This 4-Ingredient ‘90s Dessert Brings Me Back to Summers at the Mall

When I was a kid growing up in the Deep South in the ’90s, the blender in our house was used daily for my mom’s health shakes. But on very special extra-hot days, my dad would pop open a can of frozen orange juice concentrate and pour it into the blender—we all knew it was Orange Julius day. There was nothing like that first sip of creamy, tart, frozen goodness.

As teenagers, my friends and I would rush to the mall food court to snag a big cup of the sweet frozen orange drink to fuel a full day of window shopping. While finding a Dairy Queen that still makes Orange Julius is a nearly impossible task, making it at home is as easy as adding four ingredients to a high-powered blender. This retro dessert only requires orange juice concentrate, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, a little water, and ice for blending.

My family and I go back to this dessert year after year because of its extra-creamy texture, tart, citrusy, and sweet vanilla flavor, and because it’s one of the simplest desserts you can make. It’s perfect for hot summer days spent outside by the grill, but I’ll admit I make it in the cooler months, too. It’s just that good! 

Tips for Making My Copycat Orange Julius

• Chill your glasses: Pop your serving glasses into the freezer for about 5 minutes before making your Orange Julius. Then, pull them out once you’re done blending up the frozen treat and pour it directly into the frosty glasses. This helps the drink stay colder as you sip it and maintain its creamy texture for longer.
• Don’t make it ahead: This recipe is best if you drink it as soon as you make it. The texture will be creamy and icy for a very short time before it starts to melt, so I don’t recommend making it in advance or storing leftovers.
• Choose Minute Maid: I’ve tried making an Orange Julius with other brands of orange juice concentrate and it’s still very tasty, but I find the Minute Maid brand packs the perfect blend of tart-and-sweet flavor. It’s the closest flavor match to the original. 

Serving Suggestions

We love to enjoy this Orange Julius recipe at cookouts! Adults and kids alike always love the sweet treat. Plus, the orange-vanilla flavor combo pairs really well with smoky dishes like grilled mushroom Swiss burgers or oven ribs.

It also makes a fun breakfast drink alongside bacon and eggs. I enjoy adding a little Greek yogurt and a little less sugar when I drink it in the mornings. When I have it for dessert, I like to top it with store-bought whipped cream or whipped topping for an extra creamy treat. 

How To Make My 4-Ingredient Copycat Orange Julius

To make four servings, you’ll need:

• 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate (half a standard 12-ounce can, preferably Minute Maid)
• 2 cups ice cubes
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup water 
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Set the frozen orange juice concentrate on the counter and allow it to partially thaw in its container for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, set four serving glasses in the freezer to chill.

Transfer the partially thawed orange juice concentrate to a high-powered blender. Add the ice, milk, water, sugar, and vanilla. Blend on low speed for about 5 seconds, then increase the speed to high and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. The texture should be thinner than a milkshake—closer in texture to a juicy smoothie and a little icy throughout. Serve immediately in the chilled glasses for the best texture and flavor.

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