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    Home » Real Food » Beverage Recipes » Homemade Orange Julius

    Homemade Orange Julius

    By Kristen Chidsey | 16 Comments | Published May 24, 2018 | Updated June 6, 2022 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    This recipe for a Homemade Orange Julius is a copycat version of a childhood favorite--made healthier. Naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and still just as rich as the classic, you can enjoy this Healthy Orange Julius without a sugar crash or a trip to the mall.

    This recipe for a Homemade Orange Julius is a copycat version of a childhood favorite--made healthier! Naturally sweetened and with the option to be dairy-free, you can enjoy a Healthy Orange Julius that is just as delicious as the classic without a sugar crash or a trip to the mall. 

    Homemade orange Julius in glass cup with orange slice.

    What is an Orange Julius?

    An Orange Julius is a classic food court treat from the 90s. It is a blend of frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, vanilla, sugar, and ice. And while delicious, the classic Orange Julius is really high in sugars.

    The good news is that you can make a cheaper, healthier version of an Orange Julius at home in just minutes that tastes JUST as delicious. 

    Healthier Ingredients

    It only takes 3 simple ingredients to make a nearly perfect rendition of the classic.

    • Milk: Use any milk you like--dairy or non-dairy. I like to use unsweetened vanilla almond milk (that has zero grams of added sugar) in the base of this Orange Julius. Canned Coconut milk is another delicious non-dairy option and is a bit reminiscent of my Pina Colada Recipe.
    • Orange Juice Concentrate--This is the SECRET to a perfectly sweet Orange Julius without refined sugars. Yes, orange juice concentrate is high in sugars, but they are natural sugars from the oranges themselves. Be sure to use pulp-free orange juice concentrate for a smoother cocktail.
    • Vanilla Extract: To mimic that creamy vanilla flavor that the original Orange Julius has. 
    • Optional: If you want to make an ADULT-ONLY Orange Julius, add a shot of vanilla vodka, for a fun adult cocktail. 

    How to Make Homemade Orange Julius

    Making an Orange Julius at home is as simple as blending all the ingredients together and serving. Simple, and a lot faster than driving to the mall food court!

    Homemade orange julius on counter with fresh orange slices.

    More Refreshing Beverages

    • Blueberry Smoothie
    • 4 Fruit Infused Waters
    • Mint Lemonade
    • Pina Colada Smoothie

    If you enjoyed this Homemade Orange Julius, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    Easy Homemade Orange Julius

    Homemade Orange Julius

    Naturally sweetened and dairy-free, this copycat Orange Julius comes together in minutes to create a healthier version of a childhood favorite.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 2 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 128kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 5 cups unsweetened almond milk
    • 12 ounces orange juice concentrate frozen
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 4-6 ounces vanilla vodka optional
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Pour milk into the blender. Add the orange juice concentrate and the vanilla extract. If desired, also add the vodka into the blender. Place the lid on the blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Tipsy Orange Julius Cocktail: If serving this Orange Julius to adults, I suggest adding some vanilla vodka. You can use up to 6 ounces (1 ounce per serving) I personally only use ½ ounce per serving. 
    Milk Options: I like to use unsweetened vanilla almond milk (that has zero grams of added sugar) in the base of this Orange Julius. Canned Coconut milk is another delicious non-dairy option and creates a richer smoothie. If you are not dairy-free, you can use regular milk for this Orange Julius recipe.
    Orange Juice: Be sure to use pulp-free orange juice concentrate for a smoother drink. 
    Vanilla Extract: If you use vanilla-flavored non-dairy milk, you can omit the vanilla extract. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 216mg | Potassium: 13mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin C: 2.7mg | Calcium: 200mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Penny

      December 29, 2018 at 9:59 am

      We add ice cubes to make it frozen and not so much milk. Love the idea of vodka in it! Been making it for 45 years,lol.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 29, 2018 at 10:30 am

        That is a great idea too Penny! Love that you have been making it for so long.

        Reply
    2. Betsy

      October 08, 2018 at 12:16 pm

      5 stars
      Are these 6 or 8 oz servings?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 08, 2018 at 1:28 pm

        Hi Betsy, these are 8 ounce servings. Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Melissa Griffiths

      May 24, 2018 at 9:28 pm

      Oh I love a good Orange Julius. At home, I use frozen bananas to get it creamy and sweet without the added sugar. Concentrate is a great idea!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 25, 2018 at 6:41 am

        Give this a try Melissa! I also make a smoothie like this with bananas (with OJ, coconut milk as well), but this version is purely orange flavor!!

        Reply
    4. Platt College

      August 30, 2016 at 8:45 pm

      I remember going to the mall as a kid and getting Orange Julius. Thanks for the adult version!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 30, 2016 at 8:50 pm

        You bet! I hope you enjoy it MORE than any one you had at the mall!

        Reply
    5. Cynthia | What A Girl Eats

      August 26, 2016 at 7:58 pm

      I remember Orange Julius! I loved it! Now that I'm a grown-up, I'll take YOUR version! 😉

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 28, 2016 at 1:49 pm

        For sure!

        Reply
      • Jennifer

        August 19, 2021 at 6:32 pm

        5 stars
        Dee-licious!!! I make the whole recipe with only 31/2 cups of ice and the 45 calorie unsweetened vanilla milk and 2 tsp vanilla essence because I can save the rest in the fridge for another night.
        So I use one glass of the Orange drink as well as one glass of Ice and blend it till smooth be for adding any Vodka
        What a treat

        Reply
        • Jennifer

          August 19, 2021 at 6:36 pm

          Ooop I screwed up In the beginning I meant 3/12 cup of almond milk NOT ICE

          Reply
    6. srividhya gopalakrishnan

      August 26, 2016 at 9:25 am

      This indeed very interesting.. especially the vodka 😉

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 28, 2016 at 1:50 pm

        😉

        Reply
    7. Kim - Liv Life

      August 25, 2016 at 10:33 pm

      5 stars
      Bam indeed!!! Oh my goodness... who knew this could be so easy?? I remember getting these drinks as a kid on Sundays after church, but I haven't had one in probably 20 years! (They did exist that far back, right??). Love the Tipsy version!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 28, 2016 at 1:51 pm

        You will love this version so much more too!

        Reply

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