Ever craved that perfect mix of creamy and tangy on a hot day? This coconut orange julius recipe is gonna blow your mind. Like, seriously. I stumbled on this combo last summer when I was bored of regular smoothies and OMG it’s been my go-to ever since. The tropical coconut flavor with that classic orange julius sweetness? Game changer.
Why You’ll Totally Love This Coconut Orange Julius
Listen, making drinks at home can be hit or miss. But this coconut orange julius is basically foolproof. First time I made it for my sister (who’s super picky btw), she asked for seconds before even finishing her first glass!
What makes this so awesome:
- Ready in like 5 mins
- Way cheaper than buying one
- Can customize sweetness
- Uses stuff you probably already have
- Works for breakfast or dessert
Plus you can make it for kids without any weird ingredients they’ll complain about. Win-win.
What You’ll Need for the Best Homemade Coconut Orange Julius
The secret to an amazing coconut orange julius is quality ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- Fresh orange juice (or good quality store-bought)
- Coconut milk (the canned kind, not the drinking kind)
- Vanilla extract (real, not imitation if possible)
- Ice cubes
- Honey or sugar
- Pinch of salt (trust me on this)
- Optional: orange zest for extra flavor
For coconut milk, I recommend full-fat for max creaminess, but light works too if you’re watching calories. And def use fresh oranges if you can – makes a huge difference.
How to Make Your Coconut Orange Julius
Making this drink is super easy. Just follow these steps:
- Gather your ingredients and a blender
- Add 1 cup orange juice to blender
- Pour in 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Add 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- Drop in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and tiny pinch of salt
- Throw in about 1 cup of ice
- Blend till smooth and frothy – about 30 seconds
- Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately
The consistency should be thick but drinkable – like a milkshake. If it’s too thick, add more juice. Too thin? More ice.
The most important part is getting that frothiness – that’s what makes a coconut orange julius authentic. Blend until you see that creamy foam on top. When it looks like a smoothie with a frothy cap, it’s perfect.
Tasty Variations of Coconut Orange Julius
Want to mix things up? Try these awesome variations:
Tropical Twist Coconut Orange Julius
Add 1/2 cup pineapple chunks before blending. Takes the tropical vibes to the next level! Reminds me of our Pina Colada Smoothie but with orange.
Creamy Coconut Orange Julius Popsicles
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for 4-6 hours. Perfect for hot days!
Protein-Packed Coconut Orange Julius
Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Great post-workout option.
Coconut Orange Julius Mocktail
Add sparkling water on top and serve with an orange slice. So fancy!
Ginger Coconut Orange Julius
Add 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger for a zingy kick. If you like this, you’ll also love our Banana Lemon Ginger Smoothie.
Storage Tips for Your Coconut Orange Julius
This drink is best fresh, for sure. But if you make too much, you can keep it in the fridge for about 24 hours in a closed container. It’ll separate, so just re-blend or shake really well before drinking.
Pro tip: freeze leftovers in ice cube trays, then blend the frozen cubes later for a quick version!
Best Time to Enjoy Easy Coconut Orange Julius
Summer mornings are perfect for this coconut orange julius. I make one after my weekend run and it’s seriously the best reward. My kids think it’s a special treat but it’s actually way healthier than the sugar bombs at the mall.
Last summer we had a backyard BBQ and I made a big batch – everyone went crazy for them! Even my dad who “doesn’t like coconut” had two glasses.
This coconut orange julius has become our family tradition now. When cousins visit, they always ask if I’m making “that orange coconut thing.” Makes me feel kinda special, you know?
Give this recipe a try and make it your own! Tag us if you post it online – love seeing your versions of our coconut orange julius creations!
Coconut Orange Julius
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh orange juice or good quality store-bought
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk full-fat for creaminess
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Optional: Orange zest for extra flavor
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and a blender.
- Add 1 cup of orange juice to the blender.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of coconut milk.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or sugar, adjusting for desired sweetness.
- Drop in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Add about 1 cup of ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and frothy (approximately 30 seconds).
- Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Coconut Orange Julius FAQs
What is the secret ingredient in Orange Julius?
The original Orange Julius has a few secret ingredients, but vanilla is key for that signature taste. In our coconut orange julius, we use vanilla extract plus coconut milk which adds amazing creaminess. Some people think the original uses powdered egg whites for frothiness, but our coconut milk creates that same texture naturally.
Has Orange Julius been discontinued?
Nope! Orange Julius stands still exist, usually combined with Dairy Queen locations. But honestly, this homemade coconut orange julius tastes even better than the original and you don’t have to leave home.
Can you mix coconut milk and orange juice?
Absolutely! Coconut milk and orange juice make an amazing combo. The creaminess of coconut balances the acidity of orange juice perfectly. Just make sure to blend well – they won’t mix properly if just stirred together. For another great coconut drink, try our Pineapple Coconut Water.
What does an Orange Julius have in it?
A traditional Orange Julius contains orange juice, milk, vanilla, sugar, and ice. Our coconut orange julius upgrades this by using coconut milk instead of regular milk, which adds tropical flavor and makes it dairy-free. The original might also use egg whites for frothiness, but our recipe doesn’t need them.
Does Dairy Queen still own Orange Julius?
Yes, Dairy Queen still owns Orange Julius. They’re often in the same locations now. But this homemade coconut orange julius recipe means you don’t need to go to either! If you’re into fruity drinks, you might also like our Honeydew Lemonade or Pineapple Ginger Iced Tea.