Name: Easy Orange Julius Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 1/2 cups ice; More water or milk if needed

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As a kid, one of my absolute favorite summer treats was the classic Easy Orange Julius Recipe. I can still remember those hot afternoons spent lounging by the pool, sipping on a frosty drink that tasted like pure sunshine. My friends and I would often gather in the kitchen, excited to whip up this creamy, citrusy delight. The best part? It was so easy to make that even we, with our limited culinary skills, could pull it off. The combination of fresh flavors and smooth textures was so refreshing, and it quickly became a staple in our summer routine.

Every time I make this drink, it brings back those carefree days of laughter and sunshine. It’s amazing how a simple recipe can evoke such delightful memories! Now, as an adult, I love sharing this nostalgic treat with my family. The Easy Orange Julius Recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer BBQ, a cozy brunch, or just a refreshing drink to enjoy on a lazy afternoon. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
220 kcal

Protein:
6 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
4 g

Tools Used:
Blender, Mixing Bowl

The Magic of This Easy Orange Julius Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with the Easy Orange Julius Recipe. Let me share a few that stand out.

1. Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort. You can whip up a batch in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for those spontaneous summer days when you want something quick and refreshing!

2. Refreshing Taste

The blend of orange juice and milk offers a unique flavor profile that’s both creamy and zesty. It’s like drinking sunshine! The sweet powdered sugar balances the acidity of the oranges perfectly, creating a harmonious drink.

3. Versatile Ingredients

One of the best parts of this recipe is its flexibility. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar, or even add a splash of your favorite fruit juice for an exciting twist. The basic recipe is a blank canvas for your creative flavors.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, enjoying a family BBQ, or simply treating yourself on a hot afternoon, this Easy Orange Julius Recipe fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

5. Great for Kids

This is a fantastic recipe to make with kids. They’ll love helping out in the kitchen, and it’s the perfect way to introduce them to blending and mixing. Plus, they get to enjoy a delicious treat at the end!

6. Healthy Twist

Using fresh orange juice adds a boost of vitamin C, making this drink not only tasty but also a bit healthier than your usual sugary beverages. You can feel good about serving it to your family and friends!

Easy Orange Julius Recipe Shopping List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards making the perfect Easy Orange Julius Recipe. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that signature creamy and fruity flavor. Let’s dive into the shopping list.

2 cups milk: The creamy base that brings all the flavors together.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aroma and richness to the drink.
12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate: The star ingredient that gives the drink its refreshing citrus flavor.
1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the mixture and balances the tartness of the orange juice.
1 1/2 cups ice: Provides that icy texture and chills the drink perfectly.
More water or milk if needed: Adjusts the thickness to your preference.

Making Easy Orange Julius Recipe

Preparing the Easy Orange Julius Recipe is a breeze and a delightful process. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a refreshing drink ready in no time!

Start by gathering your ingredients: milk, vanilla extract, frozen orange juice concentrate, powdered sugar, and ice. It’s helpful to have everything within reach for a smooth blending experience.
In a high-speed blender, add the milk and vanilla extract. Blend on low for about 10 seconds to combine these ingredients thoroughly. You should see a creamy texture start to form.
Next, add the frozen orange juice concentrate to the blender. Blend on high until the mixture is fully combined, which should take about 15 to 20 seconds. The color should become vibrant and orange!
Now, it’s time to add the powdered sugar and ice cubes. Blend well until the ice cubes are crushed and the mixture is thick and frothy. This step is crucial for achieving that refreshing slushy texture.
If you find that the mixture is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more milk or water to reach your desired consistency. Blend again until smooth.
Once the drink is at the perfect texture, pour it into your favorite smoothie glasses. Watching it swirl into the glass is part of the fun!
Serve immediately, and enjoy the deliciously refreshing taste of your homemade Easy Orange Julius Recipe. You can garnish it with a slice of orange or a sprig of mint for extra flair!

Things Worth Knowing

Fresh vs. Frozen: Using frozen orange juice concentrate provides the best flavor and texture, but fresh orange juice can also be used if you want a more vibrant taste.
Texture Tips: For a thicker drink, use more ice. For a thinner consistency, add more liquid gradually.
Cleaning: Blend some warm water and a drop of dish soap in your blender after use to make cleaning a breeze.
Variations: You can mix in other fruits like bananas or strawberries for a fruit fusion experience!

Making Adjustments

Adjusting the Easy Orange Julius Recipe to your taste is simple and fun. Here are some tips to make it even better!

Storage: This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freezing: You can freeze any leftovers in ice cube trays. Blend the frozen cubes later for a quick smoothie!
Pairing: Serve this drink with light snacks like fruit skewers or muffins for a delightful snack time.
Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to customize the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar based on your preference.
Flavor Additions: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist!

What Goes Well With This Easy Orange Julius Recipe

Pairing your Easy Orange Julius Recipe with the right accompaniments can elevate your experience. Here are some delicious ideas:

Breakfast Treat: Serve it alongside pancakes or waffles for a refreshing breakfast.
Afternoon Snack: Complement it with fresh fruit salad to enhance the fruity flavors.
Brunch Option: This drink makes a great addition to any brunch spread. Pair it with pastries or croissants.
Light Lunch: Enjoy it with a simple salad or sandwiches for a light meal.
Seasonal Serve: Perfect for summer gatherings, the Easy Orange Julius Recipe is a hit at BBQs and pool parties.

FAQ

To make your Easy Orange Julius Recipe more nutritious, consider replacing some of the milk with a plant-based option such as almond milk, or use low-fat milk. You can also add a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt for an extra boost of protein. Additionally, incorporating fresh fruit like bananas or berries can enhance the nutritional value without compromising on flavor!

Absolutely! Using fresh orange juice instead of frozen concentrate can give your Easy Orange Julius Recipe a vibrant and refreshing taste. Keep in mind that fresh juice may be more acidic, so you might want to adjust the sweetness with a little more powdered sugar to balance it out. Just remember to blend it thoroughly to achieve that creamy texture!

Definitely! The Easy Orange Julius Recipe is a great drink for kids. It’s refreshing, delicious, and easy to make. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to prepare together! Kids will love helping out by adding ingredients to the blender and watching it transform into a frothy treat. Just be sure to supervise them when using the blender!

Yes, you can easily make this drink vegan! Simply substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Make sure to check the vanilla extract as well, as some brands may contain dairy. With these substitutions, you can still enjoy the creamy and delicious flavor of the Easy Orange Julius Recipe without any animal products!

Conclusion

The Easy Orange Julius Recipe is not just a drink; it’s a refreshing experience that captures the essence of summer in every sip. Whether you’re enjoying it by the pool or sharing it with friends at a gathering, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. I encourage you to give it a try; it’s effortlessly easy and bursting with flavor!

Easy Orange Julius Recipe

The ultimate refreshing drink for hot summer days, this Easy Orange Julius Recipe combines sweet orange flavors with creamy textures. It's a quick recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, sure to satisfy your cravings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

Blender
Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

2 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups ice
More water or milk if needed

Instructions

Add the milk and vanilla extract to a high-speed blender and pulse to combine.
Add the frozen orange juice concentrate and blend until fully combined.
Add the powdered sugar and ice cubes, blend well until the ice cubes have been crushed and the mixture has thickened.
If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of water or milk and mix to combine.
Pour the drink into smoothie glasses and serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freezing: You can freeze any leftovers in ice cube trays. Blend the frozen cubes later for a quick smoothie!
Pairing: Serve this drink with light snacks like fruit skewers or muffins for a delightful snack time.
Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to customize the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar based on your preference.
Flavor Additions: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist!