Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate?

You can, but the flavor won't be as intense. If using fresh juice, reduce the amount of water and consider adding some orange zest to boost the citrus flavor. The concentrate really gives that authentic Orange Julius taste that's hard to achieve with fresh juice alone.

Is there a dairy-free version of Orange Julius?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, but all work wonderfully. Almond and oat milks provide a more neutral base, while coconut milk adds a tropical twist.

Why is my Orange Julius not frothy enough?

The frothiness comes from properly blending the powdered sugar and ice with the liquid ingredients. Make sure you're blending long enough (1-2 minutes) and that your blender is powerful enough to create that signature texture. Adding a touch more powdered sugar can also help increase frothiness.

Can I make this less sweet for a healthier version?

Yes! You can reduce the powdered sugar by half or substitute with honey or maple syrup (use about half the amount). Some people even enjoy using a few drops of liquid stevia as a zero-calorie alternative. Adjust to your personal taste preference.

Homemade Orange Julius Recipe

Description

This Homemade Orange Julius is a refreshing, creamy, and frothy drink that’s easy to whip up in just minutes. Made with orange juice concentrate, milk, and a touch of vanilla, this classic treat is perfect for hot summer days or as a delightful snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Ice
3 cups
Milk
2 cups
Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
1 1/2 cups
Powdered Sugar
1 cup
Water
1 cup
Pure Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients
Add all of the ingredients to a blender, including 3 cups of ice, 2 cups of milk, 1 ½ cups of frozen orange juice concentrate, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 cup of water, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Blend Until Smooth
Blend the mixture on high speed for about 1–2 minutes, or until it’s completely smooth and frothy. Make sure no ice chunks remain for the creamiest result.
Serve
Pour the drink immediately into glasses and serve with orange wedges for garnish, if desired.

Notes

You can substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk. Opt for an unsweetened and neutral-tasting variety for better results.
Ensure you blend the mixture thoroughly for a smooth, frothy texture. A powerful blender may help achieve the best consistency.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 240
Sugar: 45g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg