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Homemade Orange Julius — Creamy, Frothy & Refreshing
If you’ve ever loved that sweet, creamy drink from the mall, you’ll be thrilled to know you can make it right at home — quickly, easily, and with simple ingredients you probably already have. This Homemade Orange Julius is a nostalgic treat that tastes like a frozen creamsicle and is perfect for breakfast, snacks, dessert, or anytime you want a refreshing sip. This is a family favorite, my mom used to make when I was little.
While orange is the classic flavor, you can easily swap in other frozen juice concentrates like strawberry or pineapple and even add fruit like bananas or berries for fun twists.
Why This Drink Is a Favorite
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Quick & easy: Ready in just minutes.
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Creamy texture: Smooth milk, vanilla, and blended ice make it frothy and satisfying.
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Customizable: Switch up flavors with different juice concentrates or add-ins like fruit.
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Perfect for any time: Serve it at brunch, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or with dessert.
Ingredients
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6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate — (¾ cup) Half of a 12 oz can
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1 cup milk — whole milk, 2%, skim, or even almond, oat, or coconut milk may be used
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1 cup water — helps balance the drink and lighten the texture
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¼ cup powdered sugar — granulated sugar may be substituted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract — adds a subtle, complementary flavor. Homemade Vanilla is perfect in this recipe
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10–12 ice cubes (about 1½ cups) — for that signature frothy, cold finish
Instructions
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Add the Ingredients: Place the orange juice concentrate, milk, water, powdered sugar, vanilla, and the ice cubes into a blender.
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Blend until smooth: Start on low speed, then blend on high for about 30–60 seconds until everything is combined and creamy.
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Serve immediately: Pour into tall glasses and enjoy fresh — it’s best right out of the blender.
Tips & Variations
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Less sweet: Cut back on sugar or use honey/maple syrup as an alternative.
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Fruit twists: Try using strawberry, pineapple, or mango juice concentrate instead of orange.
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Dairy-free option: Substitute almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Homemade Orange Julius
Ingredients
- 6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate (¾ cup)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup powdered or granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 10-12 ice cubes (approx. 1½ cups)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
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