How to Make an Orange Julius: From Classic to Creative

Introduction

Orange Julius is a frothy, creamy, and refreshing drink that has been a favorite for generations. It is a popular drink all around the world, and it can be found in many cafes and snack bars. This classic drink is perfect for a hot summer day or when you want to taste the sweet and tangy flavors of an orange. This article is your ultimate guide to making an Orange Julius. We will be covering the classic recipe, a healthy twist, how to make a batch for a crowd, the history of the drink, variations of the recipe, and a DIY tutorial.

The Traditional Recipe for Making an Orange Julius

Orange Julius is made with orange juice concentrate, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, ice, and water. It is a simple recipe that is easy to follow, and it only takes a few minutes to make. Here’s how you can make a classic Orange Julius at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orange juice concentrate
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 cups ice
• 1 cup water

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds or until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the drink into glasses and serve immediately.

Tip: Make sure that you add the ingredients in the order listed above. This will help with the blending process and ensure that you get a smooth and creamy consistency.

A Healthier Twist on the Classic Drink

While the classic Orange Julius is delicious, it can be a bit high in sugar and calories. A healthier version of the drink can be made by adding greens like spinach and Greek yogurt. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 banana
• 1 cup ice cubes

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds or until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the drink into glasses and serve immediately.

Tip: You can add more ice if you prefer a thicker consistency for your Orange Julius. Use a frozen banana for a colder and more refreshing drink.

Making an Orange Julius for a Crowd or Party

If you are hosting a party or have a large family, you might want to make a batch of Orange Julius for everyone to enjoy. Here’s how to make enough for a crowd:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of frozen orange juice concentrate
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 6 cups ice
• 3 cups water

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend the ingredients on the low speed setting of your blender until the ice is roughly chopped.
3. Switch the blender to high speed and blend the mixture for 20-30 seconds or until completely smooth.
4. Pour the drink into a large pitcher and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tip: You can double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd. To serve, pour the drink into individual glasses and add a straw. You can garnish each glass with a thin slice of orange or strawberry for some added flair.

The History of the Orange Julius Drink

The Orange Julius drink was created in 1926 by a man named Julius Freed. He opened up a small orange juice stand in Los Angeles, California, where he started experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. His signature drink was a frothy, creamy, and refreshing beverage made with orange juice, egg, sugar, vanilla, and ice. He named the drink after himself and called it the Orange Julius.

Over the years, the drink gained popularity and became a household name. In the 1960s, Julius Freed sold his business to the international conglomerate, International Dairy Queen. The Orange Julius was then sold in Dairy Queen stores and eventually made its way to other locations worldwide.

The Orange Julius has gone through several changes throughout its history. In the 1980s, the company switched to using frozen orange juice concentrate instead of fresh orange juice. This change made it easier to make the drink and reduced waste.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

The Orange Julius is a versatile drink that can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations on the classic recipe:

Strawberry Orange Julius:

• 1 cup orange juice concentrate
• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 cups ice
• 1 cup water

Mango Orange Julius:

• 1 cup orange juice concentrate
• 1 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 cups ice
• 1 cup water

Vanilla Orange Julius:

• 1 cup orange juice concentrate
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 cups ice
• 1 cup water

DIY Tutorial on How to Make an Orange Julius

Making an Orange Julius at home is easy, and you don’t need any special equipment. Here’s how you can make an Orange Julius using a blender or a food processor:

Blender Method:

1. Add the orange juice concentrate, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and ice in the blender.
2. Blend the ingredients on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the drink into glasses and serve immediately.

Food Processor Method:

1. Add the orange juice concentrate, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar in the food processor.
2. Pulse the ingredients until well combined.
3. Add the ice and pulse on high speed until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the drink into glasses and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks from a Mixologist

To get the perfect Orange Julius, we spoke to a mixologist who shared their tips and tricks.

Use a high-speed blender: The best way to get a smooth and creamy Orange Julius is to use a high-speed blender. The blender should have a minimum of 600 watts.

Ice is key: Using ice in the Orange Julius is essential to get the frothy and creamy texture. Use a minimum of 2 cups of ice to achieve the perfect Orange Julius.

Work in batches: If you’re making a batch for a crowd, it’s better to work in batches. This will ensure that the drink is blended evenly and smoothly.

Try different garnishes: You can add various garnishes to your Orange Julius to give it that extra oomph. Popular garnishes include an orange slice, a strawberry, or a sprig of mint.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making an Orange Julius at home is easy and fun. With our guide, you can make the classic recipe, a healthier twist, a batch for a crowd, and even create your variations. And if you don’t have a blender, don’t worry; you can still make an Orange Julius using a food processor or a hand mixer. The possibilities are endless, and we encourage you to experiment and find your perfect Orange Julius recipe.