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Homemade Orange Julius recipe: The best refreshing and delicious drink, perfect for hot days and easy to turn into popsicles.

When we were building our house a friend shared this recipe. It was an easy drink to bring to the many guys who were working on our house that was both refreshing and delicious. The sugar is actually a great energy boost when you have been out working in hot weather and sweating. You are welcome to adjust the sugar/sweetness to your liking though! Another way we enjoy this copycat Orange Julius Recipe is in the form of popsicles. Just pour into popsicle molds and pop in the freezer. Kids and adults both love this summer treat!
What is Orange Julius?
Orange Julius is a creamy orange drink that originated from a popular chain of beverage stores. It typically consists of orange juice, milk (or milk alternative), sugar and ice cubes. The result is a creamy drink that is frothy, and slightly tangy. The recipe uses simple ingredients which means the homemade version of this special treat is easy to make. The original Orange Julius stores started in the United States in the 1920s and have since become a popular drink full of fond memories.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Refreshing: This homemade Orange Julius Recipe is a refreshing treat for hot summer days. The combination of orange juice and milk creates a creamy, tangy, and sweet beverage that’s perfect for hot weather.
- Easy Recipe: The frothy orange drink is simple and quick, making it accessible for anyone to whip up a delicious drink at home. It uses basic ingredients you probably already have at home!
- Customizable Sweetness: The added sugars can be adjusted to personal preference, allowing for a healthier beverage or a sweet drink as desired.
- Energy Boost: The natural sugars from the orange juice and added sugar provide a quick energy boost, especially beneficial after physical activities or as an afternoon snack.

Tips for Making Homemade Orange Julius
- Blend Well: Make sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly to achieve the signature frothy and creamy texture. A high-speed blender works best.
- Adjust Sweetness: Start with the recommended amount of sugar, then adjust to taste. You can use alternative sweeteners like honey, agave, or a sugar substitute if preferred.
- Add Ice Gradually: Begin with a small amount of ice and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency. Too much ice can dilute the flavor.
- Experiment with Add-ins: For a twist, try adding a banana for extra creaminess, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence, or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Chill Ingredients: Use cold orange juice and milk to ensure the drink is refreshing and cool without needing too much ice.
- Balance Flavors: A pinch of salt can help balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the drink.
- Make Popsicles: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing summer treat that both kids and adults will love.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve your homemade Orange Julius right after blending while it’s still frothy and chilled.
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
How to Make Homemade Orange Julius
- Add the ice cubes to a standard size good blender. They should equal about 6 cups.
- Add the orange juice concentrate, milk, water, vanilla, and sugar. Blend on “smoothie mode” or high speed until well blended.
Pro Tip
To make this drink dairy-free, simply swap the milk for the milk alternative of your choice.
How to Store
- Immediate Consumption: Orange Julius is best enjoyed immediately after blending to maintain its frothy and creamy texture.
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking, as separation may occur.
- Freezing: For a fun alternative, pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Enjoy them as a refreshing popsicle treat.
- Avoid Prolonged Storage: Since the drink contains fresh ingredients, it’s not ideal for long-term storage. The taste and texture are best when fresh.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Can this Homemade Orange Julius Recipe be made dairy-free?
- To make this drink dairy-free, simply swap the regular milk for a milk alternative such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk or other milk alternative of your choice.
Can this Homemade Orange Julius Recipe be made gluten free?
- This recipe is typically gluten-free. Make sure to check labels of all the ingredients used.
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Homemade Orange Julius {the best copycat recipe!}
Homemade Orange Julius recipe: The best refreshing and delicious drink, perfect for hot days and easy to turn into popsicles.
Ingredients
- 2 Frozen orange juice concentrate tubes (or 2 cups of fresh orange juice)
- 1 cup of Milk (preferably whole milk but skim milk can be used too)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup of water (cold)
- 2 trays of ice cubes (6 cups)
Instructions
- Add the ice cubes to a standard size good blender. They should equal about 6 cups.
- Add the orange juice concentrate, milk, water, vanilla, and sugar. Blend on “smoothie mode” or high speed until well blended.
Notes
- Blend Well: Make sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly to achieve the signature frothy and creamy texture. A high-speed blender works best.
- Adjust Sweetness: Start with the recommended amount of sugar, then adjust to taste. You can use alternative sweeteners like honey, agave, or a sugar substitute if preferred.
- Add Ice Gradually: Begin with a small amount of ice and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency. Too much ice can dilute the flavor.
- Experiment with Add-ins: For a twist, try adding a banana for extra creaminess, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence, or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Chill Ingredients: Use cold orange juice and milk to ensure the drink is refreshing and cool without needing too much ice.
- Balance Flavors: A pinch of salt can help balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the drink.
- Make Popsicles: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing summer treat that both kids and adults will love.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve your homemade Orange Julius right after blending while it's still frothy and chilled.
How to Store
- Immediate Consumption: Orange Julius is best enjoyed immediately after blending to maintain its frothy and creamy texture.
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking, as separation may occur.
- Freezing: For a fun alternative, pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze. These can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Enjoy them as a refreshing popsicle treat.
- Avoid Prolonged Storage: Since the drink contains fresh ingredients, it's not ideal for long-term storage. The taste and texture are best when fresh.
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use bottled orange juice. Freshly squeezed juice will provide more vibrant orange flavors, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
How can I make it less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute to adjust the sweetness to your preference.
What type of blender works best?
A high-speed blender is ideal to achieve a smooth, frothy texture. I have a Ninja, and love it! However, any blender should work as long as it can crush ice effectively.
Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Yes, adding fruits like bananas, strawberries, or mangoes can give your Orange Julius a delicious twist and extra creaminess.
How do I make it thicker?
Use less liquid or add more ice to make the drink thicker. You can also add a banana, scoop of ice cream or plain Greek yogurt for additional thickness.
What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use a vanilla-flavored protein powder, a bit of vanilla ice cream, or omit it altogether for a different flavor profile.
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a 5-star review so that others can try it as well! Mention us @thefromscratchfarmhouse on Instagram so we can see your creations! You can also leave a comment below!