This copycat Orange Julius is the ultimate summer drink — frothy, citrusy, creamy, and perfectly refreshing on those extra hot days. Whether you’re sipping it after a long afternoon at the pool or serving it up as a nostalgic treat for the kids, this easy blender drink is a feel-good favorite for all ages. It tastes just like the classic Dairy Queen Orange Julius, but with simple ingredients you can make right at home.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. My grandma used to make this for my brother and me when we were little. We’d spend the afternoon picking raspberries out back, and when we came inside, she’d hand us chilled glasses of her homemade Orange Julius smoothie — cold, creamy, and sweet. Every time I make this, it brings me right back to those joyful summer afternoons in her kitchen.
If you’ve ever wondered what is an Orange Julius, it’s a dreamy mix of orange juice, milk, vanilla, and ice — kind of like a creamsicle in drink form. This recipe for Orange Julius with orange juice is so easy and requires zero powdered mix or weird ingredients.
Would you like to try a few other Copycat recipes? How about Copycat Quesadilla Burgers or these Chick-fil-A Nuggets! Would you like to try something from the 90s? Try these Copycat Kudos Bars!
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Orange Julius Ingredients – Just 6 Simple Staples
This creamy citrus drink is made with just a few basic pantry and freezer staples. Here’s what you need to make your own delicious Orange Julius recipe:
- Frozen orange juice concentrate (6 oz)
- Cold water
- Milk
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
These simple Orange Julius ingredients are all you need to whip up a drink that rivals any DQ Orange Julius stand.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make an Orange Julius in 4 Easy Steps
If you're wondering how to make an Orange Julius, this method is the easiest you’ll find — just blend and sip!
- Step 1: Add to Blender: Combine orange juice concentrate, water, milk, sugar, and vanilla in a high-speed blender.
- Step 2: Blend Until Smooth: Blend until creamy and fully combined.
- Step 3: Add Ice: Add 10–12 ice cubes to the blender.
- Step 4: Blend Again: Blend until frothy and smooth. Serve immediately!
Hint: That splash of vanilla is the magic that makes this drink taste like the classic Orange Julius Dairy Queen version you remember.
This recipe is perfect for summer, especially on those blazing hot days when you want something icy and refreshing. Just toss all the ingredients into your blender, and you’ve got a creamy, dreamy drink that tastes like a creamsicle and cools you down instantly. And with no eggs or powdered mixes, it’s a cleaner version of the traditional Dairy Queen Orange Julius.
Easy Substitutions for Your Orange Julius Smoothie
Need to adjust based on what’s in your kitchen? No problem:
- Milk: Any kind of milk works — dairy or non-dairy.
- Sugar: Feel free to sub honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener.
- Frozen OJ: If you only have fresh juice, use 1 cup and reduce the added water for a quicker recipe Orange Julius style.
Orange Julius Protein Shake & Other Tasty Variations
Orange Julius Protein Shake & Other Tasty Variations
- Berry Orange Julius: Add a handful of raspberries or strawberries before blending the ice.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or oat milk for a lighter, plant-based version.
- Creamsicle Vibe: Swap half the milk for vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like twist.
- Orange Julius protein shake: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to turn this into a quick, creamy breakfast or post-workout snack.
Equipment
Storage
This Orange Julius smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending when it’s at peak frothiness. But if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for a few hours and re-blend or shake before serving.
Top Tip For Storing Orange Julius
If you magically have any leftovers, pour it in a silicone muffin tray. This will allow the Orange Julius to refreeze to have again another day! No need to waste any! Just add a little milk to help blend it the second time around.
FAQ
Yes! For a dairy-free Orange Julius, use your favorite plant-based milk like oat, coconut, almond, or soy. It still turns out creamy and delicious.
A homemade serving of this Orange Julius recipe is about 210 calories, depending on the type of milk and sweetener used. It’s lighter than the traditional Orange Julius Dairy Queen version, which can run higher.
Definitely! Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to turn it into an Orange Julius protein shake that’s perfect for breakfast or a post-workout treat.
This version uses simple ingredients without powdered mixes or additives. It tastes just like the original Dairy Queen Orange Julius, but it’s homemade, affordable, and ready in minutes.
It’s best enjoyed fresh for the frothy texture, but you can blend it, store it in the fridge for a few hours, and give it a quick re-blend or shake before serving.
Copycat Recipes
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Inspiration
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Copycat Orange Julius
Equipment
- High-speed blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tall glasses for serving
Ingredients
- 6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 –12 ice cubes
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the frozen orange juice, cold water, milk, sugar, and vanilla.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add ice cubes and blend again until frothy and thick.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
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