How to Make the Best Orange Julius
How to Make the Best Orange Julius Recipe – Whip up your favorite wonderfully tangy, frothy, ice-cold orange drink at home with our best copycat Dairy Queen Orange Julius!
What Is An Orange Julius?
Who here remembers and loves Orange Julius?!
If you are wondering, ok what is Orange Julius, I think we are both showing our ages. *wink* But not to worry, the magic of the OG, I mean O.J., absolutely transcends generations and can be beloved by all.
Classic Orange Julius “restaurants” were staple food court stands once located in nearly every mall across America. Their foamy, frosty juice smoothies and icy treats became so popular, eventually, you could find them partnered with freestanding Dairy Queen fast-food restaurants throughout the country.
Growing up in the 80s and 90s, trips to the mall were something to be prized. We always looked forward to pursuing stores like Beneton and Express, nibbling on giant cookies, and then of course the stop at Orange Julius before we left.
Our local Orange Julius and Dairy Queen locations have slowly disappeared over the years. Therefore, in order to have that nostalgic frothy tangy smoothie fix, I’ve had to learn to make Orange Julius at home!
Copycat Dairy Queen Julius
It is so easy to make totally rad Orange Julius at home in just minutes.
After lots of research and tweaking, we have developed for sure the Best Orange Julius Recipe which perfectly replicates that signature sweet and creamy drink we crave every summer.
Those who are familiar with classic Orange Julius will love taking a trip down memory lane with every sip. And if you’ve never had one before, you’ll definitely see what the hype is all about.
The entire family will be asking for these tangy and refreshing orange fruit smoothies all season long! Very boss, indeed.
What Ingredients You Need
I’ve tried this recipe with a few different combinations of ingredients, and have found the best blend by far for a copycat Orange Julius includes just a handful of specific items.
Here’s all that you need:
- Orange Juice Concentrate
- Milk – either 2% or whole milk
- Water
- Granulated sugar – you can use coconut sugar or another white sugar substitute
- Egg White – for getting just the right foaminess
- Vanilla Extract – to balance out the tangy and tart orange, and create an orange creamsicle-like flavor
- Ice
Why do most Orange Julius recipes include egg white? It’s the secret ingredient beloved by bartenders worldwide for creating a rich and creamy texture in a beverage, but without adding any flavor.
The protein-heavy egg white gives drinks a beautiful foamy, frothy body BUT they are included and served uncooked in this recipe. Like Caesar dressings and French creams made with raw eggs, there is a slight risk of contracting salmonella. You should certainly use pasteurized eggs to decrease the chances of illness, and it is recommended that pregnant women avoid raw eggs altogether.
How to Make this Amazing Recipe
All you need is a blender and 5 minutes to whip up a super yummy homemade citrus smoothie!
It is really just this simple:
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Puree until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy.
Booyah!
I love to garnish the glass with a slice of fresh fruit and enjoy it with a (compostable paper) straw.
Get the Complete (Printable) Best Orange Julius Recipe + VIDEO Below. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does This Recipe Make?
This homemade citrus smoothie recipe is enough for 2 large (approximately 20 oz. each) or 4 small (10 oz.) servings.
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
They are best enjoyed freshly made, and I do not recommend saving for later.
What Other Flavors Can I Make?
There are nearly limitless flavors you can try with this copycat Orange Julius recipe. Our other favorite foamy versions include Strawberry Orange Julius and Pineapple Orange Julius – both are perfect for summer!
Simply swap the orange juice concentrate for 8 ounces of frozen strawberries or frozen pineapple chunks, or your frozen fruit of choice.
What Can I Do With The Leftover Egg Yolks?
You can make a wonderful Caesar dressing… If you are wondering what to do with the unused egg yolks, you should definitely try this Steakhouse Caesar Salad. It includes an easy recipe for the best homemade Caesar dressing, and is an excellent way to use extra yolks!
Looking for More Refreshing Frozen Drink Recipes?
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- “Date with Fate” Tropical Smoothies
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- Chik-Fil-A Frosted Lemonade (Frozen Lemonade!)
- Peach Milkshake (Chik-Fil-A Peach Shake Recipe)
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How to Make the Best Orange Julius + VIDEO
Ingredients
- 6 ounces orange juice concentrate half a can
- 1 cup milk 2% or whole
- ½ cup water
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg white about 3 tablespoons
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the blender.
- Puree until smooth.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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I love this recipe but I recommend a bit less vanilla and a bit more orange juice concentrate.
I’ve been drinking these since i was a little kid because my mom would make them and then she taught us how to make it. This recipe is spot on except for the water and egg white. I suppose you couldnuse some kind of egg white powder but i think its amazing without it.
Wow! I just finished making the first batch for my husband and myself and I have to say that this is very, VERY close to the original. I think that I will reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon next time, but this is a winner!
I haven’t made it yet, but can’t wait!!! This is so nostalgic!!!!
thank you, I haven’t had these in years and wouldn’t know where to go to get one now but can still remember the unique taste, so really appreciate the recipe!
I would have never thought to add egg white! It’s so wonderful!
Just tried this recipe and my family loved it. Thank you so much!
this is one of my favorite summer drinks! sometimes even make it with some alcohol and it is the most delicious thing ever!
Yummy…I tried this recipe, and turned exactly like the original one.
I think this is good, but, I’d cut the amount of sugar, by at least half. Don’t expect a bright orange color. It will look pale but tastes right. Thanks for the recipe and all your research in getting it right! I probably would’ve loved all that sugar as a kid in the 70’s but now I need less:)
Was delicious! I can see why the egg whites are the secret. Gives it that fluffy foamy taste. 10/10 will make again.
Loved this recipe. We swapped for strawberries and it was amazing. Thanks for recreating my favorite childhood treat. I got it every time I went to the mall.
Yum! I can’t wait to make this! It looks so delicious and refreshing!
These tasted just like I remember getting them from the restaurant. My kids loved them too!
Yummy, I love Orange Julius! So easy to make and super delicious.
Man, I used to make these a lot! You’ve reminded me that it’s time again! They are so refreshing & taste so good! My kids love them!