This refreshingly delicious copycat Orange Julius recipe tastes just like the original served in malls and at some fairs across the country.
What is an Orange Julius?
The Orange Julius began in 1926 when Julius Freed opened an orange juice stand in Los Angeles. Later he developed a frothy, mild-tasting drink that became widely popular.
By the 1950s and 60s, Orange Julius stands were common at county and state fairs, and the drink was even named the official beverage of the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
Many people remember lining up at the mall food court for this sweet, refreshing beverage. The chain was acquired by Dairy Queen in 1987, and the drink was offered in many locations for years afterward. While most Dairy Queen locations stopped offering Orange Julius in 2019, independent stands and some restaurants still serve the classic drink.
If you don’t have a stand nearby, you can easily make a very close copy at home with a handful of simple ingredients in under five minutes.
My kids and husband loved this the first time I made it, and now my son often whips one up for the family. It’s luscious and usually has everyone asking for the recipe.
This quick recipe makes a perfect treat on warm days or anytime you want a nostalgic, frothy orange drink.
Recipe note: The ingredients below yield 4 servings. You can halve or quarter the recipe as needed — simply reseal the frozen concentrate and return it to the freezer for later.
