Remember those frothy, dreamy Orange Julius drinks from the mall? Now you can recreate that creamy citrus magic right at home with this fresh Orange Julius recipe! It’s cold, sweet, and smooth—with just the right balance of tang and vanilla. Freezing the orange juice into cubes is the secret to keeping it thick and icy without watering it down.
This easy homemade version takes just 5 minutes to blend up and is perfect when you’re wondering what to make with orange juice or need a refreshing summer sip.
Ingredients for the Perfect Orange Julius
Here’s what you’ll need to make this frothy citrus treat:
- 1½ cups orange juice, frozen in ice cube trays
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice cubes
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
💡 Tip: You can swap in fresh squeezed OJ for a more natural twist—perfect for those searching for an Orange Julius recipe with fresh oranges!
How to Make This Orange Smoothie Recipe (Easy!)
Step 1: Freeze the Juice
Pour your orange juice into an ice cube tray and freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
Step 2: Blend It All Up
In a blender, combine:
- Frozen orange juice cubes
- Milk
- Water
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
- (Optional) Greek yogurt
Blend until smooth, thick, and frothy. Add a splash more water if needed to adjust consistency.
Step 3: Pour & Serve
Pour into glasses, add a straw, and serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Julius Copycat
- Just 5 minutes of prep (plus freezing)
- Way cheaper than mall prices
- Kid-friendly, frothy, and fun
- A genius idea for what to do with leftover orange juice
- Easily adaptable into a peach Julius recipe or other fruity twists!
Variations & Tips
- Make it tropical: Add frozen banana or mango
- Turn it into a Peach Julius Recipe: Sub some of the frozen OJ for frozen peaches
- Add protein: Toss in vanilla protein powder for a smoothie boost
- Dairy-free option: Use almond or oat milk and coconut yogurt
Perfect For:
- After-school snacks
- Brunch drinks
- Summer smoothie days
- Creative OJ smoothie recipes
- Refreshing drinks to make with orange juice
📸 Share Your Sips
Tried this recipe? Snap a pic of your creamy creation and tag #BiteSizedFun! We love seeing how you put your own spin on our orange smoothie recipes easy and delicious.
More Drink Recipes to Try Next:
- Coming soon!
This Orange Julius copycat recipe is the perfect mix of creamy and citrusy—and it might just be the best use of that leftover orange juice in your fridge! Whether you’re blending it up for a snack, breakfast drink, or poolside sipper, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
One More Thing!
This recipe is part of our collection of easy drink recipes. Check it out!
