Short description

I absolutely love this Homemade Orange Julius—it’s a smooth, frothy, orange-creamsicle inspired drink that takes just minutes to blend up and brighten any day.

Homemade Orange Julius

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always crave that nostalgic, mall-favorite flavor, and this recipe nails it. It’s creamy, refreshing, and frothy—perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a fun addition to weekend brunch. I like how it uses simple ingredients like orange juice concentrate, milk, and vanilla, yet still delivers that dreamy, indulgent texture I remember.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate (½ of a 12-oz can)
1 to 1½ cups milk (I prefer whole or 2%; dairy-free works too)
¼ cup granulated or powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
10–12 ice cubes

directions

I combine the orange juice concentrate, milk, sugar, and vanilla in my blender and blend on high until smooth.
Then I add the ice cubes and blend again until the mixture is frothy and creamy.
I pour immediately into glasses and serve while it’s cold and slushy—freshness makes all the difference.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: Makes about 2–3 servings, depending on glass size

Variations

Fruit twists: I sometimes swap some of the ice for frozen bananas, strawberries, or peaches for a fruity variation.
Egg white or meringue powder: For an extra frothy texture, I occasionally add a raw egg white or a bit of egg white powder.
Dairy-free: When I want a dairy-free option, oat or coconut milk works beautifully—oat milk especially adds a creamy texture.
Boozy: For a grown-up version, I like to add about 4 oz vodka—light and refreshing with a kick.

storage/reheating

This drink is best enjoyed immediately. Once stored, the ice melts, and the mixture separates.
If I have leftovers, I pour them into popsicle molds and freeze for a delicious frozen treat.
To re-serve, I just re-blend with fresh ice for the best texture.

FAQs

What if I don’t have frozen orange juice concentrate?

I’ve tried using fresh orange juice, but it doesn’t give the same thickness or punchy flavor. The concentrate really makes a difference.

Can I use non-dairy milk instead of regular milk?

Absolutely. I’ve had great results with oat, almond, and coconut milk. Oat milk gives the creamiest result.

Do I have to add raw egg or powdered egg whites?

Not at all. The drink is plenty frothy without it, thanks to the blending and ice.

Can I sweeten this with something other than sugar?

Yes! Powdered sugar dissolves quickly, but I’ve also used granulated sugar and sugar alternatives with good results.

What blender should I use?

Any standard blender works fine. A high-speed blender will give a slightly smoother texture, but I’ve had success with basic models too.

Conclusion

I love how this Homemade Orange Julius brings that nostalgic, creamy mall-drink vibe right into my kitchen with just a few pantry staples and minutes of prep. Whether I’m keeping it classic or experimenting with flavors, it always hits the spot