Orange Julius Copycat Recipe

If there’s one drink that instantly brings back memories of mall food courts and summer afternoons, it’s the classic Orange Julius. I’ve been working on recreating it for over 20 years, and after countless versions, I’ve finally nailed one that comes incredibly close to the original. It’s frothy, citrusy, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet — made right at home with simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and quick this Orange Julius copycat is to make. Everything comes together in under five minutes using a blender, and it tastes almost identical to the one I used to get at the mall. I skip the vanilla extract (even though most recipes call for it) because I think it tastes better without. The combo of milk and water perfectly mimics the original’s light, creamy texture. Plus, using sweetened condensed milk instead of sugar makes the drink smoother and richer without graininess.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Frozen orange juice concentrate

• Water

• Milk

• Sweetened condensed milk (or powdered sugar as an alternative)

• Ice cubes

• Vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

1. I add all the ingredients straight into a blender. That includes the frozen orange juice concentrate, water, milk, sweetened condensed milk, ice, and the optional vanilla extract.

2. Then I blend it all on medium-high speed for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth and frothy.

3. I pour it into tall glasses and serve immediately. That’s it! No extra steps, no fuss.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings and takes just 5 minutes from start to finish. No prep or cook time needed beyond blending.

Variations

• Dairy-Free: I sometimes replace the milk with oat milk or almond milk and use a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.

• Less Sweet: When I want a less sweet version, I use just a splash of the condensed milk or opt for powdered sugar instead.

• Extra Creamy: Swapping the water for more milk makes the texture richer, though it steers a bit further from the original taste.

• Fruity Twist: Occasionally, I toss in a few frozen strawberries or pineapple chunks for a tropical vibe.

• Vanilla Kick: If I’m craving that old-school vanilla undertone, I add the optional ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Storage/Reheating

This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours. It will separate a little, but a quick shake or blend brings it right back to life. I don’t recommend reheating this – it’s a cold, refreshing beverage meant to stay that way.

FAQs

What does Orange Julius taste like?

It tastes like a creamsicle in drink form — citrusy, smooth, and lightly creamy with a touch of sweetness and froth.

Can I make it ahead of time?

I wouldn’t make it more than a few hours in advance since the texture is best right after blending. If I do prep ahead, I give it a quick re-blend or shake before serving.

Is it okay to skip the sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, I’ve used powdered sugar instead, and it works well. Just don’t use granulated sugar — it won’t fully dissolve in the cold liquid.

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate?

I don’t recommend it. The frozen concentrate gives that signature bold orange flavor that’s essential to mimic the original Orange Julius.

Do I need a high-powered blender?

Not really. I’ve made this using a basic blender for years. As long as the ice gets crushed and the drink turns frothy, it’ll work just fine.

Conclusion

After decades of tweaking and taste-testing, I’m confident this copycat Orange Julius recipe is the closest I’ve ever gotten to the original. It’s refreshing, creamy, and incredibly easy to throw together. Whether I’m craving a nostalgic treat or whipping up something fun for guests, this one always hits the spot.