Orange Julius

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A classic Orange Julius delivers creamy texture, foamy top, and the refreshing, unmistakable tang of sweet orange. Popular for generations, this drink stands somewhere between a smoothie and a milkshake—yet it has a magic all its own. Whether you’re nostalgic for mall food courts or just craving something cold and frothy on a summer day, this recipe brings the original Orange Julius experience home.

What Is an Orange Julius?

If you’ve never sipped one, think of Orange Julius as a cross between a creamsicle and a smoothie. Unlike standard orange juice, it transforms with the addition of dairy, sweetener, vanilla, and ice for a cool, milkshake-like treat. The drink gets its signature foamy texture from blending and (traditionally) a pasteurized egg, making it luxuriously thick and airy.

Ingredients for Authentic Orange Julius

Below is a table listing traditional Orange Julius ingredients and their functions:

Let’s take a closer look at choosing and using each:

Orange Juice Concentrate

Frozen concentrate is more flavorful than fresh orange juice and gives the drink its memorable, punchy taste. If you prefer to use fresh squeezed juice, expect a thinner drink and skip the milk or reduce ice.

Milk and Cream

For a full-bodied Orange Julius, choose whole milk. For an even richer option, a splash of heavy cream makes the drink truly decadent. Lower-fat milk can work, but the result is lighter and less velvety.

Egg

While some modern versions skip it, a pasteurized egg (or just the white) gives Orange Julius a smooth, café-style froth. Pasteurized eggs are safe to consume raw. If you’d rather avoid eggs, try a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a dash of egg white powder.

Sugar

Powdered sugar dissolves most smoothly, but granulated sugar works, too. You can tweak the balance to your taste or substitute with honey or agave.

Banana

A piece of frozen banana offers body and a little natural sweetness. If you don’t want banana in your Julius, you can leave it out.

Vanilla

Don’t skip the vanilla extract. This small amount transforms the drink from plain orange shake into something special.

Ice

Crushed ice blends in quickly and thickens the drink. For an especially cold, extra thick version, add more ice or freeze some of the juice before blending.

How to Make Orange Julius: Step-by-Step

With all your ingredients ready, here’s how to make a classic Orange Julius at home:

Instructions

• Prepare Ingredients

  • Measure out orange juice concentrate, milk, cream (if using), sugar, vanilla extract, and powdered creamer.
  • If using, slice banana and freeze beforehand for best results.
  • Use 1 pasteurized egg, or skip if you prefer.

• Blend

  • Add ice first to the blender. Then layer in orange juice concentrate, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, banana, egg, and creamer.
  • Blend on high until everything is smooth and frothy, 30 to 60 seconds.

• Adjust Consistency

  • Check the thickness. For a thinner consistency, blend in more milk or a splash of water. For a frosty, milkshake-like texture, add more ice or frozen banana.

• Serve

  • Pour immediately into tall, chilled glasses. A foamy head and creamy layers are signs of success.

Here’s a simple batch recipe you can adjust for servings:

Tips for a Perfect Orange Julius

Everyone has their preferred version, but these tips will help you dial in the drink’s texture, sweetness, and flavor:

• Use Frozen Bananas: This thickens and chills the drink, eliminating the need for excess ice.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste and add more sugar if the drink tastes too tart.
• Chill Glasses: Place glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring to keep drinks colder, longer.
• Consistency Fixes: Add more milk for a thinner Julius or more ice for a frostier finish.
• Dairy Substitutes: Oat or almond milk work well if you prefer a dairy-free version.
• Egg-Free Tip: Substitute the egg with 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or a vegan egg white replacement for foaminess.

Flavor Variations

Orange Julius is wonderfully customizable. Try some of these twists to keep things interesting:

Fruit Variations

• Strawberry Julius: Replace half the orange juice with frozen strawberries for a tangy, berry spin.
• Pineapple Julius: Swap in pineapple concentrate or chunks for a tropical touch.
• Mixed Berry Julius: Add 1 cup frozen mixed berries.

Dairy and Vegan Swaps

• Coconut Version: Substitute coconut milk for dairy, and use a splash of coconut cream for richness.
• Vegan: Use plant-based milk and Greek-style coconut yogurt. Omit egg or use aquafaba for foam.

Other Ideas

• Lemon Julius: Use lemon concentrate for a lemonade-inspired version.
• Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a new layer of complexity.
• Yogurt Julius: Greek yogurt stands in for heavy cream, adding protein and tang.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

While Orange Julius tastes best fresh from the blender, you can save leftovers:

• Fridge: Store in a sealed jar up to 12 hours. Shake before serving.
• Freezer: Pour into popsicle molds for creamy orange treats.
• Batch Prep: Freeze measured portions of concentrate, banana, and sugar in freezer bags. Add dairy and ice when ready.

The History Behind Orange Julius

Julius Freed, a Los Angeles juice stand owner, stumbled onto the drink in 1926. Tired of plain orange juice’s acidity, he and a friend created a blended version that was softer on the palate, thanks to dairy and sugar. Customers loved it, often calling out, “Give me an Orange, Julius!”—inspiring the drink’s name and the chain that popularized it.

The Orange Julius booth became a fixture in malls and fairs, famous for both its foamy drinks and the smiling orange logo. Though ownership has changed hands (now part of Dairy Queen), the original blend remains a symbol of American refreshment.

Fun Facts About Orange Julius

• World’s Fair Fame: Named the official drink of the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
• Vintage Slogans: In the 1970s, its “devilish” mascot played off the drink’s addictive taste.
• High Energy Treat: The drink packs sweetness and calories—a satisfying indulgence rather than a health food.
• Dessert Potential: Freeze leftovers in molds for homemade orange creamsicle pops.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Orange Julius chilled with a sprinkle of grated orange zest for extra aroma. For parties, garnish glasses with orange wheels or a sprig of mint. The drink pairs well with fruit salads, brunch fare, or as a light dessert after a spicy dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use raw egg?

Pasteurized eggs make the drink safe. If in doubt, avoid the egg and use alternatives.

Can I make Orange Julius without a blender?

A strong immersion blender can work, but regular whisks or shakers won’t achieve the same smoothness and foam.

Why is my Julius watery?

Too much fresh juice or not enough concentrate will thin the drink. Add more ice or a frozen banana to thicken.

Try It Today

Few drinks can match the Orange Julius for nostalgia and flavor. With a blender and simple ingredients, you can whip up this creamy classic in minutes. Tailor it to your taste, experiment with new fruits, and enjoy a sweet, icy treat that never goes out of style.