Coconut Orange Julius (Vegan and Dairy-Free)
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This dairy-free coconut Orange Julius recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic drink. It has all the creamy consistency and fruity flavor you know and love, with a boost of coconut for extra deliciousness. Quick and easy to make, it’s the perfect treat for warm days!
If I’m being honest, I didn’t come up with the idea for this recipe. My husband was actually the one who first suggested I make a copycat Orange Julius, and I had no idea what it was.
Of course, we had to go order one immediately, and it only took me a few sips to realize I had been seriously missing out! So, I got to work recreating the drink at home. It took me a few tries to get all the components quite right. However, it was well worth the effort, because this recipe has been a family favorite ever since.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Copycat mall drink – With minimal ingredients, you can make this refreshing summer drink in less than 5 minutes!
- Light, frothy texture – Blending all the ingredients with a cup of ice cubes at a high speed makes the most deliciously light and frothy drink! No egg whites required!
- Vegan twist – Unlike classic recipes, my Orange Julius recipe is completely dairy-free and vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
This recipe makes enough for six servings, making it great for hosting. Pair it with grilled pork kebabs and watermelon feta salad for a backyard barbecue, and all your guests will rave!
Key Ingredient Notes
- Frozen orange concentrate – I don’t typically like to use juice concentrates, but it’s crucial in this recipe! I’ve tried regular orange juice, and it just doesn’t cut it.
- Unsweetened coconut milk – I use refrigerated coconut milk from a carton, not canned coconut milk. Also, make sure it’s unsweetened, or your drink will be far too sweet.
- Granulated sugar sweetens the mixture, creating a dessert-like taste. If desired, you can cut it in half.
- Pure vanilla extract infuses the drink with a delicious vanilla flavor, adding depth to the fruity notes. I almost always have homemade vanilla extract on hand, but store-bought will also work. Just make sure to use high-quality pure vanilla extract, not imitation varieties!
- Cream of coconut – I like to include this for a bolder coconut flavor. However, if you don’t have any or don’t care for coconut flavor, you can simply omit it. Your drink will still be tasty!
How to make a dairy-free Orange Julius recipe
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender.
- Add one cup of ice. This creates the thick, creamy consistency we want!
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Scrape the sides
Stop and scrape the sides of your blender as needed to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Storing Tips
This homemade Orange Julius recipe is best served right away.
Or, freeze it for up to 1 month. I recommend pouring the drink into a ½-cup freezer tray, freezing, and then transferring the cubes to a sealable bag. To serve, combine the cubes in a blender and pulse until smooth and frothy.
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Pin ItFAQs
Yes, for a slightly different taste, try incorporating different fruits like strawberries, bananas, or pineapple. Then, add extra coconut milk as needed to ensure everything blends properly.
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by half, if desired.
More Refreshing Drinks
Coconut Orange Julius (Vegan and Dairy-Free)
Ingredients
- 1 (12oz) tube frozen orange concentrate
- 2 cups (480 ml) unsweetened coconut milk Note 1
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60 g) cream of coconut
Instructions
- In blender, combine all the ingredients along with 1 cup of ice.
- Blend until well blended. Serve immediately.
⭐️ Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a review and let us know how you liked it!
Tips & Notes
– This homemade Orange Julius is best served right away.
– Or, freeze it for up to 1 month. I recommend pouring the drink into a ½-cup freezer tray, freezing, and then transferring the cubes to a sealable bag. To serve, combine the cubes in a blender and pulse until smooth and frothy.
Nutrition
I know this is silly question but for the coconut milk is it the coconut from a can or the coconut milk unsweetened from the fridge aisle?
Hi, Kas. No such thing as a silly question. You can use either one. In this recipe, I used unsweetened coconut milk from the fridge aisle.
very good – made the frozen version, took extra time but very worth it
AWESOME. So happy you tried and loved the recipe, Miranda. Thank you for your feedback!
Well I had to end up making mine in a bowl LOL because every blender that I own decided this was the time to start leaking.
I then crushed ice with my bullet and poured the mixture on top of it it was still good.
Made this with one can of coconut milk, did not add any water & sugar. The frozen concentrate I used is actually sweet enough without it. I did add a few ice cubes to try to get it more frothy since I had thawed my concentrate overnight in fridge.
Thank you for sharing your feedback and alterations, Elizabeth!
This looks delicious! I’ll have to give it a try 🙂
Thank you, Nicole! It’s one of my favorites!
Orange Julius was my favorite drink as a kid and I love the twist you put on this one!
Thank you, Matt! Yeah, everyone I know is telling me that it’s their favorite drink from childhood. 🙂