I’m definitely awash in strawberries this summer – but I’m not going to complain about that any time soon. I love eating strawberries when they’re at their peak, and I also love the opportunity to incorporate them into all kinds of different recipes. With more strawberries than I knew what to do with in my kitchen then other day, I decided to give a Homemade Strawberry Julius a try.
Orange Julius is a light, frothy orange drink that tastes a lot like a creamsicle – only better. They were a favorite of mine as a kid, when I used to come across Orange Julius store locations all over the place. These days, I don’t see them as often, but I’ve been making Homemade Orange Julius‘s at home for a while now, using freshly squeezed orange juice. A Strawberry Julius is the same concept, only the drink uses fresh strawberries instead of orange juice.
The recipe is very simple: strawberries, water, sugar, egg white, vanilla and ice. It sounds like it might be watery based on the ingredient list, but it is very flavorful and very refreshing, with a great creamy/fluffy consistency. The egg white is really the key to the drink, so don’t leave it out. Use pasteurized egg whites (this is what I use) or even a pasteurized egg white product (the whites-only variety, not anything yellow) in this recipe to substitute for the egg white when you’re mixing it up. It has a fantastic berry flavor and is one of my favorite summertime drinks.
Homemade Strawberry Julius
8-oz (generous 1 1/2 cups) fresh strawberries, tops removed
3/4 cup water
1 large egg white (pasteurized or egg white substitute)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups ice
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed 45-60 seconds, until mixture is very smooth and frothy. Use slightly less ice for a thinner consistency; use slightly more for a thicker shake-like consistency.
Serves 4, makes about 36oz.
Amy's Cooking Adventures
June 30, 2011You just made my summer! I LOVE strawberry Julius! DO you suppose Meringue powder could be used in place of the egg whites?
Judy
June 30, 2011Sounds really yummy! Just curious though… what does the egg white do? I would never have thought of using an egg white in my drink.
Thanks,
~Judy
Maureen
June 30, 2011Thanks Amy, I wondered the same thing. I’m going to try it and see. What a delicious looking drink.
Nicole
July 1, 2011Judy and Maureen – The egg whites give the drink a creamy, frothy texture that is pretty unique. It’s an ingredient that used to appear all the time in old-time soda fountain recipes and, since pasteurized eggs are becoming more widely available, I think it should make a comeback. Definitely give this a try – and report back on what you thought of the drink!
Teri@thefreshmancook
July 3, 2011This sounds so refreshing and delicious! I am definitely going to try this one. I have always loved Orange Julius! Thanks!
Amy's Cooking Adventures
July 3, 2011It just tried this today & it was fantastic! I used 2 tsp meringue powder mixed with 2 tbsp water in place of the egg white and I still had a frothy, delicious drink!
dena
July 14, 2011I’ve used Meringue powder in place of raw egg whites in a similar recipe for years with great success. As it says above, don’t omit this step or the drink will be very watery.
heather
June 5, 2017i have been making julius’ for years for the kids but never used egg whites. but i always use milk instead of water for the creamy taste and frothy texture. i guess we all have our own way of getting that unique taste that a julius brings us. Thanks for sharing your recipe.