5-Ingredient Fresh Orange Smoothie (Orange Julius Copycat)
‘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!”
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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. :)
Take care!
A healthy orange smoothie made with FRESH oranges, and your choice of milk and sweetener. Enjoy this fresh orange smoothie (“Orange Julius”) recipe today! Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Add more ice if you would like. If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #gimmesomeoven. I'd love to see what you cook!
Fresh Orange Smoothie (“Orange Julius”)
Ingredients:
Directions:
Ali’s Tip:
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. :)
I made this the other night because I’ve been battling a cold for 2 weeks and thought some serious vitamin C was in order. I halved the recipe b/c I needed a smaller serving – and it was awesome!! Tasted great and honestly, the next day I woke up feeling a little better. Coincidence? I think not! Thanks for the recipe!
Made this today, with a couple of modifications: added some protein powder and also some orange zest to make sure the orange flavor came through (had a problem with the orange flavor disappearing in another smoothie). It came out absolutely wonderful. The flavor definitely takes me back to my childhood. I’ll be making this often now. Thanks for a great recipe.
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OMG SO TRYING IT!!!
Have you tried this using a normal blender? Would it still work? (Most of us don’t have a $400 blender, but that’s cool you do! :) )
Hey Tricia! Yep, this one should totally work in all kinds of blenders. Enjoy!
I just made this and i already want more! it was so delicious, i could eat this like a dessert. I have an el cheapo blender and it worked just fine:) Thank you for this recipe!
I put in golden syrup it’s really nice aswell
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It took me 30mins since the ice simply refused to break down. I would suggest replacing a cup of the ice with cold water/milk or omitting it all together and replacing it with 1C water + 1C milk.
It needed more milk-i ended up doubling it but you could easily put 1C milk without it being too milky/liquid-y.
If you put 1C milk for 2 oranges, it is really creamy like a milkshake. You can refrigerate it if it isn’t cold
Also, it easily serves 4 , so if you’re making it just for yourself you might want to halve it.
I just finished making this for me and my family and it’s super delicious! thanks for sharing this recipe :)
Thanks Aimee, I’m glad it was a hit with your family!
This flavor was good, but I couldnt get past all the Orange pieces when sipping! I guess I should have assumed there would be pulp. I will do again but use frozen, pulp free oj. I used 1 Tblsp powdered sugar and half and half.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!
Thank you Lizzie! So happy you love it!
I may or may not have woken up my neighbours at 11pm with my orange smoothie cravings……….
Haha! Hope you love it, Hannah!
Fantastic blog you have here. You’ll discover me looking at your stuff often. Saved!
Thank you, Tram, we’re so happy to hear that!
I only n this receipt to make one cup a day to drink with my breakfast not 4 cups can I save the left overs if so how long are they good for?
We’d just suggest cutting the recipe in half. : )
Try this strawberry banana smoothie:
10-13 cubes of ice
1 cup fresh cut strawberries
1 cup 2% milk
3/4 cup vanilla yogurt
2 tablespoons sugar (add more or less to taste)
2 teaspoons vanilla (add more or less to taste)
Half or whole banana
*put ice in blender first and crush, add other ingredients but banana and blend 15-30 seconds, at end add banana. Enjoy!
We think that sounds pretty yummy Erin, thanks for sharing!
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Lovely ! I love it. Hope my kids will too. Or if they don’t yet, they will ! Sure to be on the breakfast menu from now on. That vanilla essence gives it something really delicious. Thank you
We’re so glad to hear that Jennifer, thanks for sharing with us! :D
Thank you for this recipe. It’s lovely. I think I might try freezing it for summer popsicles.
You’re very welcome Paul, we hope you enjoy!
I just got my Vitamix yesterday, and I had this recipe bookmarked prior to receiving it because I really wanted to make an at home Orange Julius…
I made this with a giant orange and a half, 1/3 a cup of vanilla almond milk, vanilla and 2 spoons of sugar
I froze the oranges last night so I wouldnt have to use ice
This was DELISH! thank you for such a great recipe!
Yay, do you totally love it?! We’re obsessed. :) And we’re so glad you enjoyed the smoothie!
How many servings does this make? I saw from one comment it makes 4, but wanted to double check.
Hi Sharon! This recipe will make about 4-5 cups, so depending on how thirsty you are and how big your glass is, it could be a few servings. We hope you enjoy!
I’ve never had an orange Julius but made this with clementines, zest, cashew milk, ice, vanilla, and agave…good stuff…
Just made this with some oranges from our tree and it is wonderful. Easy to make and taste like sunshine.
Kristen, we’re envious of your orange tree, that’s so awesome! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the smoothie! :)
mm mmm mmmm!! it seriously tastes like the real thing – and i have much less guilt drinking it! i even accidentally put too much vanilla but i wouldn’t change a thing! i may get brain freeze from drinking it so fast
Thanks Stacy! We’re so glad you enjoyed it! :D
What if you do not have almond milk can u just use regular milk?
Yes, you sure can! We hope you enjoy! :)
Can you just use regular milk instead of almond milk??
Yes, totally! We hope you enjoy! :)
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I made this and used frozen strawberries instead of ice. It is so good! Thanks for the recipe
We’re glad you enjoyed it Melinda! :)
Hi! My hubby and I had an Orange Julius craving tonight. I researched recipes but they all required a trip to the grocery store. Thankfully I found your healthy recipe which required ingredients that I already had on hand. I threw them into my new nutribullet and had a perfect orange Julius replica—right down to the froth! Thanks for the wonderful recipe!
We’re so glad to hear that Julie! Thanks for giving it a try — we’re happy you both enjoyed it! :)
Awesome recipe! Will definitely try this one.
Thanks, we hope you enjoy it! :)
Ninja professional blender , about 120 bucks . It has blades going over half way up the blender. Very good at making smoothies.
I have made this two mornings in a row and its Absolutely Amazing!!! Oh and my kiddos love it too ? I haven’t been to an Orange Julius since my high school days….love that I can make my own now…thank you for bringing this back from the archives!!
Thanks for sharing Tayna — we’re so glad you and your kiddos enjoy it! :)
Add a few scoops of vanilla ice cream to this and it tastes just like a dreamsicle!! Great recipe!
We like the way you think, B! :)
Not sure how everyone loved this….The flavor was there, yeah, but the chewiness of the smoothie from the pulpy oranges….yuck. I wonder if the freezing of the peeled oranges is necessary to not have that happen..
Yummy! This fresh orange moothie looks is really awesome! I think it is very effective for Weight Loss Challenge! thanks for share…
Thanks, Evie — we hope you enjoy it! :)
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Amazing! This tasted just like I remember from my childhood. Made half the recipe because I feel a cold coming on and need the Vitamin C boost, and I just added a tablespoon or so of chia seeds for good measure. Thanks for sharing!
We’re so happy you enjoyed it, Marie!
I added a little bit of ginger to mine so that it wouldn’t taste so sweet and also added more milk, orange zest and vanilla protein powder.
Awesome, we think that’s a great idea! :)
I love this smoothie. Any idea what the nutrition info is for this?
Thanks, Holly, we’re glad to hear that! As far as the nutrition info, we’re sorry but we currently are not publishing nutrition facts on the site, as the nutrition calculators available are not 100% accurate, and we never want to publish anything that might be misleading. However, a lot of our readers love the My Fitness Pal nutrition calculator, so feel free to try that for an estimate. We hope that helps!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to this page to make a home made orange julius! You know what? It tastes better then the original! And I know exactly what is in it :) so healthy since I can cut out the sugar too. Thank you over and over for sharing this drink with us! Cheers ;)
Thank you for your kind words, Bernadette — we’re so happy you love this! :)
You just made my entire pregnancy so much better by posting this gem of a recipe. I am currently drinking the entire thing myself right now. It’s so freaking good! Here’s to keeping our kitchens well stocked with oranges from now on!
Awww, we’re so happy to hear that, Sonya — thanks for sharing with us! And congrats! :)
Mmmmmmmmmm yummmmmmmm….. Better then Original because there’s really fruit in it!! Make again, and again… And again. Thank you for this recipe!
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Stephanie!
Thank you from San Diego way ~ coming down with a cold, popped some Ester C’s then looked at my pile of oranges & tangerines. Threw them in a blender used your recipe & voila…perfection. Thank you.
I just made this for a little breakfast smoothie before school, and WOW! This is the greatest orange smoothie ever! Thanks for the recipe
I have a plethora of fresh oranges so decided to try a new smoothie recipe. So glad I found this one. Since my oranges are super sweet I left out any added sweetener and added some yogurt. Very tasty! Thank you for sharing!
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Great morning drink
Loved it! The flavor was great not too sweet (I used 1 tbsp of maple syrup) and creamy :)