If you’ve ever enjoyed the creamy, frothy goodness of an homemade Orange Julius from Dairy Queen, you’re in for a treat! You can easily replicate this delightful drink at home with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a refreshing pick-me-up, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This copycat Orange Julius not only mimics the classic flavor you love, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. By using frozen orange juice concentrate, you get a vibrant, intense orange flavor without the dilution that fresh juice can sometimes have. Plus, it’s a fun, non-alcoholic beverage that the whole family can enjoy!
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your own Orange Julius:
- 1 cup frozen orange juice concentrate (do not use fresh orange juice)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whole milk (or your favorite dairy-free alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups ice (adjust for thickness)
Tips for the Best Results
- Frozen Juice: Stick to frozen orange juice concentrate for the best flavor and texture. Fresh juice can be too watery.
- Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the powdered sugar according to your taste preference.
How to Make an Homemade Orange Julius
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and ensure your ice is ready. If you’re using ice cubes from a tray, consider pre-crushing them for easier blending.
- Blend the Mixture: In a good-quality blender, combine the frozen orange juice concentrate, water, whole milk, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and ice.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and frothy. This usually takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your blender.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your Orange Julius. If you’d like it sweeter, add a bit more powdered sugar and blend again.
- Serve: Pour the drink into tall glasses. You can garnish with fresh orange slices for an extra touch of freshness and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Orange Julius!
Recipe Notes
- Premixed Juice: If you prefer using premixed orange juice, simply replace the frozen concentrate and water with 1 2/3 cups of premixed juice.
- Crushed Ice: Pre-crushing the ice can help achieve a smoother blend and a more enjoyable texture.
- Egg Whites: The original recipe included raw egg whites for extra creaminess, but we’ve omitted them here for safety. If you wish to add protein, consider using pasteurized egg whites.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Orange Julius! Here are some tasty variations:
- Tropical Twist: Add 1/2 cup of frozen banana, mango, or pineapple to the blender for a fruity kick.
- Dairy-Free: Replace whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk of your choice for a vegan option.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of protein powder for a filling snack or breakfast option.
A Little History
The homemade Orange Julius drink has a rich history dating back to 1926. It all started with Julius Freed, who set up an orange juice stand in Southern California. The drink was initially created to make orange juice easier on the stomach. A friend suggested mixing in a special drink mix, which resulted in a creamy, frothy beverage that quickly gained popularity.
People would line up at the stand, shouting, “Give me an Orange, Julius!” The name stuck, and over the years, the drink became a staple in food courts and malls, particularly after it was incorporated into Dairy Queen in 1987.
Fun Facts
- The original Orange Julius stand offered not just drinks, but also Bible tracts and medicinal tonics.
- The drink became the official beverage of the 1964 New York World’s Fair, gaining even more recognition.
- In its early marketing, the drink featured a devil with a pitchfork through an orange, with the catchy slogan “A Devilish Good Drink.” This was eventually dropped due to its similarity to a university mascot.
Is It Healthy?
While an Orange Julius is delicious, it’s important to note that it’s not the healthiest option available. A small serving from a restaurant can contain around 300 calories and approximately 75 grams of sugar, which is similar to a soda. Although it does provide some fiber, it’s not a significant source of nutrients. Enjoy it as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence!
Final Thoughts
Now you can enjoy the creamy, orange-flavored delight of an Orange Julius whenever you want! It’s like a milkshake but with a refreshing citrus twist. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this homemade version captures the essence of the original while being easy to make in your own kitchen. Enjoy your refreshing drink!
Recipe you may like…
Homemade Orange Julius
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups ice
Instructions
- – Gather all ingredients and place them in a blender.
- – Secure the lid tightly to prevent spills.
- – Set the blender to high speed.
- – Blend until completely smooth, about one minute.
- – Pause if needed to scrape down the sides with a spatula for even blending.
- – Once smooth, your mixture is ready to use!
NOTES
- – Substitute the orange juice concentrate and water with 1 2/3 cups of fresh orange juice for a natural flavor.
- – If using ice cubes from a tray, crush them slightly before blending.
- – Crushing the ice will help it blend more easily and create a smoother texture.
- – A few taps with a mallet or rolling pin will work well for crushing the ice.
NUTRITION
- Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 399mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 65.3mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 0.2mg
