Copycat Orange Julius: The 4-Ingredient '90s Mall Classic
Frosty, creamy, and sweet citrus nostalgia made in 5 minutes with frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, sugar, and vanilla.
- Only 4 basic ingredients plus ice.
- Ready in 5 minutes flat.
- Tastes exactly like a melted creamsicle bar with airy froth.
Orange Julius was originally invented in Los Angeles in 1926 by Julius Freed. Legend has it that customers lined up around the block shouting, 'Give me an orange, Julius!'
The magic ingredient that gives it that iconic silky mall texture is a small splash of milk and a dash of powdered sugar blended with frozen orange juice concentrate.
Copycat Orange Julius: The 4-Ingredient '90s Mall Classic
If you grew up in the 1980s or 1990s, walking through the shopping mall on a hot summer afternoon always ended at the Orange Julius counter. This exact copycat recipe captures that velvety, creamy orange dreamsicle texture right in your home blender.
Ingredients
- 1 can (6 oz) frozen orange juice concentrate (undiluted)
- 1 cup whole milk (or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 10-12 ice cubes
- Orange slices for garnish
Directions
Combine All Ingredients
Place frozen orange juice concentrate, whole milk, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ice cubes into blender.
Blend until Frothy
Pulse several times to crush ice, then blend on high speed for 45 to 60 seconds until completely frothy, thick, and creamy.
Serve Immediately
Pour into chilled glasses and serve with fun straws and orange wedges.
💡 CHEF'S PRO TIPS
- Use frozen orange juice concentrate straight from the freezer without thawing for maximum thickness.
Nutrition Facts
Per ServingCommunity Reviews & Ratings
1 cooks have shared their thoughts on this recipe
Took me straight back to 1994 at the mall food court. Spot on flavor!