Dairy Queen Orange Julius Recipe: Creamy, Frothy, and Bursting with Nostalgic Flavor
That first sip of a frothy, creamy Orange Julius instantly transports me back to childhood mall visits. After discovering how simple it is to recreate this nostalgic treat at home, I’ve been making this copycat version whenever citrus cravings strike. This iconic beverage combines the bright flavor of orange juice concentrate with a creamy, vanilla-kissed base that creates that signature velvety texture we all love. Best of all, you only need a handful of basic ingredients and a blender to bring this food court favorite to life in your kitchen.
Add this site as a preferred Google source!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Homemade Orange Julius
Years ago, you could only get this drink from an Orange Julius stand or an Orange Julius store located in your favorite food court or mall. But after Dairy Queen bought the rights to this much-loved chain, DQ is where you need to get one of their delicious fruit smoothies.
We now have the secret ingredients to this orange drink recipe (thanks to Dave Oberg), and you can enjoy it in minutes. With only a few simple ingredients, this is a refreshing treat that you can enjoy anytime.
Why this copycat Orange Julius recipe works
The secret to this Orange Julius copycat lies in the perfect balance of ingredients that create its distinctive texture and flavor profile. Using frozen orange juice concentrate delivers concentrated orange flavor without watering down the drink. Powdered sugar dissolves seamlessly into the mixture, providing sweetness while helping create the frothy texture. The addition of vanilla extract mimics the signature flavor that distinguishes an Orange Julius from a basic orange smoothie, while the milk creates that creamy, dreamlike consistency that makes this drink so special.
Ingredients
You only need these simple ingredients to make a homemade Orange Julius:
- Frozen orange juice concentrate – Provides intense orange flavor without excess liquid
- Water – Dilutes the concentrate to the perfect consistency
- Whole milk – Creates creamy texture and smooth mouthfeel
- Vanilla extract – Adds the signature flavor that makes it distinctively Orange Julius
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens while helping create the frothy, light texture
- Ice – Chills the drink and contributes to the thick smoothie consistency
How to make an Orange Julius
Making this orange smoothie is so simple! Here’s what to do:
- Put all of the ingredients in a good blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices if desired.
Recipe notes
If you already have premixed orange juice, use 1 2/3 cups instead of the concentrate and water.
If your ice cubes are from a tray, you may want to pre-crush them a bit. The ice blends better if it is not in large pieces.
The original orange beverage was made with raw egg whites, but I believe they stopped doing this because many people feel uncomfortable eating raw eggs. However, if you want to add raw eggs, you can get pasteurized eggs, which are safe to consume. My recipe does not contain eggs.
Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
Copycat Orange Julius Recipe
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups ice
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients in a blender.
- Cover and blend until smooth.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Favorite copycat drink recipes
- Strawberry Julius
- Red Robin Screaming Red Zombie
- Starbucks Strawberry Frappuccino Recipe
- Starbucks Passion Fruit Iced Tea Lemonade
- Starbucks Iced Coconut Milk Mocha
- Starbucks White Chocolate Cocoa
- DIY Frosty
- Dairy Queen Oreo Blizzard
- Chick-fil-A Lemonade Milkshake
- Sonic Coconut Cream Pie Shake
Love oranges? Try these recipes
Be sure to take a look at these restaurant drink recipes and copycat desserts.
Did you make and love this recipe? Leave your review below, and make sure to share your creations by tagging me on Instagram!
You forgot the egg whites:
1/4 cup Orange juice
1 cup Water
3 TBLSP Egg whites or egg substitute
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1/4 cup Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cup Ice
Thanks Robert, Im an egg girl
When I was a little kid, my mother found a copycat version that used the Cooking version of Vanilla Pudding mix (NOT INSTANT) and it made a delicious version. It was just the Juice, Pudding and ice. It has been years but I loved it and thought it was close as a kid.
It must be Orange juice concentrate? is there any other way to?
like squeeze orange or something like that?
Cut up oranges without the skins
It gives the measuremnt to use juice!
Can’t believe all the people saying it doesn’t taste like an Orange Julius. I completely disagree and I’ve had them before! It is delicious!
Thanks for sharing the Orange Julius recipe! I had this recipe ( or a similar one) and lost it several years ago. I’m having my small group from church over for a Christmas brunch next week and will be serving Quiche Lorraine. I wanted to serve Orange Julius and your recipe has made it possible. Your recipe sounds very similar to the recipe I have lost. It’s delicious and you are a doll for sharing good recipes. Merry Christmas!
When I made this it wasn’t exact but really if I wanted something exact I should’ve just went to the real place
Why does Stephanie only reply to the comments that say how amazing this is??
I haven’t gotten to all of the comments. But I will. Thank you for the reminder, I should answer all comments.
“One thing is for certain you don’t need to look for the Orange Julius recipe anymore”. If you are going to put something like this in your narrative, the recipe should at least be close. That isn’t the case here.
Matt I am very sorry you didn’t like my recipe.
Well then dont use it…Thank you Stephaine it was GREAT LOVED IT.Thank you for time to post them all!!!
Matt,
If you have an alternative, would you share with us. We are Orange Julius junkies.
My son loved it. I did but back on the sugar though. Kids get so much of it these days.
One of the best things about cooking food at home is you get to make changes that work for you.
It taste better with an extra cup of orange juice.
I will have to give this a try.
That seems like a lot of powered sugar, also I’m pretty sure they used raw eggs.
I think they did back in the day. I think they have gotten away from this as many people feel uncomfortable about eating raw eggs. You can get eggs that are pasteurized, and those would be safe to consume.
Love it, substitute Splenda for sugar as diabetic. I also use bananas, strawberry, other fruits with same basic recipe.
Good recipe! Relax people, if you want to drink an exact oranje julius rendition go to an orange julius store! I replaced the concentrate with 2 cups of actual juice, almond milk instead of regular and dates for sugar
I hope you enjoyed the drink Joe.
This will bring back great memories of going to Orange Julius at the mall with my mom, who passed in 1991. Thank you so much.
I love brining back memories!
I worked an an orange Julius. This is nothing!!!!! Like it. Sorry. Powdered sugar? No way.
Then what should it be ~
Dream whip is what I was told by an orange julius owner.
She said it was a copycat!!!! Relex if you dont like it dont use it..Why be so rude!!!
This is so good!!
I loved these as a kid 😉 They aren’t around much anymore.
can i have some please
Absolutely.
Absolutely.
You don’t need to do all of that. Just blend chopped up FRESH pineapple and FRESH squeezed (as in from the actual orange, not from the freezer or fridge) orange juice and blend until frothy. Add in ice as it’s blending. It tastes amazing.
I am sure that is amazing.
This sadly tastes NOTHING like an Orange Julius. 🙁 So disappointing!
I am sorry you did not find the recipe to your liking.
This is wonderful!!