This Orange Julius is a copy-cat version of a childhood favorite--made healthier! Naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and still just as rich as the classic, this is one beverage that you can enjoy without a sugar crash or a trip to the mall.
Orange Julius is a classic recipe from the 90s. It is simple to make at home and will take you right back to the mall food court.
What is an Orange Julius?
An Orange Julius a beverage that has been sold at malls across America for decades.
It is a blend of frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, vanilla, sugar, and ice.
It is a refreshing, creamy smoothie that is absolutely delicious, just really high in sugars.
Healthy Homemade Orange Julius
The good news is that you can make this childhood favorite without all the added sugars, that tastes JUST as delicious.
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.
More Smoothie Recipes
- Blueberry Smoothie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
- Sweet Potato Smoothie
- Tropical Kale Smoothie
- Mango Berry Smoothie from Minimalist Baker
Healthy Homemade Orange Julius
Ingredients
- 1 container orange concentrate still frozen
- 5 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-6 ounces vanilla vodka optional
Instructions
- Place all ingredients (including vodka) into the blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If serving this Orange Julius to adults, I suggest adding some vanilla vodka for a Tipsy Orange Julius Cocktail. You can use up to 6 ounces (1 ounce per serving) I personally only use ½ ounce per serving.
- 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.
- Be sure to use pulp-free orange juice concentrate for a smoother cocktail.
- If you use vanilla flavored non-dairy milk, you can omit the vanilla extract.
Nutrition
Penny
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.
Kristen Chidsey
That is a great idea too Penny! Love that you have been making it for so long.
Betsy
Are these 6 or 8 oz servings?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Betsy, these are 8 ounce servings. Enjoy!
Melissa Griffiths
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!
Kristen Chidsey
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!!
Platt College
I remember going to the mall as a kid and getting Orange Julius. Thanks for the adult version!
Kristen Chidsey
You bet! I hope you enjoy it MORE than any one you had at the mall!
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats
I remember Orange Julius! I loved it! Now that I'm a grown-up, I'll take YOUR version! 😉
Kristen Chidsey
For sure!
srividhya gopalakrishnan
This indeed very interesting.. especially the vodka 😉
Kristen Chidsey
😉
Kim - Liv Life
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!
Kristen Chidsey
You will love this version so much more too!