Summer Countdown - 2: Mama's Orange Julius

Summer is just two days away! I know they say never wish for something to come because that'll make it go by faster once it does, but Fall is my favorite season of all time so that's not all bad:) anyways. SUMMER! Today I'm sharing a recipe for Orange Julius, because I knew that when I wanted to share a recipe that made me think of Summer the most it just had to be this one. Take a look!

Growing up my mom made us Orange Julius all the time, and it was easily my favorite smoothie type summer drink. We'd be playing outside in the dirt and the heat and she'd literally call us onto the porch and hand us cold glasses of this citrus-y sweet, icy drink. I kid you not. Just like out of a cheesy movie.haha it was heaven. After I got married and had to make it for my own family, my mom wasn't too sure where the recipe was when I went asking, so I took a few tries but I think I pulled it off! Hence the name:) Its really so amazingly easy, and it will easily become a staple in your house! here we go: 

Mama's Homemade Orange Julius 
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 8 oz frozen OJ concentrate
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 generous teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cup cold water
- 10-12 ice cubes

Steps: Add all ingredients to blender in the order given, and blend for 10-15-seconds, or until reached the desired consistency  I like the ice just blended smooth instead of pulverized to liquid, but its totally up to you! Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Every time we go to the mall and I see the Orange Julius shop I get a craving, but the huge price tag just isn't enough to tempt me, especially when we can go home and have a version that's even better! (let alone cheaper, and probably healthier *wink*) Bottom line you will love this recipe to pieces, and will probably make it all the time! It works well in a pitcher for picnics as well, just whip up a few batches, throw in a few ice cubes, and just stir a bit before serving:)

So creamy and sweet, and so refreshing  Its perfect for those days when there's splashing in the pool and skewers on the grill (though I've made it during the cold months a lot too), and I hope you give this a try!
Thanks for visiting today, and I'll see you again tomorrow!
xo, Em

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