’m an adult, I might add some champagne!

- Jen says
  
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  Such fun memories! I hope you will love this recipe!
  
Susan says

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Brings back memories of spending the day in the hot sun at the beach on Coronado Island then walking to the corner Orange Julius! Definitely going to try this!!

- Jen says
  
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  What a beautiful memory! I hope you love this recipe!