A creamy, dreamy orange delight, the Orange Julius has been an American classic drink since the late 1920s. Did you know it was invented right in Los Angeles? That’s right, it all started at an orange juice stand with a man named Julius Freed – and as they say, the rest is history!

Today, we know the Orange Julius as a popular smoothie chain that’s owned by Dairy Queen. You can typically find both together at a joint stand or storefront, and the iconic orange sign makes it easy to recognize, even from far away.
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Orange Julius started from humble beginnings. It first began as an orange juice stand in Los Angeles that only brought in $20 of sales per day. Soon, all of that would change with the invention of the new drink.
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The original Orange Julius recipe used fresh orange juice for a refreshing citrus flavor. Julius Freed invented the drink because regular orange juice was too acidic on his stomach, and he needed something that was easier for him to drink.
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What’s was the secret ingredient in the recipe? He originally blended together milk, egg whites, sugar, and vanilla with fresh orange juice and ice to create the creamy, frothy drink that we know and love today.
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After Julius introduced his new drink to customers, sales increased to $100 per day. This newfound popularity eventually led to the Orange Julius chain that we know today.
Orange Julius/Facebook
By the 1950s and 1960s, Orange Julius drinks were sold around the country, including state and county fairs. Now, the well-known treat remains a favorite amongst many to either make at home or buy from the popular chain.
Orange Julius/Facebook

Nowadays, the recipe uses a powdered concoction to whip up the treat. Have you ever tried an Orange Julius? Let us know your favorite recipe in the comments! In the meantime, you can read about more inventions in Southern California in our previous article here.

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