This classic Orange Julius recipe is an easy and delicious smoothie made with frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, vanilla, and ice. It’s frothy, creamy, cool, and sweet. If you love an orange creamsicle, you’ll love this drink!

Orange Julius smoothie in a cup with a straw and fresh orange slices.

Orange juice for breakfast just got a million times tastier with this frothy orange drink. And if you love oranges as much as I do, you could combine this drink with my Orange Rolls for a complete citrus feast.

This is actually one of those recipes I got in my home economics class. If it’s easy enough for teenager to make, then anyone can make it!

Growing up we only ever had homemade Orange Julius on a rare occasion. It was saved for when we had a really nice breakfast, but I love this drink! It’s simple, creamy, frothy, and sweet.

Orange Julius smoothies in cups with straws and fresh orange slices.

What is an Orange Julius?

Orange Julius is an American beverage chain that is famous for their creamy orange drink, named after the owner, Julius Freed.

You might remember the drink stands at the mall. Nowadays they are combined with a Dairy Queen.

Fun fact, my mother-in-law used to work at an Orange Julius stand, and the original recipe uses egg whites. Yes, egg whites.

This “copycat recipe” might be different because there are no egg whites, but it’s still creamy, sweet, and full of orange citrus flavor.

Simply add orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, vanilla and ice to a blender, and mix until smooth.

Want to make it without orange juice concentrate and use fresh juice instead? Or make it dairy-free? Try this recipe.

Orange Julius smoothies in cups with straws and fresh orange slices.

More Orange Julius Flavors

This smoothie can be made into a variety of flavors by simply adding other fruits. Here are some ideas:

  • Orange Banana – throw in half of a fresh banana. Add the whole banana for extra banana flavor.
  • Strawberry Orange – add 1-2 cups of fresh strawberries.
  • Strawberry Orange Banana – add 1 banana, and 1 cup of strawberries.
  • Pineapple Orange – add 1 cup of fresh pineapple.

NOTE: You can substitute frozen fruit for fresh, but decrease the amount of ice so it will still blend easily.

Orange Julius smoothie in a cup with a straw and fresh orange slices.

Classic Orange Julius

Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
An easy, creamy, frothy, and sweet smoothie drink.
4.38 from 64 ratings
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Ingredients

  • 6 oz (178 ml) frozen orange juice concentrate, (1/2 can)
  • 1 cup (237 ml) COLD water
  • 1 cup (237 ml) milk
  • ⅓ cup (68 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (480 g) ice

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • DO NOT DOUBLE! Your blender probably won’t be big enough. Make in separate batches.
  • Try it with 1/2 a banana.
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 171kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 39mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 31g
Author: Amber Brady
Course: Drinks

*Originally published 5/31/12. Updated 6/26/20.