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A creamy orange smoothie in a glass topped with zest, surrounded by fresh orange halves and scattered rolled oats.

Orange Julius Inspired Smoothie

Recreate the nostalgic taste of an Orange Julius with this simple and refreshing smoothie recipe. It's a creamy, dreamy blend of fresh oranges, milk, a touch of sweetness, and vanilla.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Beverage, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium Oranges peeled and segmented, chilled if possible
  • 1 cup Milk dairy or non-dairy alternative
  • 1/2 cup Ice cubes
  • 2-3 tbsp Granulated Sugar or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Blender

Method
 

  1. Peel and segment the medium oranges. Remove as much of the white pith and seeds as possible for the smoothest texture and best flavor. Place the segments into your blender.
  2. To the blender, add the milk, ice cubes, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Ensure all ingredients are nestled around the blades.
  3. Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. There should be no visible chunks of ice or orange. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk (1-2 tablespoons) and blend again. If it's too thin, add a few more ice cubes.
  4. Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more sugar (start with 1 teaspoon) and blending briefly until combined. You can also add a tiny pinch more vanilla for intensified flavor.
  5. Pour the Orange Julius Inspired Smoothie into glasses and serve immediately for the best frosty experience. Garnish with an orange slice if desired.

Notes

For an extra boost of orange flavor, you can replace a quarter cup of the milk with fresh orange juice. For a thicker, more 'ice cream shake' like consistency, you can freeze the orange segments beforehand. This recipe is easily doubled for more servings.