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‘Tis the season for all things Vitamin C, eh?
Actually, this may be totally weird to point out, but I have to say that there’s a little phenomenon that exists in our culture that always makes me smile. I’m guessing you may have noticed it before. The It’s-Going-Around Phenomenon.
It can happen at end of December, the beginning of March, or smack dab in the middle of July. It can happen just about anywhere in the world. It’s what happens when you can’t stifle a cough, or have to blow your nose, or anytime you reference your child/friend/spouse/parent/cousin’s-boyfriend’s-mechanic’s-dentist. Anytime there’s a mention of someone being sick, the person near you quickly chimes in that — you guessed it — “Oh, I’ve heard that there’s something going around!”
Granted, that’s probably also true every day of the year. But it’s one of those nice mini traditions in our culture that I kind of love. Because no one ever wants to think that they’re the only one having to carry around 100 kleenex, or gulp down another spoonful of Nyquil. Nope, misery and colds love company. And they also need lots and lots of Vitamin C.
Which is where this random story is heading. If you happen to be someone who caught “that bug that’s going around” right now, or even if you’re trying to stave off said bug, well I have the perfect smoothie for you. And, it just so happens to be a healthy one that tastes just like the famous “orange julius” you used to get at the mall. As I would have said back in my high school Orange Julius days — score!
My original Orange Julius photo, back in 2010.
Yes, for anyone who has been following this blog forever and ever, this is actually a really old recipe from the good ol’ days of 2010 that I decided to re-photograph and re-share with you since it was collecting dust back in the archives. Which worked out for me, because in the weeks leading up to my Mexico vacation (where I’m currently basking in the sunshine), I was bound and determined to do everything possible not to get sick.
So, in comes this smoothie to the rescue.
This fresh orange smoothie has become a sort of winter tradition for me these past few years. I try and make it a point to always have fresh oranges in the house during cold and flu season, and one of the easiest ways to use them is with in this smoothie.
It is the epitome of “quick and easy” to make, with just 5 simple ingredients. And the claim to fame which makes it taste just like the Orange Julius we all used to love is that tiny ingredient right there in the center: vanilla.
It’s the key ingredient that kicks this smoothie up a mega notch. And when paired with the milk (I use almond milk), a bit of honey (if needed to sweeten), and tons of fresh oranges (I’d say this one’s what they call “heavy pulp”), this smoothie tastes like an absolute treat.
To make it, simply toss everything in a blender…
…and, well, blend it. ;)
No fancy instructions for this one.
Then pop in a straw (I’m obsessed with these metal straws from West Elm lately), and down all of that delicious Vitamin C. Hopefully it will make you feel better, and keep you feeling better, and — at minimum — make your day taste all the better soon. :)
A healthy orange smoothie made with FRESH oranges, and your choice of milk and sweetener. Enjoy this fresh orange smoothie (“Orange Julius”) recipe today!
Ingredients
Scale
4 fresh oranges, peeled
2 cups ice
1/3 cup milk (your preference – regular, soy, coconut, etc.)
1-2 tablespoons honey (or agave or your desired sweetener), if needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Add more ice if you would like.
Notes
My favorite trick with this is to pop the peeled oranges in the freezer for 30 minutes prior to making these. So that they’re not thoroughly frozen, but definitely chilled and beginning to freeze. Then you can use slightly less ice. :)
Amazing recipe. Tastes just like the real thing! I’m pregnant and I’ve been craving an orange julius all week and this hit the spot :D I added the zest of one of the oranges because I’m obsessed with orange flavor.
We have an orange tree, and I wanted to use our oranges. This recipe is delicious! I will be making it again, but its a lot, so I will cut it in half. Yummy!
Does not taste like the real thing because the real thing doesn’t use real oranges. It uses a powder and extra sugar and egg whites. However we wanted a healthier version and this was perfect. Just sweet enough with the oranges and honey. Very pulpy but we love pulp. Used oat milk.
This sounds delicious! I just bought a whole bag of oranges and they have no taste. But they should have lots of vitamin C, so I’m going to make this smoothie with them. I need lots of vitamin C to boost my immune system.
I didn’t know that u could make a smoothie with only 5 ingredients and I tried this with other fruits to and it works.
Amazing recipe. Tastes just like the real thing! I’m pregnant and I’ve been craving an orange julius all week and this hit the spot :D I added the zest of one of the oranges because I’m obsessed with orange flavor.
This totally tastes like the real thing!!
We have an orange tree, and I wanted to use our oranges. This recipe is delicious! I will be making it again, but its a lot, so I will cut it in half. Yummy!
Does not taste like the real thing because the real thing doesn’t use real oranges. It uses a powder and extra sugar and egg whites. However we wanted a healthier version and this was perfect. Just sweet enough with the oranges and honey. Very pulpy but we love pulp. Used oat milk.
This sounds delicious! I just bought a whole bag of oranges and they have no taste. But they should have lots of vitamin C, so I’m going to make this smoothie with them. I need lots of vitamin C to boost my immune system.
I never knew this recipe will taste this nice wow!
Exactly what I was craving. Perfect for these summer months. Thank you