Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

I grew up in a family who did not believe in eating out. We went out to eat roughly three times a year, on birthdays, with an occasional fast food trip thrown in.  Needless to say, whenever I went to the mall with my mom I tried to wheedle a treat out of her.  We would walk by the booth selling Orange Julius drinks and I would extol the benefits of purchasing one.  Didn’t she want to give me a healthy treat? Wasn’t Vitamin C important in keeping me well? No one wants a sick child on their hands.  Yes, I was not above some guilt trips. I guess this is why it doesn’t work on me when my kids try it.
Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

Now, as an adult, I could go to Dairy Queen and purchase an Orange Julius whenever I want. Instead, I make them at home with this Copycat Orange Julius recipe. It’s so simple and makes enough for the entire family to enjoy a frosty treat.  It’s good for a quick breakfast, after school snacks,  or treats. Best of all, I can whip up a batch in minutes. That makes it my favorite kind of recipe.

Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

This recipe has only five ingredients and is naturally gluten free. If you would prefer a dairy free option, substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the milk called for in the recipe. If you prefer a richer, creamier taste, use whole milk instead of skim milk. Any way you make it, it tastes delicious. It’s one of my favorite summer time treats.

Printable Recipe

Copycat Orange Julius Recipe (Gluten Free)
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4
A simple copycat recipe to make a classic Orange Julius.
Ingredients
  • 1 can (6 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) milk (I used skim)
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) water
  • 1/2 cup (4 ounces) sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 12 ice cubes
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients and place into a blender. Mix on high for 30 to 45 seconds until mixture is frothy. Pour into glasses and serve.

Have you ever had an Orange Julius? Do you have a favorite, frosty treat from childhood that you now make at home?
Copycat Orange Julius Recipe 2

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28 Comments

  1. Pingback: Fuzzy Navel Smoothie Mocktail Recipe

  2. This is perfect this summer season. I will try this one and offer as refreshment at home. I am sure they will love this.

  3. Great refreshment in summer or even after your work out. I can also serve this drink on a pool party. Looks tasty and very well presented.

  4. This is SO refreshing and I’d love to make it since it’s so easy! I’ve always liked the Orange Julius in DQ and it would be nice to make it at home.

  5. This is pretty amazing and I’d love to try this recipe as well as I’ve always loved Orange Julius! Thanks for sharing this and I’m sure my kids will love it too!

  6. I remember going to the mall as a kid and always begging for an Orange Julius. I haven’t had one in years. I need to to make this!

  7. I have never had orange Julius. Seeing the picture and reading the recipe makes me like it already!

  8. Brings me back to childhood memories. I enjoyed drinking Orange Julius and I haven’t had one in years! Thank you for sharing your copy cat recipe. This is as close as I can get to the real thing! Yummy.

  9. I would love to try this orange juice while i am working. This looks so refreshing.

  10. Yum! I would love to give this a try. I haven’t had an orange Julius drink in many years. This looks so good and refreshing! – Jeanine

  11. I don’t drink orange juice often. I do think I’d enjoy this concoction, though.

  12. Orange juice is so refreshing and healthy too. Will get some oranges and try this out this recipe soon.

  13. Mmmmm, this sounds delicious! Great for a morning wake me up!

  14. My father would have LOVED this. He has always loved an orange Julius.

  15. holy moly that looks tasty! I’m going to have to give this a try stat! thank you for the awesome recipe, sounds easy to do ; )

  16. I like Orange Julius, but we don’t have any in our area. This is a great way to have a taste while at home. This would be nice for a Sunday brunch.

  17. Our Orange Julius went out of business many years ago and I was so bummed. So, you can see why I am so stoked you just posted this copy cat recipe. I can’t wait to try it!

  18. I may need to make this. I would have to substitute almond milk but otherwise it sounds fabulous.

  19. OMG I loved Orange Julius when I was a kid and haven’t see them in a while. I would love to make a homemade version.

  20. Orange Julius was a family favorite when I was growing up. We got one every single time we went to the mall, and were really bummed when they closed.

  21. I’m totally going to have to make some of these! I have such good memories of getting these drinks at the mall!

  22. I’ve never had an orange julius, and only recently heard of one from my husband. Maybe it’s a northern thing? He’s from Indiana, and I’m from Alabama…anyway, he said they are delicious, and wished they were around here. Maybe I’ll make him this!

  23. This sounds awesome. I haven’t had an orange julius in as long as I can remember! I can’t wait to make this.

  24. This sounds really interesting, I have to admit I’ve not had the original but I’ll definitely give the copycat a try 🙂

  25. That looks so good! Thank you so much for sharing a totally awesome copycat. I’ve had about all the Starbucks copycats online that I can take. Time for something new! Om nom nom.

  26. That is so awesome! Orange Julius is one of my favorite places to get a tasty drink. I can’t wait to try this.

  27. I remember the orange julius stand when I was a teenager. Always loved drinking one of these. Perfect for summer.

  28. I love the idea of making an Orange Julius at home. I didn’t realize how simple it would be. This is the perfect frosty drink for a hot summer afternoon.