‘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!
Yum! I love orange julius’s but haven’t had one in years! This looks like such a refreshing smoothie that I really want to run out and get some oranges just so I can make it! Definitely trying this one soon. Pinned!
Brilliant recipe works great for the family especially for the kids (found a way to stop them from saying ‘Mum im so hot).
I halved this recipient but added too much orange zest!! Tried it again and delishous
The best orange smoothie recipe ever!
Could I use Greek yogurt instead of milk
Greek yogurt is quite a bit thicker, so you may need to thin the smoothie a bit with some extra liquid (orange juice, water, etc.).
I added Greek yoghurt to mine with a bit of water and ice along with the other ingredients and it turned out really good.
I wasn’t sure what to do with two semi frozen oranges so I decided to search for a fresh orange smoothie recipe and there you are! I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk and it was delicious. The last time I had an Orange Julius was over 40 years ago in New York City. It bought back good memories. Thanks for sharing.
myke
This was amazing. I great breakfast for when I’m on the go! Just peel the oranges at night. I also suggest maybe adding yogurt! :)
Thanks so much for posting this! I’m home sick and feeling like garbage and I knew I should eat an orange but I really don’t like eating them. So I made this and it’s such a delicious cold sweet treat, exactly what I needed. I dropped a strawberry in it because I had one and it gave it a little extra something :) Not too chunky for me, I pulsed it a while to see if I could avoid it based on the other comments and it turned out pulpy but not chewy. So good. Used my little hamilton beach single serve smoothie maker.
1. why would you peel the oranges like that???
2. this was delicious. thanks
p.s. i put in like a few drops of vanilla and i could taste it through the whole thing. a teaspoon might be too much for others
I was wondering, can you make this with orange juice rather that fresh oranges? Not to be a total cheapskate but I just ran out of oranges