Orange Julius

The Orange Julius is a classic frothy, creamy, orange blend that lands somewhere between a milkshake and a smoothie. It is a non-alcoholic dessert drink, often ordered for a hit of nostalgia or as a refreshing, sweet treat. It is an easy win for any crowd, delivering a thick, cold, citrusy comfort that appeals to all ages.

Orange Julius

4.48 from 17 votes

Calories: 272kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Instructions

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Blend all ingredients in a blender with ten ice cubes for 30 seconds. Serve immediately.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 272kcal (14%)Carbohydrates: 55g (18%)Sugar: 52g (58%)

Mocktail

Where it came from

The original Orange Julius was born in Los Angeles in 1926. Julius Freed owned an orange juice stand, but business picked up significantly when his milkshake machine operator, Bill Hamlin, developed a frothy, less acidic version of the drink. This sweet, creamy concoction became an instant hit, quickly spreading beyond California.

This drink is essentially a non-alcoholic fruit smoothie or a creamy fruit shake. Its relatives include other blended fruit drinks, a creamsicle shake, or even a virgin piña colada in terms of its thick, frothy texture. What sets the Orange Julius apart is its specific combination of orange, milk, vanilla, and sugar, which creates its unique tangy sweet profile.

You would typically find an Orange Julius at a mall food court, a diner, or a family-friendly restaurant. In a bar setting, it serves as a specialty non-alcoholic option for someone seeking a sweet, satisfying, and familiar drink. It is a reliable crowd-pleaser for events where a non-boozy, fun option is desired.

What it tastes like

The initial taste is a bright, tangy burst of orange, immediately mellowed by the creamy milk. The mid palate introduces the sweetness from the sugar and the distinctive warmth of vanilla, rounding out the citrus. The finish is smooth, frothy, and lingers with a sweet orange creaminess, leaving a refreshing, almost dessert-like aftertaste.

The Orange Julius, as per this recipe, is made entirely of non-alcoholic ingredients. Therefore, it has 0.0% ABV. It contains no alcohol whatsoever, making it a completely non-intoxicating beverage. It is comparable to a soda or a glass of juice, containing none of the alcohol found in a beer or a standard cocktail.

The technique

To build this, combine all liquid and dry ingredients into a blender. Add ten standard ice cubes. Blend on high for about 30 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and frothy, with no visible ice chunks. Pour directly into a tall glass and serve immediately without additional garnish.

The most important technique for an Orange Julius is achieving the correct blend. You need a consistently smooth, frothy texture. Under blending leaves ice chunks and a watery mouthfeel, while over blending can melt too much ice, diluting the flavor and losing that characteristic thick, creamy consistency. Aim for a velvety, uniform blend.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Orange Juice

Use: Freshly squeezed orange juice offers the best brightness and tang. Good quality store bought options like Simply Orange or Tropicana also work well.
Skip: Watery or artificial tasting orange juice from concentrate. It will make the entire drink taste cheap and lack vibrancy.
Why: Orange juice is the primary flavor component, delivering the essential citrus tang and natural sweetness that defines the drink.

Milk

Use: Whole milk provides the best creamy texture and richness, which is crucial for the drink’s signature body. 2% milk is an acceptable substitute.
Skip: Skim milk or overly thin non-dairy milks like almond milk, unless specifically requested. They often do not provide the same body or richness.
Why: Milk is essential for creating the signature creamy, frothy texture and effectively softens the orange’s acidity, balancing the flavor.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Strawberry Julius

A berry good twist.: Add a handful of fresh or frozen strawberries to the blender for a fruity, pink version of the classic.

Pineapple Julius

Tropical tang.: Substitute some of the orange juice with pineapple juice, or add a few chunks of fresh pineapple for an exotic flavor profile.

Boozy Julius

Adult upgrade.: Add 1.5 oz of vanilla vodka or light rum to the blend for an adult version of this nostalgic, creamy treat.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Orange Juice?

Use orange soda for a sweeter, carbonated version, or orange sherbet for extra creaminess and flavor.

No Milk?

Heavy cream or half-and-half can be used for a richer drink, or a non-dairy milk like oat milk for a different texture.

No Sugar?

Use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute to taste. Adjust the quantity as needed for desired sweetness.

No Blender?

A hand immersion blender can work, but achieving the same frothy texture might be harder. A food processor could also work in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Orange Julius?

A Orange Julius contains 6 oz orange juice, 250 mL milk, 250 mL water, 65 mL sugar, and 5 mL vanilla, blended with ice.

Is Orange Julius alcoholic?

No, the traditional Orange Julius is a non-alcoholic beverage, suitable for all ages.

What does an Orange Julius taste like?

It tastes like a creamy, sweet, and tangy orange milkshake, with a distinct vanilla note and a smooth, frothy texture.

Can I make an Orange Julius with other fruits?

Yes, you can add or substitute other fruits like strawberries, pineapple, or peaches for different variations and flavor profiles.

What kind of milk should I use for an Orange Julius?

Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest texture and richness, but 2% milk also works well without sacrificing too much body.

How do I get my Orange Julius extra frothy?

Ensure your blender is powerful enough and blend for the full 30 seconds with enough ice to create that characteristic thick, frothy consistency.

Can I make an Orange Julius ahead of time?

It is best served immediately to maintain its frothy texture and prevent the ice from melting too much and diluting the flavor.

Is there a vegan Orange Julius option?

Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with a plant-based milk like oat or soy milk, though the resulting texture may vary slightly.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read