Orange Julius ~ Homemade

Happy New Year!  We're starting off the new year with a sweet, refreshing drink that I have loved since I was a child, Orange Julius. 

You don't have to drive to the mall or wait in line, because it's so easy to make this at home!

 
Recipe Link
Ingredients 
6 ounces canned orange juice concentrate, frozen
1 cup water
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
10 ice cubes
Directions
Combine all ingredients (except ice cubes) in blender. Add ice cubes, 2 at a time and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Variations
1. Substitute a ripe banana instead of adding sugar to make an Orange-Banana Julius
2. Make Orange Julius popsicles by pouring into popsicle molds. (If you don't have popsicle molds, use a small (3 to 5  oz.) cup, let freeze slightly and add an wooden popsicle stick in the center. Then, let freeze completely. *Blend Orange Julius right before pouring into molds or cups to keep the mixture from separating.

Source: Mom

        For the 6 of us, I make two batches. So, I buy a 12 oz. can of frozen OJ concentrate. If I decide to make just one batch, I use half and put the lid back on and put the rest of the OJ back in the freezer for next time.

I made this batch with a ripe banana instead of adding sugar. It was yummy!

Nice and frothy. Just like the original.

If I have leftover Orange Julius, I pour it into popsicle molds and freeze it.

The kiddos love it this way! Makes a nice after school snack.

The Results...
My kiddos love this just as much as I did when I was little.  They get excited like I did when my mom would make this for me and my brothers.

My husband also likes this Orange Julius, except that it's a bit too sweet for him.  So, sometimes I reduce the amount of sugar to 1/4 cup or replace the sugar with a ripe banana and it is still delicious!