Homemade Orange Julius: A Frothy, Retro Dream
Let’s be honest. Some of the best food memories are made in food courts—and Orange Julius is the ultimate example. That icy, creamy, citrusy drink? Total nostalgia in a cup. But what if I told you that the best Orange Julius you’ll ever have isn’t found at a mall kiosk… it’s blended up in your kitchen?
Chef Kirstie here, and at 10 years old I was BLOWN AWAY by this copycat version made by my mom’s best friend. I’ve been making it (off and on!) for years.
This recipe is even better than the ‘food court’ version–It’s the real deal—creamy, frothy, orangey perfection, made with simple ingredients you probably already have. And yes, there’s a version with vodka too (because grown-ups deserve fun, frothy drinks too).
Let’s dive into the world of Homemade Orange Julius, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
🍊 What Is a Homemade Orange Julius?
Think orange creamsicle meets smoothie—but fluffier. The original Orange Julius dates back to the 1920s in California, and it was essentially a cold, sweet orange drink with a secret foamy texture that made it wildly popular. The mall version came later, but the froth? That’s always been the magic.
Our Homemade Orange Julius leans into that creamy citrus vibe, with just the right balance of sweetness, chill, and froth. We’re skipping powdered mixes and mystery thickeners and going full-on homemade with real orange juice concentrate, milk, vanilla, and a few pro chef tricks.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 Minutes
- Yield: 2-4 Servings 1x
Ingredients
This recipe serves 2 large smoothies or 4 coupe-sized sippers. Here’s what you need:
- 1/2 can frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk is ideal, but use what you like)
- 1 raw egg (yes—more on this below)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 banana, fresh or frozen (optional, but recommended)
- 1 heaping tbsp sugar
- 2 cups ice cubes
- Splash of cold water, if needed to blend
- 1 oz vodka per drink, optional for the afternoon version
🧑🍳 About That Raw Egg
As a chef, I can tell you: the egg is the secret to that classic Julius foam. It’s what gives the drink that signature creamy texture that feels almost like a milkshake, but lighter. Use the freshest eggs you can get, and if you’re concerned, opt for pasteurized eggs. You can also skip the egg entirely if needed—but you’ll lose that signature froth.
Instructions
🍹 How to Make a Homemade Orange Julius (Chef-Style)
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Add Everything to Your Blender:Toss in the orange juice concentrate, milk, egg, banana (if using), vanilla, sugar, and ice. Don’t add water or vodka yet.
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Blend It Up: Start on low, then crank it to high and let it rip for about a minute. You’re aiming for smooth and frothy—not just cold. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water.
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Serve It Up: For breakfast or brunch: Pour into two tall glasses and serve immediately. For adult sippers: Pour into 4 chilled coupe glasses and add 1 oz vodka to each. Stir and serve!
Notes
💡 Chef Tips for the Best Homemade Orange Julius
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Use frozen orange juice concentrate – not fresh-squeezed. The concentrate gives that bold, nostalgic orange flavour.
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Banana adds body. It’s optional, but it rounds out the drink beautifully without being too banana-forward.
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Use whole milk for richness – or try oat milk for a dairy-free version that still blends creamy.
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Blender quality matters. A high-speed blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec) gets the fluff just right.
🧃 Substitutions
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Milk: Use any milk you like—dairy, oat, almond, soy. Whole milk creates the richest result.
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Egg: Use pasteurized eggs, or leave it out entirely. You can add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or aquafaba (yes, really) to fake the foam.
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Banana: Optional, but adds natural sweetness and texture.
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Sweetener: Sub maple syrup, honey, agave, or leave it out entirely for a less-sweet version.
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Vodka: Totally optional. You can also try gin or vanilla vodka for a fun twist.
❗ What to Know / Avoid in This Recipe
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Avoid using fresh orange juice. It won’t deliver that signature taste or texture.
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Don’t skip the vanilla. It ties the whole thing together and brings in that classic Orange Julius flavour.
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Skip the blender shortcuts. You need a full minute of high-speed blending to achieve that signature froth.
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Ice cubes, not crushed ice. They blend slower, creating better aeration and texture.
🧊 Storage Recommendations
This is not a make-ahead drink. You want to serve it immediately after blending for maximum froth and flavour.
Leftovers?
You can freeze them into popsicle moulds. They make amazing creamsicle-style treats the next day!
❓ FAQ
Is it safe to use raw egg?
Yes, if you use pasteurized eggs or very fresh local eggs. The egg creates the drink’s signature frothiness. If you’re not comfortable, skip it or use a safe alternative like pasteurized egg white or Greek yogurt.
Can I make this without a blender?
Not really. The froth is key—and you need a high-speed blender to get there.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Skip the egg, use a frozen banana, and sub in oat milk and maple syrup. You’ll still get creamy vibes, but without the froth.
Can I use fresh oranges?
You can—but it won’t taste like a true Orange Julius. The frozen concentrate gives that classic tangy-sweet balance.
Final Sip: Why Homemade Orange Julius Is Worth Making
Whether you’re chasing childhood memories or just want a refreshing, frothy citrus drink, this Homemade Orange Julius recipe delivers. It’s fast, easy, nostalgic, and ridiculously good. You can make it for breakfast, serve it at brunch, or spike it for summer patio sessions.