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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. :)
So good, I had a couple of oranges that were on their way out and didn’t want to throw them away so I used them for this! Great recipe, I used a regular blender and maple syrup to sweeten. I think it had more to do with my choice of blender than anything, but be prepared for a little pulp!
This smoothie is better then the one you buy !Delicious! I
Yes freeze the oranges it’s comes out really creamy!
I have an orange tree and will be enjoying this yummy recipe
I recommend it! It’s so easy and delicious!
Loved this, thank you!! I use smoothies in the morning to take powdered supplements and they mixed in perfectly with this. I never would have thought of adding vanilla, really makes it great!
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.
It was easy, and very delicious!
★★★★★
So good, I had a couple of oranges that were on their way out and didn’t want to throw them away so I used them for this! Great recipe, I used a regular blender and maple syrup to sweeten. I think it had more to do with my choice of blender than anything, but be prepared for a little pulp!
★★★★★
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DELICIOUS. Tastes just like an Orange Julius.
★★★★★
Made this for brunch. Yummy. I agree you need to freeze the oranges for a little while so you don’t have to use so much ice.
★★★★
My first smoothie. Really easy and really good
★★★★★
Its really good! Next time I have to remember to take any seeds out of the oranges and remove all of the orange peeling from the orange.
Pretty good, but my sister said it needed more flavor.
★★★★
If you have no honey, I would advise using maple syrup. (Not sugar)
★★★★
This smoothie is better then the one you buy !Delicious! I
Yes freeze the oranges it’s comes out really creamy!
I have an orange tree and will be enjoying this yummy recipe
I recommend it! It’s so easy and delicious!
★★★★★
So delicious! One of our favourite smoothies :)
★★★★★
Delicious recipe!!! Everyone loved it!!! Thank you so much!
★★★★★
SO DELICIOUS, everyone loved it ! served up to 4 servings
★★★★★
Really simple and just what I was looing for!
★★★★
It’s so good definitely 5 stars. This is now my go-to shake. I recommend it! :)
★★★★★
the best thing ever
★★★★
Loved this, thank you!! I use smoothies in the morning to take powdered supplements and they mixed in perfectly with this. I never would have thought of adding vanilla, really makes it great!
★★★★★
ABSOLUTELY LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! IM DRINKING THIS EVERY MORNING FROM NOW ON 😩
★★★★★
This is my favorite recipe for an easy, quick smoothie for hot days! You can also use frozen orange juice if no fresh oranges are available
★★★★★
Very tasty and easy to make. Also a great way to get rid of some old but still good oranges.
★★★★★
Hi Ali I loved the recipe it’s delious my family also loved it .Please cotinue to make more these ones ❤❤❤.
I used 1cup of simply orange juice 8oz.
1/2 cup of ice
1/3 cup milk (I used almond milk)
And blended it
It came out great. Less ice
No need for extra sugar when the orange juice was simple itself
I like it added some vanilla protein powder!
This smoothie tastes excellent! The recipe is easy to follow.
★★★★★
I have”nt tried it but do you have to use ice you you put your orange or freezing cold???
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.
★★★★★