Dairy Queen Orange Julius Recipe

There’s something magical about sipping on a Dairy Queen Orange Julius – that frothy, citrusy, almost creamsicle-like flavor instantly transports you back to childhood summers. While the original version often contained dairy and powdered egg whites, this updated Dairy Queen Orange Julius Recipe is 100% dairy-free, refreshing, and packed with fresh ingredients.

What makes this drink so special is its creamy, frothy texture that feels like a cross between a smoothie and a milkshake but is much lighter. Thanks to a simple blend of oranges, coconut milk, and aquafaba (a vegan-friendly substitute for egg whites), you’ll achieve that classic Orange Julius foam without any dairy.

Perfect for barbecues, White Lily Buttermilk Biscuits, or just a hot afternoon at home, this drink is as nostalgic as it is refreshing. Serve it chilled, topped with fresh orange zest, and watch how quickly it disappears from the table.

My Personal Experience With This Dairy Queen Orange Julius Recipe

Growing up, a trip to Dairy Queen always meant one thing for me – treating myself to a frosty Orange Julius. It wasn’t just another drink; it was the highlight of summer afternoons. That unique creamsicle taste was unlike anything else I had tried, and it always left me craving more.

Years later, I experimented with my own homemade versions, but I wasn’t completely satisfied. My earlier attempts ended up tasting more like a milkshake than the light, frothy drink I remembered. It took a few trials, but with fresh oranges, coconut milk, and a splash of orange extract, I finally nailed the texture and flavor.

This recipe has since become a family favorite in my home. On warm days, I love blending up a batch and serving it with a garnish of orange zest. The aroma alone fills the kitchen with pure citrus bliss, and the first sip always takes me back to those carefree childhood days.

Ingredients Required for Dairy Queen Orange Julius Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Dairy Queen Orange Julius

• 1 large seedless orange (leave the pith on for nutrients)
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (blended smooth if separated)
• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 tablespoon aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (non-alcoholic)
• 1 teaspoon orange extract
• ½ cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Fresh orange zest (for garnish)

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. High-speed blender (Vitamix or similar)
2. Measuring cups & spoons
3. Citrus zester
4. Serving glasses & straws

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Blending Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 11 minutes

Copycat Dairy Queen Orange Julius Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Dairy Queen Orange Julius in a delicious way.

Step 1: Prepare the orange
Start by peeling one large seedless orange. If your orange has seeds, be sure to remove them. Keep the white pith on the fruit, as it’s packed with nutrients and won’t make the drink bitter.

Step 2: Blend the coconut milk
If your canned full-fat coconut milk has separated, quickly blend or stir it until smooth. This ensures you get that rich, creamy consistency needed for the perfect frothy drink.

Step 3: Add ingredients to the blender
Into a high-speed blender, add the peeled orange, 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk, 1 cup of filtered water, 1 tablespoon of aquafaba, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of orange extract, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 cup of ice.

Step 4: Blend to perfection
Secure the blender lid. Start at a low speed and gradually increase to the highest setting. Blend for about 45 seconds until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and has a light frothy texture on top.

Step 5: Taste and adjust
Before pouring, taste your Orange Julius. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little extra sugar or maple syrup. Blend again briefly to combine.

Step 6: Serve and garnish
Pour the frothy mixture into chilled glasses. Garnish each serving with fresh orange zest and add a straw for that classic Orange Julius presentation. Serve immediately while cold and foamy.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Dairy Queen Orange Julius

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Dairy Queen Orange Julius deliciously

1. With a Summer BBQ Spread
We’ve served this frothy drink at backyard barbecues, and it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken skewers or smoky BBQ ribs. The citrusy sweetness balances the savory flavors perfectly.

2. As a Brunch Drink
Honestly, this Orange Julius feels right at home next to pancakes or waffles. We love pouring it into tall glasses with a garnish of orange zest when hosting weekend brunch. It’s like a mimosa-but kid-friendly and dairy-free!

3. Alongside Fresh Fruit Bowls
One of our favorite pairings is a big bowl of chilled watermelon, pineapple, and berries. The Orange Julius amplifies the natural sweetness of the fruit and makes the meal feel so refreshing.

4. With Spicy Dishes
We found this drink works amazingly with spicy foods-think tacos, curries, or even hot wings. The creamy citrus flavor cools your palate after the heat.

5. As a Dessert Drink
Sometimes, instead of baking, we serve this as the “dessert.” It reminds us of orange creamsicles, and guests always say it feels like having a light, frothy ice cream float without being heavy.

6. Paired with Cookies
One afternoon, we tried sipping this alongside a batch of homemade sugar cookies, and wow-it was like a dreamy combination of citrus and buttery sweetness. Shortbread works wonderfully too.

7. With Breakfast Pastries
Croissants, danishes, or even a slice of lemon pound cake taste incredible when paired with an Orange Julius. The frothiness makes each bite feel brighter and more indulgent.

8. Frozen into Popsicles
Here’s a fun twist: we once poured leftover Orange Julius into popsicle molds and froze them. The result? A healthy, dairy-free creamsicle that was an absolute hit with kids.

9. As a Cocktail Base
On a summer evening, we experimented by adding a splash of vodka or rum to the blend. It turned into the ultimate adult creamsicle cocktail-smooth, refreshing, and dangerously delicious.

10. With Light Salads
A crisp garden salad or Dairy Queen Coleslaw with citrus vinaigrette or even a quinoa salad pairs surprisingly well with this drink. It’s like a double burst of freshness that makes the meal feel so clean and energizing.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Dairy Queen Orange Julius Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Pick a sweet orange – The sweeter the orange, the tastier your drink will be. Try to use a ripe one.

2. Keep the white part – Don’t peel off all the white stuff (pith). It has good vitamins and doesn’t taste bad.

3. Shake your coconut milk – If your coconut milk looks separated, give it a quick shake or blend before using.

4. Use cold water – Cold water makes your drink extra refreshing.

5. Add ice last – Put ice in at the end so the drink gets nice and frothy.

6. Don’t blend too long – Just blend for about 45 seconds. If you blend too long, it won’t stay fluffy.

7. Taste and adjust – Like it sweeter? Add a little more sugar. Want it lighter? Add more water.

8. Try fun straws – Use colorful straws to make it look more like the Dairy Queen version.

9. Add orange zest – Sprinkle some grated orange peel on top. It makes the drink look fancy and smell yummy.

10. Drink it fresh – Orange Julius tastes best right after you make it. So sip it right away!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Dairy Queen Orange Julius Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

This Dairy Queen Orange Julius is best enjoyed fresh, as the frothy texture fades over time. If you need to store it, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and re-blend with a little extra ice before serving.

FAQs on this Copycat Dairy Queen Orange Julius Recipe

When you give this Dairy Queen Orange Julius Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What are the ingredients in a Dairy Queen Orange Julius?

From our experience making it at home, the classic ingredients include fresh oranges, coconut milk (for that creamy base), water, aquafaba (as the frothy element), vanilla extract, orange extract, sugar, and ice. The beauty of making it yourself is that you know exactly what goes into your glass.

2. What are the ingredients of an Orange Julius?

Traditionally, Orange Julius used orange juice concentrate, powdered milk, and even powdered egg whites. But in this updated, dairy-free version, we prefer using whole oranges, full-fat coconut milk, and aquafaba. It gives the same frothy texture while keeping the recipe lighter and plant-based.

3. What’s the secret ingredient in Orange Julius?

The real game-changer is aquafaba. It might sound unusual, but it’s simply the liquid from a can of chickpeas. We use it to recreate the frothy texture you’d normally get from egg whites, and trust us-you won’t taste the chickpeas at all!

4. What flavor is an Orange Julius?

It tastes like a cross between freshly squeezed orange juice and a creamy orange creamsicle. Think about those orange push-up pops from childhood-light, frothy, and sweet, but not as heavy as a milkshake. That’s the exact flavor experience.

5. Is Orange Julius dairy-free?

The original version wasn’t, but our recipe is completely dairy-free. By swapping milk with coconut milk, we still get that creamy texture without using any dairy products.

6. Can I make Orange Julius without sugar?

Yes! We’ve tried it with pure maple syrup and even honey for natural sweetness. While granulated sugar gives the most authentic flavor, these alternatives work well if you prefer a healthier option.

7. Can I use regular orange juice instead of whole oranges?

We’ve experimented with this, and while orange juice works in a pinch, whole oranges give the drink more body, freshness, and nutrients. Leaving the white pith on also adds extra fiber without bitterness.

8. How do I make Orange Julius frothy without eggs?

That’s where aquafaba comes in! Just a tablespoon of chickpea liquid blends beautifully to create that signature froth. It’s our favorite plant-based hack for this recipe.

9. Can I turn this recipe into a frozen dessert?

Absolutely! We’ve poured leftovers into popsicle molds, and they turned into creamy orange popsicles that taste just like a healthy creamsicle.

10. What’s the best occasion to serve Orange Julius?

Honestly, we’ve served it everywhere-from summer barbecues to lazy Sunday brunches. It’s light enough for breakfast but also fun enough to serve as a dessert drink. Kids love it, and adults enjoy it just as much.

There you have it – a nostalgic, refreshing Dairy Queen Orange Julius recipe that’s dairy-free, family-friendly, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue or enjoying it as a midday refresher, this frothy orange drink is sure to impress.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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