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This creamy and refreshing homemade Orange Julius recipe is made with orange juice, milk, water, ice, vanilla, a frozen banana, and a secret ingredient that makes it the best!
Looking for more refreshing drink recipes? Try this Oreo Milkshake, Strawberry Lemonade, Green Smoothie, Power Smoothie, or Frozen Hot Chocolate!
Why I love this recipe:
- As good as the Original: I remember strolling the mall as a kid and begging my mom for a drink from Orange Julius. This homemade Orange Julius recipe is the perfect copycat recipe that's every bit as good as the original, and so inexpensive and easy to make from home.
- Secret Ingredient – Our secret ingredient is adding a little powdered sugar for a pinch of sweetness and fluffy smooth texture.
- Adaptable – Feel free to add other fruit to change up the flavor profile! See variations below.
What is an Orange Julius?
Orange Julius is a fruit smoothie that is made by combining orange juice with ice cubes, sweetener, milk, and vanilla. The term was originally the name of an American beverage store that created the original Orange Julius recipe. Since it's so easy to make at home, it's become a household name.
How to make an Orange Julius:
Blend: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Serve immediately!
Recipe Variations:
- Other Fruit: Add frozen strawberries, pineapple, etc either in place of the banana or in addition. Add additional liquid if needed, so it blends smooth.
- Strawberry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cup of fresh or frozen strawberries in place of the banana.
- Pineapple Orange Julius: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple.
- Triple Berry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cups of fresh or frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries).
- Mango Orange Julius: Add mango from 1 whole mango or 1 cup frozen mango chunks.
- Vegan Orange Julius: Substitute almond milk or other non-dairy milk.
- Protein Orange Julius: Add 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder.
Orange Julius
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup powdered confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- zest of 1 orange
- 1 small frozen banana
- 1 cup Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Strawberry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cup of fresh or frozen strawberries in place of the banana.
- Pineapple Orange Julius: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple.
- Triple Berry Orange Julius: Add 1 ½ cups of fresh or frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries).
- Mango Orange Julius: Add mango from 1 whole mango or 1 cup frozen mango chunks.
- Vegan Orange Julius: Substitute almond milk or other non-dairy milk.
- Protein Orange Julius: Add 1 scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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*I originally shared this recipe in February 2014. Updated March 2020 and June 2023.
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I am not a powder sugar fan. Can this be an option? Could I use regular sugar?
I would just leave it out!
Super delicious!
Could you use fresh orange juice instead of frozen?
What can on substitute for the frozen orange juice which is unavailable in the UK.
You can use fresh squeezed orange juice.
True, however, the quantity of orange juice must be increased and the amount of water reduced by a like amount.
For example, one cup + 6 oz orange juice and no water.
Absolutely DELICIOUS!
This sounds so amazing! It’s always fun to switch things up! Thanks for sharing!
I have put bananas in my orange julius before, but not powdered sugar. What does it do?
This looks amazing!!! There is nothing better than a fresh orange julius. Thanks for the recipe! Pinned
Mmm I love orange juliuses so much and the combo of orange and banana is one of my favorites! I can’t wait to try this!
Looks yummy! I would never have thought to put a banana in my orange julius. Pinned!