I’m not exactly sure how long Orange Julius’s have been around, but I remember first having one in my childhood– maybe when I was 16 or 17. Since then, if there was an choice between ice cream or Orange Julius, I’d go for the OJ every time. Tart, yet sweet. Creamy, yet slushy. There’s just nothing that compares to this frozen sweet treat.
Because I’ve had many over the years (*cough* 20+ years), it came as a shock when a friend recently told me they didn’t know what an Orange Julius was. Oh, I chuckled alright, sure they were joking. Crickets. “Wait. Are you serious? You don’t know what an Orange Julius is?” No. No he did not. I rectified that egregious oversight right then and there.
FUN ORANGE JULIUS FACTS:
- 1926- Julius Freed and his partner Bill Hamlin opened an orange juice stand in Los Angeles at 820 South Broadway.
- 1929- Hamlin has opened 100 Orange Julius stores across the U.S.
- 1962- Canada gets their first Orange Julius.
- 1964- Becomes the official drink of the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York.
- 1965 & 1966- Johnny Carson and Apollo 14 Astronaut Alan Shepard are present a lifetime pass to all Orange Julius locations in America, respectively.
- 1976- Orange Julius expands to the Philippines.
- 1977 & 1982- Stores open in Hong Kong and Singapore, respectively.
- 2001- Orange Julius celebrates 75 years of expertise in the frozen blended fruit drink industry.
- 2012- Orange Julius offered at all DQ restaurants.
It should be noted that I asked where he was from, certain he was going to say Mars, since Orange Julius are now offered around the world. Or the Great Depression, when sugar was scarce.
(Eyes the size of small saucers, rapt attention, sitting on the edge of my seat) “So… um… where are you from?!”
Ohio. Hm. Never been there. I have hopes of visiting every state in the Nation someday. Maybe I’ll save Ohio for last.
So, I say that this is a Copycat recipe, but it’s actually kind of our own version. True, we use most of the same ingredients, but we also add one that we think makes it stand out above the rest. Since it is only a few simple ingredients, blended together and served immediately, this is one of those that we make often when we need a quick cool down and sugar fix. Especially when it feels as if we’re melting on the surface of the sun. We’re not as hot as Arizona right now (120 degrees the other day– how is that place not actually in flames?), but we are having multiple days over 100 degrees regularly. Grab your blender, let’s get started!
Helpful Hint: I know that once you try this, you’ll want to make it all the time. Once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll want to make a double batch to save time. Don’t. The ingredients below will almost fill your blender. Just so you know.
INGREDIENTS
- 6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups ice
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients into your blender.
This is where it can be a bit customizable. You could stop blending the moment you notice everything is incorporated. This will give you the more slushy texture. Or, you could blend until you don’t really hear any more crunching of the ice. The more creamy you want it, the longer you’ll blend. It is delicious however you like it. Serve and consume immediately.
You also do not have to use the vanilla extract. We think it gives it a great flavor, but it is not necessary. Try it with and without, and comment your favorite flavor! And if you love the taste orange check out this Orange Julius in cake form!
Copycat Orange Julius
A tangy, yet sweet, creamy, yet slushy frozen treat.
- 6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups ice
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
-
Combine all ingredients into a blender. This is where it can be a bit customizable. You could stop blending the moment you notice everything is incorporated. This will give you the more slushy texture. Or, you could blend until you don’t really hear any more crunching of the ice. The more creamy you want it, the longer you’ll blend. It is delicious however you like it. Serve and consume immediately.
OTHER SWEET DRINKS YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD ABOUT
- Summer Drink Ideas
- Cran-Raspberry Spritzer
- Non-alcoholic Orange Creamsicle
- Non-alcoholic Grape Goodness
- Patriotic Tea Punch
- Cranberry Moscato D’Asti Cocktail
- Cranberry & Rosemary Mocktail
If you haven’t heard of Orange Julius, try it. You’ll love it!! You’re welcome. If you have tried one and love it, comment below whether you like or do not like the vanilla extract!
Stay cool, if you’re like me and yearning for a bit of Autumn!
~Steph