Our Orange Julius recipe calls for a mix of fresh California oranges that have been peeled and partially frozen before being blended with honey, milk, and ice cream. This slightly frothy, ultra-creamy treat is pure nostalgia through and through.

** This recipe was updated 4/6/2021 with new images, recipe, and nutritional information. **

Ahhh the 80’s…. a time of colorful fashion, great music, and an Orange Julius location in every food court!

Did you know that the drink known today as the Orange Julius stems from of an orange juice stand that was opened in Los Angeles, California, in 1926 by Julius Freed? Pretty cool huh?!

By the 80’s those frothy citrus delights were a hit across the nation!  Somehow, though, they became a thing of the past. Just like all of those sky-high bangs and giant shoulder pads.

If you have found yourself with a nostalgic twinge for a sip of the good stuff over the years Well, now you can have it!

Let’s gather the ingredients you need to make this Orange Julius recipe in your kitchen!

• California grown oranges: Did you know that California produces 80% of all the fresh citrus marketed in the United States? It’s true! There are many fresh orange varieties to choose from, but Cara Cara and Navel oranges pair perfectly in this Orange Julius recipe.
• Honey: Our Orange Julius recipe doesn’t need to be sweetened much at all, just a drizzle of honey is more than enough.
• Whole milk: This Orange Julius recipe is perfectly creamy using whole milk, but you could use whatever type of dairy that you have on hand including heavy cream. When purchasing dairy products, look for foods made with 100% real California dairy that feature the Real California Milk seal. Whenever you see the Real California Milk seal, you can feel good knowing that the product is certified as having been made with 100% Real California Milk from California dairy farm families.
• Vanilla bean paste: This recipe calls for vanilla bean paste, but you can use an equal amount of vanilla extract and it will be delicious. 
• Vanilla ice cream: You can’t go wrong with a scoop of the good stuff! It’s not a lot – just enough to lend a hint of flavor and optimal consistency.SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

Are there eggs in Orange Julius?

The original Orange Julius contained pasteurized egg whites which gave the drink its trademark creamy froth on top.

Pasteurizing is the process of gentle heating to kill food born illnesses. This process makes products safe to drink or eat. Many of the foods you consume on a daily basis are pasteurized like orange juice, milk, and wine. Pasteurized egg whites while safe to consume, didn’t make our version because we simply didn’t think it needed it.

The act of freezing the peeled oranges before blending them allows all of the membranes in the citrus to freeze. As the frozen orange pulp disperses through the drink it creates a frothy-effervescent mouth feel all on its own.

Looking for more ways to cook with oranges? Check out these delicious recipes!

Sweet Baked Ricotta with Orange Zest

This citrus scented, sweet baked ricotta is creamy but not too sweet. It is the perfect addition to a cheese course or dessert board.

Braised Datil Chicken with Olives + Oranges

This easy, braised chicken recipe from Displaced Housewife combines the flavors of citrus, garlic, and olives, with succulent Datil spiced chicken thighs.

Immune Boost Juice

Boatloads of fresh oranges, limes, carrots, and ginger are the base of this feel good juice from This Mess is Ours.

Curious what a day in the life of a citrus farmer looks like?

By day Eric Schmidt is a Fresno County Deputy Sheriff, but when he is off duty, he’s a proud citrus farmer in Central California! 

Share your creation with us by snapping a pic and tagging us on social using #CAGROWN. 

Craving more CA Grown goodness? Follow us on Pinterest for fresh and fabulous recipe inspo!

Fresh Orange Julius Recipe

Meg van der Kruik

Our Orange Julius recipe calls for a mix of fresh California oranges that have been peeled and partially frozen before being blended with honey, milk, and ice cream.

2.99 from 78 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Freezing time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 194 kcal

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 5 California oranges Cara Cara and Navel oranges work great, but any types will do. Peel and pith removed.
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1/3 cup whole milk look for the Real California Milk seal!
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla bean extract
• 1 cup vanilla ice cream

Instructions

 

• Place the peeled oranges on a plate and into the freezer for 30 minutes.
• Combine the frozen oranges, ice, milk, honey, vanilla bean paste, and ice cream in a blender and blend until the oranges are broken down and everything is combined. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Any combination of citrus will work in this recipe with slightly varied flavors. If you use smaller citrus varieties like mandarin or clementine you will need to increase the amount of total oranges needed accordingly. 

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 37mgPotassium: 394mgFiber: 4gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 539IUVitamin C: 87mgCalcium: 132mgIron: 1mg

Keyword citrus, honey, orange, real california dairy

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