This dairy-free Orange Julius is made with soy milk so you can enjoy the classic sweet orange drink without worrying about dairy or common allergies.
I don’t fit some of the typical “girl” stereotypes — I’ll happily dispatch spiders and most other creepy crawlies (roaches are the exception), and I don’t crave mall trips or fuss over outfits beyond my workout clothes.
At home I’m the spider-killer, and my husband somehow acquires more clothes than I do. He shops on eBay — which I still find amusing — and the packages that arrive for him far outnumber anything I receive.
I do have a few mall memories from my teenage years: trying to fit in with friends and lingering in the quiet wings with the boys — and, of course, the many Orange Julius drinks we drank. Even at 15, good food often outranked everything else in my memory bank.
I never really knew what went into an original Orange Julius beyond orange juice from concentrate and some sweetener; a quick search suggests orange juice, sugar, and other mystery ingredients. Still, the taste remains vivid in my mind — almost like a dessert version of an adrenal cocktail.
Today many versions add banana, protein powder, or antioxidant boosters. I wanted a simple homemade version with ingredients I recognize and can pronounce, no extras required.
This dairy-free Orange Julius uses fresh oranges, real vanilla extract (vanilla bean would be a lovely alternative), a touch of agave (or honey if you prefer), and creamy unsweetened soy milk. I favor unflavored, unsweetened soy milk so I can control sweetness and flavor, but a sweetened or vanilla variety would work if you want a sweeter drink.
Using soy milk adds plant-based protein — about 8 grams per serving in this recipe — so there’s no need for an extra protein boost. Soy milk gives smoothies and drink-style recipes a satisfying, creamy texture without dairy.
Besides being dairy-free and made with familiar ingredients, this version gets a little extra flair from a sugared orange rim. It’s a simple touch that makes the drink feel special.
Try these other orange-forward treats too:
Glazed orange muffins
Orange pound cake
Cardamom orange cake
Orange cinnamon rolls
Dairy Free Orange Julius
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups ice
- 3 oranges, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2/3 cup organic unsweetened soy milk
- 1 tablespoon agave
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For rim garnish
- zest of 1/2 an orange
- 2 tablespoons coconut palm sugar
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
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Mix the orange zest and coconut palm sugar on a small plate. Wet the rim of two glasses, then dip or roll the rims in the sugar and zest until well coated.
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Pour the blended drink into the prepared glasses and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.