If you love a classic mall Orange Julius, this homemade Orange Julius recipe with orange juice concentrate will blow you away. It blends into that same frothy, creamy citrus flavor you remember, but with fresher ingredients and just minutes of effort. Keep scrolling to learn how to make this easy copycat recipe at home and customize it your way.

Top view of a blended orange drink surrounded by oranges.

Original post: June 2015 | Updated: July 2020 and November 2025

Why I Love This Recipe

It tastes exactly like the real thing thanks to frozen orange juice concentrate, which gives that signature bright, frothy Orange Julius flavor.
It takes just a few minutes to blend together, making it a fun, nostalgic treat you can whip up anytime.
Only simple ingredients are needed, so you probably already have everything on hand.
It is totally customizable. Add a banana, toss in strawberries, make it creamier with vanilla ice cream, or lighten it up with honey.
It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for kids who love that classic sweet citrus flavor.

How to Make Homemade Orange Julius

Ingredients for orange julius lined up on a white counter.

Place the following ingredients in a blender:

Frozen orange juice concentrate
Water
Milk
Sugar
Vanilla
Ice cubes

Puree until smooth and serve immediately!

Top view of blender with orange juice concentrate and milk inside.

Recipe Notes

Add a few frozen strawberries for a punch of strawberry flavor.
Replace all or some of the sugar with honey, if desired.
Add an extra splash of vanilla for extra flavor.
Add up to 1 banana to the blender for an orange-banana treat.
Experiment with different frozen concentrates such as lemon or lime.
Try adding a handful of fresh spinach to make this a healthier treat.

How to Serve Orange Julius

This is one of those fun, nostalgic drinks that instantly feels special, so serving it well makes it even better.

Occasions to Serve It

Weekend treats with the kids or after-school snacks.
Summer parties or cookouts as a refreshing drink.
Brunch gatherings alongside pastries or breakfast casseroles.
Sleepovers or movie nights, where fun drinks are always a hit.
Holiday mornings, especially if you add a little extra froth for a festive touch.
Pool days or backyard hangouts, served ice-cold.

Fun Ways to Dress It Up

Pour into tall chilled glasses to keep it extra cold and frothy.
Add a fresh orange slice or wedge to the rim.
Top with a sprinkle of orange zest for brightness.
Serve with a colorful straw to play up the nostalgia.
Add a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a creamsicle vibe.
Dust with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy twist.

A little garnish goes a long way in making this simple, nostalgic drink feel restaurant-quality and extra fun.

Two glasses with an orange julius mixture inside and glasses are rimmed with orange slices.

Can I Make Orange Julius Without Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate

Yes, but the flavor will be different. Frozen orange juice concentrate gives this copycat Orange Julius its signature strong, bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness.

If you swap it for regular orange juice, the drink will be thinner and less intense in flavor. If you go this route, use ½ to ¾ cup orange juice plus a handful of ice and add extra sugar or honey to taste to make up for the missing sweetness.

How Do I Make My Orange Julius Extra Creamy or Extra Frothy

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or half a frozen banana.

For more froth, blend the mixture on high speed for 20 to 30 seconds longer or add an extra ice cube or two, which helps aerate the drink. A high-powered blender will also naturally create a fluffier, smoother texture.

If you want that classic old-school Orange Julius foam, you can also add one pasteurized egg white. This is a traditional method that creates a super fluffy, cloud-like top. Just be sure to use pasteurized egg whites for safety.

An orange julius drink with a straw inside and an orange slice on the rim.

Can I Reduce the Sugar or Make This Drink Healthier

Absolutely. You can replace some or all of the sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave, or use a low-sugar or no-sugar-added frozen concentrate if you can find one.

A few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener also work well. Just keep in mind that reducing the sugar will make the drink slightly less sweet and may mellow the classic Orange Julius flavor a bit.

More Copycat Recipes

Being able to make some of your favorite take-out recipes is going to change things up! Follow along to learn how to make some delicious favorites.