The Incredible Story of California's First Smoothie – Orange Julius (1926)

Imagine a tiny stand, the busy traffic of Downtown LA, freshly squeezed citrus fruits filling the sidewalk... and suddenly a frothy, ice-cold, milkshake-smooth drink: the Orange Julius. Born in the late 1920s, this Californian creation would pave the way for all the smoothies we sip today. Here's its epic journey, the vintage recipe, its modern revival, and why, nearly a century later, it remains the "first smoothie" recognized by food history buffs.

1. The origins (1926-1929)

South Broadway, Los Angeles. Julius Freed sells simple freshly squeezed orange juice. The product is healthy but too acidic: customers wince. Enter Bill Hamlin, his chemist brother-in-law. He adds powdered skim milk, a hint of sugar, and a touch of vanilla. The mixture becomes silky and frothy; the crowd loves it. Passersby return, shouting, "Give me an orange, Julius!" The name is chosen. By 1929, the small kiosk was serving up to 5,000 glasses a day—a record for the time!

2. The original recipe (1929)

For four large glasses:

• 480 ml of freshly squeezed orange juice

• 60 g of white sugar

• 2 tbsp. skimmed milk powder

• 2 tbsp. powdered egg white

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ≈ 250 g of crushed ice

Instructions: Blend everything except the ice for 20 seconds. Add the ice and blend for another 40 seconds, until you get a pale, thick, almost bath foam-like drink! Serve immediately. The egg white stabilizes the bubbles: at fairs, Julius would happily present an untouched glass ten minutes later to attract customers.

3. From the fair to the suburbs (1940-1980)

During World War II, the U.S. Army promoted orange juice for its vitamin C content; Orange Julius stands moved closer to military bases. The 1950s saw a new slogan—"A Devilishly Good Drink"—and a tour of State Fairs from Texas to Washington. In the 1960s and 1970s, California became the kingdom of "healthy" drinks; surfers and joggers embraced iced drinks. The brand grew from one kiosk to more than 275 franchises; imitators multiplied.

4. 1990s Revival

In 1990, Jamba Juice opened in San Luis Obispo: the term smoothie finally caught on. Orange Julius, acquired three years earlier by Dairy Queen, repositioned itself in American food courts . Mango-ginger, strawberry-banana, plant-based proteins: the range of possibilities expanded, but the lineage remained clear. All the brands still offered a frothy glass made with orange and ice, a direct nod to the pioneer.

5. Modern “copycat” variation (egg-free)

• 170g frozen orange concentrate (half a can)

• 240 ml of milk — cow, oat or cashew

• 2 tbsp sugar (or agave syrup)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 250 g of ice cubes

Blend for 45 seconds. Adjust the ice to achieve a milkshake texture. If you want the classic mousse without the egg, add 5g of pea protein: it works!

6. Enjoy Orange Julius “like in 1929”

• Frosted glass : place it in the freezer for 10 minutes.

• Wide straw : foam gets stuck in small diameters.

• Timing : Drink it within three minutes; the foam falls quickly.

• Retro pairing : corndog or salted pretzel, like at fifties fairs.

7. Why is Orange Julius considered the first smoothie?

1. Blended drink : before this, we pressed or shook; the stand blender is a new thing.

2. Unique frothy texture : powdered milk + egg white = stable froth, the signature of modern smoothies.

3. Adoption of the home blender : The Waring Blender advertisement (1937) directly cites the drink.

4. Exclusive juice bar concept : Julius sells only drinks, foreshadowing today's juice bars.

5. Unbroken business lineage : almost a century later, the brand still exists.

Express FAQ

Can we make the recipe vegan?
Yes: oat milk + pea protein. Reduce the sugar, as the orange concentrate is already sweet.

Is the name “Orange Julius” protected?
Absolutely; it's a Dairy Queen trademark. It can be used in a historical or journalistic context, not to sell your own beverage.

Do you need a high-speed blender?
No. A 500W model is sufficient if the ice is crushed finely.

Is the smoothie really healthy?
Vitamin C and fast carbs, yes. For a lower glycemic index, cut the sugar intake in half and add fiber (chia seeds or oats).

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Conclusion

Whether you're sipping it on a Venice beach, in an air-conditioned food court, or at home, Orange Julius is a reminder that with a good idea (and a noisy blender), you can transform a simple juice into a culinary icon. Next time you order a strawberry-banana smoothie, raise a glass to Julius Freed: without him, the California smoothie trend might never have happened!