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A tall glass of Orange Julius with orange garnish.

Ever find yourself craving that perfect blend of sweet and creamy from an Orange Julius, only to realize that the nearest DQ is an hour away?

I sure have, and that’s exactly why I’m here to share my special recipe with you.

  • The fascinating history behind Orange Julius and its evolution
  • A simple, shopping-list friendly rundown of all the ingredients you’ll need

Step-by-step instructions to blending up your own nostalgic masterpiece

  • Tips for customizing your drink with a modern twist

If you’re as excited as I am to revive this beloved classic in your own kitchen, then keep reading to discover how to make your own Copycat Orange Julius!

Here are some other posts you may enjoy:

History in a Sip: The Orange Julius Story

Let me take you back in time for a moment. Picture it: the bustling malls of the ’80s and ’90s, where amidst the sea of people and the beeping melody of arcade games, stood the ever-popular Orange Julius stand. This wasn’t just any drink; it was the drink. Orange Julius was the inevitable mall stop after hours of shopping. Fast forward to 1987, and the story takes a turn. Orange Julius was bought by Dairy Queen, marking the beginning of a slow transition that would see most Orange Julius stores transform into DQ restaurants. While this move helped preserve the brand, it also meant that the original, standalone Orange Julius experience became a thing of the past. But that’s where we come in! By recreating this iconic beverage at home, we’re keeping the spirit alive and pouring a little bit of history into every glass.

Blending Up Memories: The Perfect Copycat Recipe

I first tried this recipe almost 30 years ago, while living in south Florida. Needless to say, summertime was really hot and my poor husband, (who HATES the heat!) was spending an enormous amount of time outdoors. Needless to say, I was constantly looking for ways to help him tolerate the hot summer sun.

One day, I ran across this copycat recipe and decided to give it a try. It was a massive hit. Not only did my husband love it, but our friends and family did as well. After a while I started experimenting with other flavors of frozen concentrate, such as pina colada and strawberry daiquiri. All of these are fantastic.

I will say that it has now become a challenge to find the frozen concentrate, but some grocers do still carry it. You can also talk to the manager of your favorite grocery and ask them to stock frozen concentrate. I’ve been done this several times with different items, and they’re usually happy to oblige.

Blending Tips You’ll Need to Know.

The only special equipment you need is a blender with a good ice crush feature. I recommend only putting in a couple of ice cubes at a time, after you’ve added all of the other ingredients. Make sure that the ice has crushed sufficiently before adding additional cubes. You may also want to use more or less ice, depending on how thick you’d like your drink.

A good quality blender will handle all of the ice at once with no problem, but not all blenders are created equal. So, to save you some frustration, start small and see how much ice your blender can handle at once. Otherwise, it will get hung up in the blades and you’ll end up with little ice marbles instead of a nice smooth crush.

Start by adding 3 oz. of frozen orange juice concentrate, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract into your blender. Remember, the type of milk is completely up to you, so feel free to use whatever you have in your fridge. Next, add in those 6-7 ice cubes, a couple at a time. Now, here comes the fun part – blending!

Check first to make sure the lid is firmly attached to your blender. Next, use the ice crush function to blend everything together until smooth. What you’re looking for is that perfect slushy consistency that makes an Orange Julius so incredibly satisfying, especially on a hot summer day. It usually takes about 30-45 seconds, but you may need to adjust depending on your blender wattage.

Once everything is perfectly blended, pour the frosty sunshine into your favorite glass. You’ve created not just a beverage, but a masterpiece that’s full of memories and that classic, irresistible taste. It’s like being transported back in time to those golden days of Gen X.

Here are three popular and highly rated blenders at low, middle, and high price points.

Sharing the Joy: Tips for Serving Your Homemade Delight

Creating this Copycat Orange Julius at home is more than just about the drink; it’s about reliving those cherished moments and sharing a piece of the past with the younger generation. So, as we gear up for another season of sunshine and fun, be sure to add this Copycat Orange Julius to your menu. It’ll be a hit for your next party or family gathering.

Now that we’ve blended our nostalgic creation, let’s talk about how to turn this delightful beverage into an even more special treat. There’s something about serving it with a bit of flair that really brings out the joy and excitement of the moment, especially when shared with loved ones.

Showcase your masterpiece in these pretty, old fashioned milkshake glasses.

First up, choosing the right glass can make all the difference. Opt for tall, clear glasses that showcase the vibrant orange hue of your Copycat Orange Julius. A fun straw and a slice of fresh orange on the rim can add that extra touch of whimsy and elegance, making each glass not just a drink, but a work of art.

Click here to get fun, extra wide straws that will add a pretty touch to your Copycat Orange Julius.

If you’re serving this at a family gathering or a casual get-together, consider setting up a mini ‘Orange Julius Bar.’ Have different variations of the drink prepared—just substitute the orange concentrate for strawberry daiquiri concentrate or pina colada concentrate. Lay out various toppings, like whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and sprinkles, letting your guests customize their drinks. It’s a fantastic way to engage everyone, allowing them to tailor their beverage to their liking while sparking conversations and shared laughter.

Another fun addition is to make pretty garnishes for your Copycat Orange Julius. A drink doesn’t have to be alcoholic to be fun. You can make these up ahead of time and store covered in the refrigerator.

And for those sweltering summer days, why not pour the mixture into popsicle molds for a frozen treat? It’s a hit with kids and provides a refreshing way to cool down, all while enjoying the beloved flavors of an Orange Julius.

Get your popsicle molds here.

My favorite thing about this beverage is the smiles I get every time it’s served. As a mom and grandmother, nothing makes me happier than seeing my family having fun. So, whether it’s a simple afternoon treat or the highlight of your summer party, your homemade Copycat Orange Julius is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s to creating more sweet memories, one sip at a time.

Love, Jenn

Copycat Orange Julius FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a blender?

Making this Copycat Orange Julius recipe ideally requires a blender to achieve the smooth, frothy consistency that it’s known for. However, if you don’t have a blender, you can try using a food processor or an immersion blender, keeping in mind that the ice won’t crush as finely making the texture a bit different.

How can I store leftovers?

Orange Julius is best enjoyed fresh, right after blending, to enjoy its creamy, frothy texture.

Is this Copycat Orange Julius recipe suitable for vegans?

As written, the recipe includes milk, which is not vegan. However, you can easily modify it to fit a vegan diet by substituting the milk with any plant-based milk of your choice, such as almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the choice of milk might slightly alter the flavor profile of the final product.

Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, adding protein powder to your Copycat Orange Julius is a great way to boost its nutritional value. Depending on your protein preferences, a vanilla or unflavored protein powder would work best as it complements the orange flavor without overpowering it. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as too much can alter the classic texture and taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe with fresh oranges instead of concentrate?

While the original recipe and this copycat version rely on frozen orange juice concentrate for a rich, concentrated flavor, you can use fresh oranges if you prefer. I’ve not tried this myself, but here are some tips that may help if you’re feeling adventurous. I recommend that you peel and freeze the oranges for about an hour before blending. You’ll also need to adjust the quantity of oranges and sugar since fresh oranges will provide a different sweetness and flavor intensity. Consider adding extra orange zest to enhance the citrus flavor if using fresh oranges.

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