Pin it
This fluffy Orange Julius takes me back to shopping centers and hot summer days. My DIY version nails that amazing mix of sweet-tangy goodness in a bubbly orange treat that's ready in moments using basic kitchen staples. What makes it special? The sweetened condensed milk gives you that smooth, rich feeling that made everyone fall in love with the original.
I stumbled on this when I wanted to make those famous mall drinks for the kids in my family. These days it's our weekend ritual while the pancake batter sizzles away.
What You'll Need
- Whole milk: Forms the rich foundation that makes each sip so satisfying. Don't swap for low-fat if you want the real deal.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a sweet fragrance that works magic with the orange. Go for the real stuff if you can.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Delivers that iconic silky-smooth feel and sweetness without any sugar crystals getting in the way.
- Frozen orange juice concentrate (slightly thawed): Packs a punch of orange flavor that stays strong and doesn't thin the drink.
- Ice cubes: Create that amazing fluffy texture and keep everything nicely chilled.
- Optional: A raw egg or some egg white powder for extra fluff like they used to make it, if you're feeling bold.
How To Make It
- Gather Everything in Your Blender:
- Dump all your ingredients into the blender following the order shown. This setup helps everything mix properly and stops ice from getting stuck at the bottom.
- Mix Until Fluffy:
- Run your blender at a good speed for a few moments until everything looks smooth and foamy. Don't go too long or you'll lose that thick, creamy feel.
- Drink Right Away:
- Get it into glasses quickly to enjoy that fantastic foamy top. It tastes way better fresh when it's still cold and full of air bubbles.
- Dress It Up:
- Top with some whipped cream and stick an orange slice on the edge if you're feeling fancy. Makes such a simple drink look extra special.
Pin it
The best moment when I make this Orange Julius is watching the first reaction. There's always that moment of surprise and joy when they taste something that's both nostalgic but somehow even better than what they remember from those shopping trips as kids.
The Story Of Orange Julius
Julius Freed started it all back in 1926 with a simple orange juice stand in LA. His buddy Bill Hamlin came up with a special mix adding eggs, milk, and sugar that made the juice easier on your stomach. People loved it so much they started asking for an "Orange Julius" instead of plain juice. Soon enough, you couldn't go to a mall in America without seeing their stands.
Swap Ingredients If Needed
Can't do dairy? No problem! This works great with coconut milk and non-dairy condensed milk. The coconut actually adds a nice tropical twist to the orange flavor. Looking for something lighter? Try almond milk, though you'll lose some of that rich creaminess.
Pin it
Ways To Enjoy It
This Orange Julius tastes amazing by itself, but it's even better alongside some fresh waffles or a slice of banana bread. Want a fun dessert? Drop in a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an Orange Julius float. In hot weather, we pour the mix into popsicle molds for cool frozen treats that everyone goes crazy for.
Keeping It Fresh
You'll get the best taste and texture right after you blend it when all those bubbles are still there. If you need to make it ahead, you can keep it in the fridge for a day. Just give it a good shake or a quick zip in the blender before pouring to bring back some of that frothy goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use something else for the condensed milk?
Sure! Swap it out for sugar to add sweetness, or try a bit of vanilla pudding powder to get a similar smooth texture.
- → Do I need a raw egg?
Not at all. You can skip it, but if you'd like the classic texture, go for pasteurized eggs or egg white powder for safety.
- → Will fresh orange juice work instead of concentrate?
Fresh juice doesn’t pack the same punch. Frozen concentrate is your best bet to get that bold flavor.
- → Which type of milk is best?
Whole milk makes it really creamy, but almond or oat milk works nicely if you need a non-dairy option.
- → How do I thicken it up?
If you'd like it thicker, just toss in some extra ice or hold back on the liquid when blending.