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Nostalgia in a Glass: Homemade Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

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If you were a kid in the 70s or 80s, chances are you remember the simple joy of sipping on an Orange Julius while wandering around the mall. 

For me, this was a highlight of every trip to the mall with my mom. The sweet, creamy, frothy blend of orange and vanilla was like sunshine in a cup. 

But here’s the thing—my kids have no idea what an Orange Julius even is. We don’t live near a mall, and honestly, in today’s world of online shopping and retail parks, trips to the mall just aren’t a part of their experience.

The History of Orange Julius

Orange Julius has been around for a lot longer than many people realize. The franchise dates back to the late 1920s when Julius Freed opened a small orange juice stand in Los Angeles. 

However, it wasn’t until his friend Bill Hamlin came up with the idea to blend orange juice with a few special ingredients to make it less acidic and more palatable that the Orange Julius we know today was born. 

By the 1950s and 60s, Orange Julius had become a staple in shopping malls across America, a trend that continued well into the 80s and 90s. 

According to the official Dairy Queen website, which now owns Orange Julius, the brand has become synonymous with a particular era of American shopping culture.

A Blast from the Past

Fast forward to today, and finding an Orange Julius stand isn’t as easy as it used to be. So imagine my surprise when I was flipping through a nearly 50-year-old family cookbook and stumbled across a copycat recipe for the iconic drink. 

At first, I was taken aback, but then it made perfect sense. Given how long Orange Julius has been around, it’s only natural that this popular drink made its way into the pages of a treasured family cookbook.

Naturally, I had to make it for my kids. To my delight, they were instantly hooked! Now, they ask for it all the time, and I’m more than happy to oblige. 

There’s something incredibly satisfying about being able to recreate a favorite treat from my childhood with wholesome ingredients right in my own kitchen. Plus, it’s a whole lot cheaper than buying it from the store!

Pure, Wholesome Ingredients

One of the reasons I love making this copycat Orange Julius at home is because I know exactly what’s going into it. No artificial flavors, no questionable additives—just pure, simple ingredients. 

The recipe calls for orange juice, milk, a splash of vanilla extract, a little bit of sugar, and ice. The magic happens when you blend it all together until it’s frothy and smooth. The result is a drink that’s refreshingly sweet, with a creamy texture that’s almost like a milkshake, but without any of the guilt.

I’ve even tweaked the recipe a bit to make it my own. Sometimes I’ll add a little bit of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and a boost of protein. Other times, I’ll throw in a handful of frozen berries for a fun twist. 

The kids love these variations just as much as the original, and I love knowing that I’m giving them a treat that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

a glass of orange smoothie drink illustrating a copycat orange julius recipe

A Taste of Nostalgia

Making this drink for my kids has been a wonderful way to share a piece of my own childhood with them. Every time I blend up a batch, I’m transported back to those carefree days at the mall, clutching my Orange Julius and feeling like the world was full of endless possibilities.

It’s amazing how a simple drink can hold so many memories. I’m thrilled that my kids have embraced this little slice of nostalgia, even if they don’t fully understand the cultural significance of an Orange Julius. 

To them, it’s just a delicious, refreshing treat. But to me, it’s so much more. It’s a connection to my past, a reminder of the simple joys of childhood, and a way to keep those memories alive in a world that’s constantly changing.

The Orange Julius Recipe

Of course, I can’t leave you hanging without sharing the recipe that’s now a staple in our household. 

The recipe in the cookbook specifies frozen concentrate orange juice, which reflects the reality of rural living on the Canadian prairies – fresh produce was not always easy to access, especially when that produce does not grow locally. 

I usually have a couple of frozen cans of frozen concentrate in my freezer, but fresh juice of course can be used when it is available.

Here’s how you can make your own copycat Orange Julius at home:

Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

Recipe by Jessie
Course: BeveragesDifficulty: Easy
Servings

3

1 cup servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes

This homemade copycat Orange Julius recipe captures the sweet, creamy, and frothy blend of orange and vanilla that you remember from childhood. Made with fresh ingredients, it’s a refreshing and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for hot summer days. Simple to make and free of artificial flavors.

Ingredients

  • 6 oz frozen unsweetened orange juice concentrate*

  • 1/2 c milk (or dairy free alternative)

  • 1/2 c water

  • 1/4 cup sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)**

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 6 ice cubes

  • Optional: 1/4 cup Greek yogurt for extra creaminess, or 1 banana

Directions

  • Combine all the ingredients in a blender.
  • Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and froth
  • Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • *If you wish to use fresh juice, replace the 6 oz frozen concentrate and ½ cup water with 1 c fresh orange juice.
  • **If desired, added sweetener can be reduced by half – especially if you add a banana which adds its own sweetness to the mix.

This simple, refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days, and it’s a great way to introduce your own kids to a taste of the past. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a family favorite in no time!

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