‘Tis the season for all things Vitamin C, eh?
Actually, this may be totally weird to point out, but I have to say that there’s a little phenomenon that exists in our culture that always makes me smile. I’m guessing you may have noticed it before. The It’s-Going-Around Phenomenon.
It can happen at end of December, the beginning of March, or smack dab in the middle of July. It can happen just about anywhere in the world. It’s what happens when you can’t stifle a cough, or have to blow your nose, or anytime you reference your child/friend/spouse/parent/cousin’s-boyfriend’s-mechanic’s-dentist. Anytime there’s a mention of someone being sick, the person near you quickly chimes in that — you guessed it — “Oh, I’ve heard that there’s something going around!”
Granted, that’s probably also true every day of the year. But it’s one of those nice mini traditions in our culture that I kind of love. Because no one ever wants to think that they’re the only one having to carry around 100 kleenex, or gulp down another spoonful of Nyquil. Nope, misery and colds love company. And they also need lots and lots of Vitamin C.
Which is where this random story is heading. If you happen to be someone who caught “that bug that’s going around” right now, or even if you’re trying to stave off said bug, well I have the perfect smoothie for you. And, it just so happens to be a healthy one that tastes just like the famous “orange julius” you used to get at the mall. As I would have said back in my high school Orange Julius days — score!
Yes, for anyone who has been following this blog forever and ever, this is actually a really old recipe from the good ol’ days of 2010 that I decided to re-photograph and re-share with you since it was collecting dust back in the archives. Which worked out for me, because in the weeks leading up to my Mexico vacation (where I’m currently basking in the sunshine), I was bound and determined to do everything possible not to get sick.
So, in comes this smoothie to the rescue.
This fresh orange smoothie has become a sort of winter tradition for me these past few years. I try and make it a point to always have fresh oranges in the house during cold and flu season, and one of the easiest ways to use them is with in this smoothie.
It is the epitome of “quick and easy” to make, with just 5 simple ingredients. And the claim to fame which makes it taste just like the Orange Julius we all used to love is that tiny ingredient right there in the center: vanilla.
It’s the key ingredient that kicks this smoothie up a mega notch. And when paired with the milk (I use almond milk), a bit of honey (if needed to sweeten), and tons of fresh oranges (I’d say this one’s what they call “heavy pulp”), this smoothie tastes like an absolute treat.
To make it, simply toss everything in a blender…
…and, well, blend it. ;)
No fancy instructions for this one.
Then pop in a straw (I’m obsessed with these metal straws from West Elm lately), and down all of that delicious Vitamin C. Hopefully it will make you feel better, and keep you feeling better, and — at minimum — make your day taste all the better soon. :)
Take care!
Fresh Orange Smoothie (“Orange Julius”)
Ingredients
- 4 fresh oranges, peeled
- 2 cups ice
- 1/3 cup milk (your preference – regular, soy, coconut, etc.)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey (or agave or your desired sweetener), if needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Add more ice if you would like.
Notes
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Mmmmmmmmmm yummmmmmmm….. Better then Original because there’s really fruit in it!! Make again, and again… And again. Thank you for this recipe!
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Stephanie!
You just made my entire pregnancy so much better by posting this gem of a recipe. I am currently drinking the entire thing myself right now. It’s so freaking good! Here’s to keeping our kitchens well stocked with oranges from now on!
Awww, we’re so happy to hear that, Sonya — thanks for sharing with us! And congrats! :)
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to this page to make a home made orange julius! You know what? It tastes better then the original! And I know exactly what is in it :) so healthy since I can cut out the sugar too. Thank you over and over for sharing this drink with us! Cheers ;)
Thank you for your kind words, Bernadette — we’re so happy you love this! :)
I love this smoothie. Any idea what the nutrition info is for this?
Thanks, Holly, we’re glad to hear that! As far as the nutrition info, we’re sorry but we currently are not publishing nutrition facts on the site, as the nutrition calculators available are not 100% accurate, and we never want to publish anything that might be misleading. However, a lot of our readers love the My Fitness Pal nutrition calculator, so feel free to try that for an estimate. We hope that helps!
I added a little bit of ginger to mine so that it wouldn’t taste so sweet and also added more milk, orange zest and vanilla protein powder.
Awesome, we think that’s a great idea! :)
Amazing! This tasted just like I remember from my childhood. Made half the recipe because I feel a cold coming on and need the Vitamin C boost, and I just added a tablespoon or so of chia seeds for good measure. Thanks for sharing!
We’re so happy you enjoyed it, Marie!
Yummy! This fresh orange moothie looks is really awesome! I think it is very effective for Weight Loss Challenge! thanks for share…
Thanks, Evie — we hope you enjoy it! :)
Not sure how everyone loved this….The flavor was there, yeah, but the chewiness of the smoothie from the pulpy oranges….yuck. I wonder if the freezing of the peeled oranges is necessary to not have that happen..
Add a few scoops of vanilla ice cream to this and it tastes just like a dreamsicle!! Great recipe!
We like the way you think, B! :)
I have made this two mornings in a row and its Absolutely Amazing!!! Oh and my kiddos love it too ? I haven’t been to an Orange Julius since my high school days….love that I can make my own now…thank you for bringing this back from the archives!!
Thanks for sharing Tayna — we’re so glad you and your kiddos enjoy it! :)