The Best Homemade Orange Julius Recipe

Orange Julius perfection at home—discover the secret to this creamy, dreamy classic that'll transport you straight to the mall food court.

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Homemade Orange Julius recipe brings a taste of nostalgia straight to your kitchen, making it a fun and revitalizing treat. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, using simple ingredients you probably already have.

Quick to make, it’s ready in just minutes for whenever that craving strikes. With its creamy, dreamy texture and tangy-sweet flavor, it’s like sunshine in a glass. Plus, it’s a healthier, homemade version of the classic drink, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo!

Recipe

creamy citrus refreshment

A classic Orange Julius is a revitalizing, frothy drink that combines the tangy flavor of oranges with the creaminess of milk and a hint of vanilla. This simple recipe lets you recreate the iconic treat at home with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Add orange juice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ice cubes to a blender.
  2. Blend on high speed until smooth and frothy, about 30-45 seconds.
  3. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Notes:

For a creamier texture, you can use half-and-half or cream instead of milk. Adjust the sugar to taste if using sweeter oranges.

Equipment:

Blender

Time:

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 minute

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

Serves 2

Nutrition

This smooth and creamy beverage packs a revitalizing citrus flavor. Here is the nutritional breakdown for one serving.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 120

Total Fat: 0.5g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 15mg

Total Carbohydrates: 28g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 24g

Protein: 2g

What To Serve With It

A creamy Orange Julius pairs perfectly with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas—it’s an invigorating combo that balances sweetness. If you’re craving something savory, try serving it with lightly salted nuts or cheese and crackers for a satisfying contrast. I love how these pairings turn a simple drink into a full snack or light meal!

Fresh Fruit Pairings

When I’m sipping on a creamy Orange Julius, I love pairing it with fresh fruit to make the whole experience even better. Sliced strawberries add a sweet, juicy contrast, while pineapple chunks bring a tropical twist. Bananas, with their creamy texture, blend perfectly with the drink’s smoothness. Grapes, chilled and crisp, offer a revitalizing bite, and apple slices give a satisfying crunch. Berries, like blueberries or raspberries, add a pop of color and tangy flavor. It’s like a mini fruit party in my mouth! Mixing and matching these fruits keeps things fun and lets me enjoy every sip even more.

Savory Snack Options

Though an Orange Julius is sweet and creamy on its own, I love balancing that flavor with something salty or savory to make the whole snack feel complete. My go-to is a handful of crispy pretzels—their crunch contrasts perfectly with the drink’s smooth texture. Sometimes, I’ll add a mini charcuterie board with slices of sharp cheddar, salami, and crackers for a fancier pairing. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, warm spinach and artichoke dip with toasted bread hits the spot. These savory bites complement the Julius so well, creating a snack that’s both invigorating and satisfying.

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