Orange Julius

An Orange Julius is nostalgia and refreshment in a glass—frosty, creamy, and bursting with orange flavor. Whether you crave a cool treat on a summer afternoon or want to bring back the taste of mall food courts, this homemade version delivers everything you expect from the original. Let’s unlock the secrets to crafting an Orange Julius at home, explore its history, discover variations, and master every step for perfect results.

What Makes an Orange Julius Special?

Unlike regular orange juice or a typical smoothie, an Orange Julius is defined by its creamy, fluffy texture and light sweetness. It’s part juice, part milkshake, and has a unique frothy finish. The classic taste is rooted in a blend of orange juice concentrate, milk, sugar, vanilla, and ice—sometimes with the addition of egg for extra foaminess. You’ll find fans of this iconic beverage spanning generations, thanks to its bright, inviting flavor and smooth mouthfeel.

Ingredient Breakdown

The ingredients each play a specific role in taste and texture. Here’s what you need:

Ingredient	Function	Notes
Orange Juice Concentrate	Bold flavor, sweetness, structure	Use frozen concentrate, not fresh juice
Milk	Creaminess, balances acidity	Full-fat recommended
Ice Cubes	Chills and thickens	Crushed for easier blending
Sugar (or powdered sugar)	Sweetens and smooths	Powdered sugar dissolves best
Banana (optional)	Thickness, subtle flavor	Use frozen banana if thicker texture desired
Vanilla Extract	Enhances flavor	Real extract for richer taste
Whipping Cream	Extra creaminess (optional)	For those who like it richer
Pasteurized Egg	Signature frothiness (optional)	Use only if comfortable, see safety section

Each ingredient serves a purpose, so tweaking proportions lets you adjust sweetness, richness, or foam to fit your preferences.

How To Make Orange Julius

Making an Orange Julius at home is fast and simple. In about five minutes, you’ll have a chilled, creamy drink ready to serve.

Steps:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
Gather orange juice concentrate, milk, ice, sugar, vanilla, and any extras such as banana or cream.
2. Blend:
Add all ingredients to a blender. Start with 6 ounces orange juice concentrate, 1 cup milk, 1 cup ice cubes, 2-3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. If using, add ¼ cup whipping cream, 1 small banana, and 1 pasteurized egg.
3. Process:
Blend on high until thick, foamy, and smooth—about 45 seconds. The mixture should be pale orange and airy.
4. Serve Cold:
Pour into glasses immediately. For extra chill, freeze your glasses first.

Example Recipe Quantity: Makes 2 generous servings.

Ingredient List

6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup whole milk
1 cup ice cubes (crushed)
2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (optional)
1 banana (optional; frozen for best texture)
1 pasteurized egg (optional)

Pro Tips for the Perfect Orange Julius

Freeze your Glasses: Leave serving glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before pouring to keep drinks icy for longer.
Banana as a Thickener: A frozen banana adds more body and subtle sweetness without overpowering orange flavor. This is handy if you want more of a smoothie texture.
Adjust Consistency Quickly: Thicker drink? Add more ice or a little extra banana. Too thick? Add a splash more milk and blend.
For Maximum Froth: Blending at high speed aerates the mixture and, if using egg, creates a cloud-like texture.
Level Up with Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves better than granulated, providing a smoother finish.
Go Dairy-Free: Swap cow’s milk for almond, soy, or oat milk if you prefer. Use coconut cream for a tropical twist.
Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of orange zest or a splash of lemon juice for added brightness.

Safety Note: Using Egg in Your Drink

Traditional Orange Julius recipes use a raw egg for that signature foam. For peace of mind, always use pasteurized eggs to limit the risk of foodborne illness. You can also skip the egg: blending without it still yields a creamy, fluffy result due to the ice and juice concentrate.

Variations On The Classic Orange Julius

Why stick to just orange? Try these ideas for a new twist each time:

Strawberry Julius: Use half orange, half frozen strawberries for a berry kick.
Mango Julius: Swap orange concentrate for frozen mango chunks. Add orange juice for a mixed citrus-mango flavor.
Tropical Julius: Use pineapple or banana plus coconut milk instead of dairy.
Berry Blend: Add frozen blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry blend.
Vegan Julius: Use almond, cashew, or pistachio milk, and plant-based cream for richness.
Lemonade Julius: Substitute orange juice concentrate with lemonade concentrate for a tart, zesty variant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Orange Julius without orange concentrate?
You can use fresh orange juice but expect a lighter, less intense flavor. Freeze the juice in cubes for best texture, and reduce the milk so the drink isn’t too thin.

Is there a non-dairy version?
Yes. Substitute plant-based milk and cream. Almond and coconut are especially good for a rich, subtle flavor.

Can I store leftovers?
Orange Julius is at its best right after blending. If you have leftovers, freeze them in a popsicle mold for homemade creamy orange popsicles.

Is Orange Julius healthy?
This is a treat rather than a health food. Each serving delivers quick carbs and some vitamin C but also includes sugar and, if you use it, cream.

The Story Behind Orange Julius

The legend begins in Los Angeles, 1926. Julius Freed opened a small orange juice stand. His friend Bill Hamlin found pure orange juice too acidic, so they experimented—adding sugar, ice, milk, and egg to create a smoother, frothier drink. The result? Customers began shouting, “Give me an Orange, Julius!” and a new classic was born.

For much of the twentieth century, Orange Julius became a fixture in malls and state fairs, selling millions of cups and capturing the taste buds of generations. Dairy Queen acquired the chain in 1987, and you can still spot the familiar Orange Julius sign at many outlets across North America.

Fun Facts and Flavor History

Orange Julius was chosen as the official drink of the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.
The original recipe included a raw egg; current chains now use egg white powder for safety but the texture remains iconic.
A devil mascot with a pitchfork was used in the logo in the 1970s, which was later replaced due to its resemblance to a popular college mascot.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Orange Julius as a breakfast treat, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a nostalgic dessert. For fancy flair, garnish with a twist of orange peel or a paper umbrella.

Pair it with classic breakfast favorites—like cinnamon rolls or pancakes. Or serve in smaller glasses as a light dessert after a spicy meal.

Summary Table: Key Points at a Glance

Step	What To Do	Pro Tip
Choose Base	Use orange juice concentrate	Use frozen for flavor
Add Cream	Add milk, cream, and sweetener	Powdered sugar blends best
Ice & Blend	Blend with ice (and egg/banana)	Blend on high speed
Serve	Pour into chilled glasses	Freeze glasses first
Customize	Try flavor variations	See section above

With a well-stocked kitchen and a good blender, Orange Julius becomes a five-minute ticket to sweet, citrusy nostalgia. Tailor the drink to your taste by swapping sweeteners, using different fruits, or going dairy-free. The frothy, creamy blend never goes out of style and works as a treat for both kids and adults. Whether you’re sipping on the porch or recreating mall memories, homemade Orange Julius is a classic worth keeping in your rotation.

Orange Julius
Jump to Recipe