Homemade Orange Julius Recipe
Orange Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
- 6 ice cubes
- 1 (6 ounce) can orange juice concentrate
- cup milk
- cup table cream
- 1 banana
- cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon powdered dairy creamer
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Place the ice cubes in a blender and pulse until crushed to a snow-like consistency.
Step 2: Add the orange juice concentrate, milk, table cream, banana, sugar, egg, powdered creamer, and vanilla extract to the blender.
Step 3: Blend on high speed for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Editor's Note: This recipe contains raw egg. It is recommended that pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system avoid consuming raw egg. Learn more about egg safety in our article, How to Make Your Eggs Safe.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 284
- Fat: 9g (11% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 5g (27% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 69mg (23% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 45mg (2% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 48g (18% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 42g
- Protein: 5g (10% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 76mg (85% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 91mg (7% Daily Value)
- Iron: 1mg (3% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 566mg (12% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. The amounts are based on available data.

History of Orange Julius
The iconic Orange Julius was invented in the early 1920s by a man named Julius Freed in Los Angeles. Freed, a pharmacist, created the drink as a way to combine fresh orange juice with a creamy, frothy texture that would mask the sourness of pure orange juice. Initially sold at a stand in Los Angeles, the drink quickly gained popularity due to its smooth texture and sweet taste. The first official "Orange Julius" store opened in the 1930s, and by the mid-20th century, it had become a staple of American mall food courts. This refreshing drink has continued to evolve, and its "homemade" variations, like this recipe, remain a favorite treat in many households.
Regional Variations and Popularity
While the Orange Julius is most popular in North America, its refreshing nature has inspired adaptations in other parts of the world. In some regions, its made with different fruits, such as tropical mango or strawberry, to suit local tastes. In countries like Canada, the drink is often served at fast-food chains and ice cream parlors, offering a cool escape from the summer heat. Some variants even use coconut milk or non-dairy products for a vegan version of the beloved drink.
Differences from Similar Drinks
Though similar in texture to smoothies, the Orange Julius stands out due to its unique combination of ingredients. Unlike a typical smoothie, which is often made with yogurt, ice, and fruit, Orange Julius is characterized by its use of powdered creamer, a raw egg for frothiness, and orange juice concentrate. The result is a light, airy consistency that is different from the thicker, more substantial nature of smoothies. Additionally, the presence of cream and powdered dairy gives it a richer flavor than many other fruit-based drinks.
Where is Orange Julius Typically Served?
Orange Julius is traditionally served as a refreshing drink at shopping malls, amusement parks, and kiosks. In the U.S., the drink is often available in food courts, where its enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal. The drinks versatility also makes it a popular choice for brunches or as a light dessert during summer gatherings. Due to its frothy texture, it is also an excellent choice to pair with breakfast dishes, adding a touch of citrus sweetness to the meal.
Fun Facts About Orange Julius
- The original Orange Julius was first made with a combination of orange juice, egg whites, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- In the 1980s, the company behind Orange Julius was acquired by Dairy Queen, and many of the standalone Orange Julius locations became part of the Dairy Queen brand.
- The drinks recipe has remained relatively unchanged over the years, preserving its nostalgic appeal.
- Orange Julius is not just limited to the U.S.; it has gained a following in countries like Canada, Mexico, and even the Philippines.
Homemade Orange Julius Recipe
Ready to enjoy this delicious treat at home? Here's the recipe!
Ingredients
- 6 ice cubes
- 1 (6 ounce) can orange juice concentrate
- cup milk
- cup table cream
- 1 banana
- cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon powdered dairy creamer
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place ice cubes in a blender and pulse until crushed to snow-like consistency.
- Add orange juice concentrate, milk, table cream, banana, sugar, egg, powdered creamer, and vanilla extract.
- Blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
Conclusion
With its creamy texture and refreshing orange flavor, the Homemade Orange Julius offers a nostalgic taste of a classic American treat. Whether youre making it for a special occasion, a summer day, or simply craving something sweet and frothy, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to please anyone. Serve it at your next brunch or as a cool snack to enjoy with friends and family!
FAQ about Homemade Orange Julius Recipe
Comments
Charles Green
07/30/2023 03:24:58 PM
While working at Orange Julius as a teenager, I must say that this drink is incredibly similar to the original. I absolutely love this recipe - please don't make any changes to it.
Diane Brown
01/01/2023 05:16:06 AM
This recipe is absolutely delightful! I substituted frozen orange juice and bananas for the fresh ones, so there was no need for ice. Additionally, I opted for Bliss vanilla coffee creamer instead of cream, powdered creamer, sugar, and vanilla, which worked wonderfully. This recipe is definitely a favorite, and I doubled the ingredients as my orange juice came in a 12-ounce can.
Nicholas Davis
05/09/2025 01:46:13 PM
Absolutely delicious! I included a hint of nutmeg. Divine!
Carol Walker
03/22/2023 11:43:56 PM
I just prepared this dish for the first time and I would definitely make it again!
Rebecca Young
11/01/2022 06:01:10 PM
Great recipe with a few modifications to suit our taste. We found it a bit too sweet for our liking. - Increased the amount of ice for a colder and less sweet texture - Reduced the sugar to 1/4 cup of Splenda to lower the calorie count - Left out the egg for safety reasons - Used frozen instead of fresh banana for a creamier, colder consistency
Jonathan Parker
12/18/2024 11:06:54 AM
This drink had a promising beginning, but it turned out to be excessively sweet. For my second attempt, I decided to make use of 4 oranges that had a slightly bitter taste and were left untouched, along with 1 cup of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, a ripe banana, and a generous amount of pasteurized egg whites. I served it over crushed ice, and the result was much better than the first try.
Donald White
01/29/2024 01:02:10 PM
Absolutely delicious!!
Thomas Hall
05/24/2023 06:35:27 AM
I am constantly on the lookout for smoothie recipes for my young daughter, and I must say, this one turned out perfectly. I prefer incorporating a pastured egg into our shakes as it not only adds frothiness but also boosts the nutritional value, which is why this particular recipe caught my eye. I made a few modifications by using a frozen banana, substituting orange juice for milk and OJ concentrate, opting for ice cream over regular cream, and reducing the sugar to just a tablespoon. The end result was fantastic, and my daughter enthusiastically exclaimed, "mmm mmm." However, the recipe only yielded two small servings for me.