If you have ever yearned for that nostalgic, creamy, and citrusy delight from your favorite mall drink spot, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Ninja Creami Orange Julius (Copycat Recipe) Recipe. It perfectly captures that iconic orange drink’s frothy texture and balanced sweetness while being simple enough to whip up at home. Each sip bursts with fresh orange juice, a velvety creaminess, and just the right hint of vanilla, making it an irresistible treat any time you need a bright, refreshing pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a close-up top view of a clear blender container filled with a mixture of yellow and light yellow liquid with many bubbles on the surface, giving it a foamy texture. The container has visible handles on the sides and is placed on a white marbled surface. The liquid inside looks smooth and slightly thick, with a gradient from bright yellow at the edges to pale yellow in the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Ninja Creami Orange Julius (Copycat Recipe) Recipe keeps it delightfully simple with a handful of kitchen staples. These ingredients work beautifully together, combining the natural tang of orange juice with creamy dairy and a touch of sweetness to build that classic Orange Julius flavor and perfectly smooth texture.

Orange juice: Use fresh or high-quality store-bought for vibrant citrus flavor.
Whole milk (or milk of choice): Adds the silky body essential to the recipe’s creamy mouthfeel.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the drink just enough without overpowering the citrus.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, rounding out the flavor beautifully.
Heavy cream: Boosts richness, giving the recipe that luxurious frothy finish.
Ice cubes (crushed ice preferred): Optional but key for chilling and thickening the drink to the perfect texture.
Whipped cream (optional topping): Adds an indulgent touch if you want to make it extra special.

How to Make Ninja Creami Orange Julius (Copycat Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and pouring the orange juice, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream directly into your Ninja Creami pint container. This is the flavor foundation, and combining everything upfront ensures the mixture is perfectly balanced from the get-go.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Place the pint container in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step allows the sugar to dissolve fully and the liquid base to get nicely chilled, a crucial step to achieving that fresh, cool Orange Julius texture once blended.

Step 3: Add Ice and Blend

Once your mixture has had time to chill, add the ice cubes—crushed ice works best for an ultra-smooth result. Attach the pint to your Ninja Creami machine and select the “Milkshake” or “Smoothie” function. Blend until the drink reaches a creamy, frothy consistency that feels like a dream in every sip.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Pour your freshly made Orange Julius into glasses. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, top each serving with a cloud of whipped cream. Then sit back and savor the perfectly creamy, citrusy delight you’ve just crafted!

How to Serve Ninja Creami Orange Julius (Copycat Recipe) Recipe

A clear glass mason jar filled with a creamy pale yellow smoothie with a thick foamy top layer. On the rim of the jar sits a bright orange slice, curved gently. A blue and white striped straw stands upright in the drink. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface with whole and sliced oranges blurred softly in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little garnish can take your Orange Julius from delicious to dazzling. Consider a light dusting of freshly grated orange zest for an extra citrus punch, or a sprig of fresh mint to add a pop of color and aroma. These simple touches create a more inviting presentation.

Side Dishes

This bright, creamy drink pairs wonderfully with lighter bites like fresh fruit salads, vanilla wafer cookies, or even a slice of lemon pound cake. These sides complement the Orange Julius’s citrusy sweetness without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your friends? Serve the Ninja Creami Orange Julius (Copycat Recipe) Recipe in vintage milkshake glasses with striped paper straws for a nostalgic vibe. Or layer the drink in clear cups with small dollops of whipped cream and a few frozen berries for a festive, fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Orange Julius, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours to keep the texture fresh and the flavors bright.

Freezing

You can freeze the prepared mixture before blending. Pour the base into your Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for at least 24 hours. This lets you blend a fresh, ice-cold Orange Julius whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled, frosty drink, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, if the mixture becomes too firm in the freezer, let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before using your Ninja Creami to remix it back to that perfect creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk in this Ninja Creami Orange Julius (Copycat Recipe) Recipe?

Absolutely! Almond, oat, or coconut milk can be great substitutes. They may slightly change the flavor profile, but will still deliver a creamy and delicious Orange Julius.

Is it necessary to chill the mixture before blending?

Yes, chilling helps the sugar dissolve and ensures the final texture is smooth and frothy rather than watery. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in taste and consistency.

Can I prepare this drink without the Ninja Creami machine?

While the Ninja Creami delivers the ideal frothy texture, you can blend the ingredients with a powerful blender and add crushed ice to mimic the effect. The experience might be a bit different but still delicious.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the Orange Julius?

Definitely. Feel free to reduce or increase the sugar to match your personal preference. You can also try honey or agave syrup as alternative sweeteners.

What if I don’t have heavy cream; can I skip it?

The heavy cream is key for that rich, creamy mouthfeel, but if you want a lighter drink, you can substitute with additional milk. The texture will be thinner but still tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Ninja Creami Orange Julius (Copycat Recipe) Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a classic, refreshing treat right into your kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and genuinely fun to make. Whether you’re reminiscing about mall days or just craving something delicious and citrusy, this recipe is a keeper you’ll want to enjoy again and again.