The Domestic Rebel

Everyday Ingredients, Extraordinary Desserts

Copycat Orange Julius

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copycat orange julius with fresh orange slices and a green straw on green fabricWhen I was a teenager, I loved hanging out at the mall.

I believe that makes me a mall rat? If so, rat I am.

I thought it was so cool when my mom would drop me off at the mall so I could walk around with friends, scoping out cute boys in Anchor Blue (DUDE. I never thought I’d say those words again) or Zumiez and suck down Orange Julius like it was my job.

…that was, when my mom gave me money for an Orange Julius. They were never super cheap and she intended for what cash she did dole out to be used for actual sustenance, not a glorified orange milkshake. But I would find it impossible to resist buying an Orange Julius because walking by their stand, with the aroma of freshly-squeezed orange juice wafting through the air and resisting a purchase was basically impossible. Plus, they always had the cutest guys working at Orange Julius. It was like getting a smoothie for $4 but getting bonus eye candy for free.

(FYI, I was super boy crazy and a total psychopath who watched the cute boys work).

copycat orange julius drink in jar with fresh orange slices and a green strawBut there’s something so alluring and delicious about an Orange Julius. It’s thickness, for one, makes it almost milkshake-esque, combined with its unabashed creaminess which no doubt comes from some kind of cream or soft serve. And that bright orange flavor which offers such a wonderful freshness – so delicious. It’s icy, cool, refreshing, creamy, and mysteriously delicious – what is the secret ingredient? But I think I’ve finally cracked the code on this OJ business.

I’ve adapted this recipe from my Copycat Wendy’s Frosties which are eerily similar in texture to these Orange Julius copycats. The base is the same as the Wendy’s Frosty: Cool Whip and sweetened condensed milk (for creaminess), but with swaps for an Orange Julius – orange juice for starters, and orange juice concentrate, which ramps up the flavor and adds that icy texture we crave.

Overall? Save your $4. This is alllllllll you need, mall rat. Unless, of course, you’re only going to scope out potential BFs at Anchor Blue. Just don’t buy the puca shell necklace.

closeup of orange julius in a glass jar with an orange slice and green straw*adapted from my Frosties recipe

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5 from 3 votes

Copycat Orange Julius

This summery Copycat Orange Julius tastes eerily similar to the original and is a cinch to make. It comes together in minutes and offers a creamy texture with a bright orange flavor everyone will love.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks, Frozen Desserts, No-Bake Treats
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2
Author: Hayley Parker, The Domestic Rebel

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups orange juice
  • 1 (12 oz) can frozen orange juice concentrate slightly thawed
  • 1 (16 oz) tub Cool Whip Free frozen
  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 5-7 ice cubes

Instructions

  • In a large blender, add the orange juice, the frozen concentrate, the condensed milk, ice cubes, and chopped chunks of the Cool Whip (I just cut it in quarters with a rubber spatula and add the quarters to the blender cavity).
  • Blend on HIGH for about 2 minutes or until creamy, thick and blended completely. Pour among two glasses (I used Mason jars) and garnish with spare orange segments, if desired. Top with whipped cream if you'd like; I like mine plain.

closeup of spoonful of orange julius to show texture with green straw and orange slicesThe. BEST. The creamiest. The most delicious copycat recipe ever. You guys need to try this bad boy! I think you’ll agree, it’s creamsicle quality, thick creaminess and icy texture make it one of the best drinks you’ll have this spring & summer!

Have a super sweet day!!

xo, Hayley

 

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Comments

  3. Oh gosh. I remember those days in middle and high school. I’m glad I don’t have to relive them, but it’d totally be for reliving the flavors of Orange Julius in my own home. It’s such a simple recipe, but I bet it tastes amazing!

    Reply

    • It totally tastes amazing AND doesn’t require being a gawky teenager to enjoy 😀 Haha thanks Erin!

      Reply

  4. Down south in Florida we make something similar called sunshine shakes. Except we just use vanilla ice cream, organe sherbert, and orange juice. Mix em all together in a blender with a few ice cubes (if necessary) and voila! Orange milkshake. Its easy and so good!!

    Reply

    • SaraLily me either! For some reason they just aren’t as common anymore. I want to recreate the blackberry storm!

      Reply

    • Laura – right?! Walking by the wafting aroma of freshly squeezed orange juice is pretty impossible to resist 🙂 It’s hard not to get one whenever I stop by the mall, but thankfully now we can make ’em at home. They’re pricier now than they were back in the day!

      Reply

    • Thanks so much, Katalina! This recipe is perfect for warmer days… or really any day! 🙂

      Reply

  8. Haha we were just talking about how it used to be so cool to hang out at the mall! Because I was just there (and I haven’t been there in forever) and I was like wow it seems like the mall is full of creepy people and teenagers… I would always secretly hope my mom was in the mood for an orange Julius when she would bring me shopping so she’d get one for me too!!

    Reply

    • Katelyn – YES! Whenever I’d go shopping with my mom, I’d always try to steer her toward Orange Julius in hopes she’d be enticed to buy one. The smell of those oranges was very hard to resist 🙂

      Reply

    • You’re so sweet, Ashley! I’m sure yours is every bit as delicious! 🙂 What matters is we aren’t forking over $4 for a small at the mall! Ha 😛

      Reply

    • I totally agree! Sometimes I’d stray with blackberry banana, but most of the time I went straight for the classic. Who doesn’t love orange and cream together?!

      Reply

    • Chandra – I totally wish we could reach through and grab one – I could use one now, too 🙂 Thanks sweets! Miss you!

      Reply

  17. 5 stars
    I love this recipe, it is awesome. Do you have a recipe for the blackberry storm smoothie from orange Julius? They have quit making it here in Boise Idaho.

    Reply

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