Name: Copycat Orange Julius
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed; 1 cup milk (whole milk, low-fat, or dairy-free alternative); ½ cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups ice cubes

Copycat Orange Julius

Dreaming of a cool, creamy treat that tastes like summer? Look no further than this copycat Orange Julius recipe! Made with just a handful of ingredients, this refreshing drink is perfect for a hot day. Packed with the bright flavor of orange and a touch of vanilla sweetness, it’s sure to become a favorite.

This recipe is easily customizable to your taste. Prefer a thinner consistency? Add a splash more milk or water. Want it extra sweet? Bump up the sugar or use a sweeter orange juice concentrate. Dairy-free? No problem! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk alternative.

For the adults out there, this recipe can also be the base for a delicious adult beverage! Simply add a shot (or two) of your preferred vodka, rum, or tequila for a boozy twist. Blend it all together and enjoy a grown-up version of this classic treat. Just remember to consume responsibly!

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use fresh oranges instead of frozen orange juice concentrate?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the amount of liquid and sugar to account for the water content of fresh oranges.

What kind of milk is best to use?
Whole milk will give the creamiest texture, but any type of milk, including dairy-free alternatives, will work.

How much sugar can I add?
Start with the recipe amount and adjust to your taste. Remember, thawed orange juice concentrate is already quite sweet.

Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Yes, granulated sugar can be substituted with honey, agave nectar, or another liquid sweetener.

My blender isn’t very powerful. Will it still work for this recipe?
Most blenders should be able to handle this recipe. If yours struggles, try adding a little more milk or water to create a thinner consistency.

What you need to make Copycat Orange Julius:

1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 cup milk (whole milk, low-fat, or dairy-free alternative)
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ice cubes

How to make it:

Combine all ingredients (thawed orange juice concentrate, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ice cubes) in a blender.

Blend until smooth and frothy. You may need to adjust the amount of ice depending on your desired thickness.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

For a sweeter drink, add more sugar to taste.If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little more milk or water.

For a creamier drink, use full-fat milk or a thicker dairy-free alternative.

Want a stronger orange flavor? Add a bit more orange juice concentrate.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors! You could add a splash of grenadine for a cherry twist, or a pinch of ground cinnamon for a warm touch.

Latest Reviews:

Lifesaver on a Hot Day! – This recipe is a total game-changer for summer! I used to crave Orange Julius all the time, but making it at home is so much easier and cheaper. Plus, I can control the sweetness (hello, less sugar!). The recipe is super quick and uses ingredients I already have on hand. My kids devoured these, and I even snuck in a little extra vanilla for a richer taste. Thanks for sharing! – Sarah K.

Perfect Orange Cream Dream – This recipe is pretty darn good! It definitely reminds me of the Orange Julius I remember from childhood. I used almond milk because I’m dairy-free, and it worked perfectly. Next time, I might try adding a little less ice for a creamier texture. Overall, a delicious and refreshing drink that’s perfect for a poolside treat. – John L.

Adult Orange Julius FTW! – Where have you been all my life?! This recipe is fantastic! I made it exactly as written, then tried another batch with a shot of rum for the adults. Wowzers! It’s like a grown-up dream come true. So easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. Thanks for this gem! – Jessica P.

Printable Recipe:

Yield: 2 servings