Ah, the Orange Julius—just saying the name whisks me back to my childhood, wandering around the mall with a cup of creamy, citrusy goodness in hand. It’s like a sunbeam in a glass, and with this easy copycat recipe, you won’t have to travel back in time or even leave your kitchen. Imagine the frothiness, the tang, the sweetness—it’s all there, waiting for you to blend it up and sip your way to nostalgia.
Steps
- Place the frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract into a blender. Blend the mixture on high speed until it becomes smooth.
- Add ice cubes to the blender, starting with about 10 cubes. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the mixture reaches a creamy, frothy consistency.
- If you prefer a thicker texture, gradually add more ice cubes until you achieve your desired consistency. Keep blending to ensure the drink is well-mixed and frothy.
- Pour the creamy orange mixture into glasses and serve immediately for a refreshing treat. Adjust the amount of ice for a thicker or thinner drink based on personal preference.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate (half a standard can)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or substitute with unsweetened dairy-free milk like oat milk for extra frothiness)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
- 12 ice cubes (adjust quantity based on ice cube size and desired drink thickness)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 544mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 413IU | Vitamin C: 82mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 0.2mg
FAQ
- What are the main ingredients needed to make a homemade Orange Julius?
- To prepare a homemade Orange Julius, you’ll need frozen orange juice concentrate, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ice cubes. These ingredients create a creamy and frothy drink.
- Can I use non-dairy milk in the Orange Julius recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute any unsweetened non-dairy milk for regular milk in the recipe. Options like coconut, almond, cashew, or oat milk work well, with oat milk providing maximum frothiness.
- How do I achieve the desired texture for my Orange Julius?
- The texture of your Orange Julius can be adjusted by varying the amount of ice cubes. For a thicker, smoothie-like texture, add more ice cubes, keeping in mind the size of your cubes.
- Is it necessary to use real vanilla extract in the recipe?
- Yes, using real vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor. If you only have imitation vanilla, it’s better to omit it altogether.
- Can I make variations of the classic Orange Julius flavor?
- Absolutely! You can experiment by substituting lemon, lime, or pineapple concentrate, or by adding fruits like strawberries, bananas, or mangoes. For a boozy twist, try adding vodka to the mix.
Tips
- For a thicker and creamier texture, replace some of the milk with half and half, or use whole or 2% milk instead of water, which helps suspend the ice and orange bits better.
- If you’re a fan of intense vanilla flavor, consider doubling the vanilla extract for an extra creamsicle-like taste.
- To adjust the texture to your preference, vary the number of ice cubes you use. More ice will give you a thicker and slushier drink, while fewer cubes will make it smoother.
- For a fun flavor twist, try adding frozen fruits like strawberries or mango, or experiment with different juice concentrates such as lemon or pineapple to create unique flavor combinations.
Equipment
- Blender: A high-speed blender is essential for achieving the smoothness and frothiness characteristic of an Orange Julius.
