Easy Orange Julius Recipe
Okay, folks, gather ’round because I’m about to let you in on a little secret weapon: my Easy Orange Julius Recipe — Easy Orange Julius Recipe! It’s basically sunshine in a glass. Seriously, if you’re feeling blah, this drink will slap some happiness right back into you. It’s creamy, it’s tangy, it’s nostalgic, and it takes, like, five minutes to throw together. You gotta try it, promise?
My husband, bless his heart, is obsessed with this. Every time he’s having a rough day (usually after attempting some DIY project), he begs for an Orange Julius. And the kids? They think it’s basically dessert disguised as a “healthy” snack. I even caught them trying to make it themselves the other day. Let’s just say there was a slight mess, but hey, at least they were learning, right? This recipe has saved me from countless meltdowns and turned many a grumpy afternoon into a mini-party.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Julius Recipe
- It tastes like your childhood but without all the weird chemicals (probably).
- It’s so easy even I can’t mess it up (and trust me, that’s saying something).
- You can pretend it’s healthy because, you know, oranges.
- It’s a total crowd-pleaser. Even your picky Aunt Mildred will like it.
- It’s customizable! Feeling fancy? Add a splash of vanilla. Got a sweet tooth? Throw in a little extra sugar. It’s your world!
How to Make It
Okay, picture this: you’re standing in your kitchen, maybe the dishes are piled up in the sink, the kids are screaming something about a missing Lego… But you’re about to make magic. First, you grab your blender—that dusty thing in the back of the cabinet. Toss in your orange juice. I usually use whatever I have on hand—sometimes it’s fresh-squeezed if I’m feeling ambitious, sometimes it’s from a carton. No judgment here.
Next, dump in the milk—any kind works! I’ve used everything from regular ol’ dairy milk to almond milk when I’m trying to be healthy-ish. Then, add the sugar. I usually eyeball it, but I’ve included measurements below so you don’t go TOO crazy. Now, the secret ingredient: vanilla extract. Don’t skip this! It’s what gives it that special something. Finally, a bunch of ice. Blend it all together until it’s smooth and frothy. If it’s too thick, add a little more juice. Too thin? Throw in more ice. Taste it and adjust the sweetness if needed. Pour it into a glass, maybe add a cute straw if you’re feeling fancy, and BAM! You’re done. Enjoy! And try not to spill it, unlike me.
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Ingredient Notes
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- Orange Juice: Obviously, this is the star of the show. Fresh is best, but honestly, any kind will do in a pinch. I’ve even used orange juice concentrate when I was completely out of the regular stuff. Just add water, duh!
- Milk: This is what gives it that creamy texture. Whole milk is the classic, but I often use almond or oat milk. Just avoid skim milk – it’ll be too watery.
- Sugar: Because we all need a little sweetness in our lives. Regular white sugar works great, but sometimes I use honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor. Don’t go overboard unless you want a sugar rush.
- Vanilla Extract: This is the secret ingredient that takes it to the next level. Don’t skip it! Trust me. I once forgot it and the Julius was just…sad.
- Ice: Gotta have ice to make it nice and frosty. I usually fill the blender about halfway with ice, but you can adjust it to your liking. Just don’t use too much, or it’ll be too watery.
Recipe Steps:
- Combine orange juice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ice in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and frothy.
- Adjust sweetness or thickness by adding more sugar or ice, if needed.
- Pour into glasses.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
Honestly? This Orange Julius is pretty perfect on its own. But if you want to get fancy, try serving it with:
- A slice of toast with peanut butter. (Don’t judge, it’s a classic combo!)
- A handful of cookies.
- Absolutely nothing else! Just drink it and be happy!
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t over-blend it! You don’t want soup.
- If your blender isn’t super powerful, crush the ice a little first.
- Taste as you go! Everyone has different sweetness preferences.
- If you accidentally make too much, see storage tips below!
Storage Tips
Okay, so if you have any leftover Orange Julius (which is rare in my house), you can store it in the fridge. But here’s the thing: it’s gonna separate, and the ice will melt. So, when you’re ready to drink it, you’ll have to blend it again. And honestly, it’s never quite the same as fresh. BUT… I have totally chugged leftover Orange Julius straight from the fridge the next morning. Was it the most amazing thing ever? No. Did it do the trick? Absolutely. No shame!
Variations and Substitutions
- No milk? Try yogurt! Adds a nice tang.
- Out of vanilla? A dash of almond extract works in a pinch.
- Trying to be healthy? Use less sugar or a sugar substitute. I’ve used stevia before, but honestly, I prefer the real deal.
- Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of orange liqueur. (Just don’t tell the kids!)
- No oranges on hand? You can use any other fruit. I’ve made it with mangoes and peaches, and it’s still delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Easy Orange Julius Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 oz orange juice concentrate, frozen unsweetened
- 1 cup milk whole or 2%
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract pure
- 1 cup sugar
- 12 cubes ice
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine orange juice concentrate, milk, water, vanilla extract, and sugar in a blender.
- Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the ice cubes and blend again until the mixture is frothy and the ice is crushed.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
