Refreshing Jugo de Lulo: ‘Little Orange’ Juice

Every time I sip on jugo de lulo, I’m immediately taken back to family meals in Colombia. We’d sit around the table, passing plates of homemade food, and there was always a pitcher of fresh juice to go with it.

Lulo was my favorite—its tangy sweetness was always refreshing and just felt like home.

Even now, when I find a place serving jugo de lulo, I’m reminded of those childhood memories.

Whether we were visiting family in Colombia or our favorite spots in New York City, where bandeja paisa or arepa con queso was served, that glass of lulo juice made the meal feel extra special.

And if you’re craving more fresh, tropical drinks like I always am, you’ve got so many options to explore—jugo de maracuyá (passion fruit juice), jugo de guanábana, jugo de mora—the list goes on.

Each one has its own unique flavor, and if you’ve ever been curious about what passion fruit tastes like, you’re in for something amazing.

What is Jugo de Lulo?

In Colombia, we call it lulo, but in other countries, you might hear it called naranjilla, which means “little orange” in English (gotta love those Spanish diminutives).

Lulo is a small, round fruit about the size of a golf ball. If you’re lucky enough to find lulo in the U.S. or Canada, just remember to strain the juice before drinking it fresh. When you cut it open, you’ll see the pulp is filled with seeds, so straining helps get that smooth, tangy juice we love.

What Does Lulo (Naranjilla) Fruit Taste Like?

Lulo has a unique balance of tangy and sweet, almost like a blend of green tomato, lime, and kiwi.

It’s got the slight acidity of a green tomato, but with more citrusy, tropical notes that make it stand out.

The sweetness is just enough to keep things balanced, making jugo de lulo incredibly refreshing—especially on a hot summer day.

It’s the kind of drink that feels light and revitalizing, with a flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Lulo Juice Variations

If you’ve ever ordered jugo de lulo at a Colombian or Latin restaurant, you know there are a few different ways to enjoy it.

Since lulo has a bit of natural acidity, my favorite version is with water—it’s light, refreshing, and lets the flavor of the fruit shine.

But if you’re in the mood for something creamier, you can also have it with milk, turning it into more of a smoothie than a juice.

Fresh Lulo with Milk

On a hot day, jugo de lulo with water is perfectly refreshing, but blending it with milk adds a creamy twist.

Whether you use fresh lulo or frozen pulp, the combination of milk, lulo, and ice makes for a delicious, sweet-tart smoothie that’s hard to resist.

Lulo Smoothie

For an extra creamy version, try blending the lulo pulp with banana, honey, and milk for a Creamy Lulo Smoothie.

Make sure to chill it completely before serving—it’s perfect for those days when you want something a little more indulgent.

Lulo Cocktail

Feeling adventurous?

Lulo makes an amazing addition to cocktails. Mix it into a margarita or pair it with your favorite spirit, like vodka, for a unique tropical drink.

Ice Cream or Sorbet

Lulo’s bright, tangy flavor is perfect for dessert, too.

Drizzle it over ice cream, or use it as the base for a tropical sorbet.

If you want a fun summer treat, try making lulo sorbet mini pops—they’re great for the kids or for enjoying on a warm summer night.

Keep a batch in the freezer, and you’ll always have a sweet, fruity snack on hand.

FAQs

You can usually find frozen lulo pulp at Latin American grocery stores or through various online retailers. It’s much easier than trying to track down fresh lulo, which mostly grows in South America.

If you live in a place where the temperature stays under 70 degrees with high humidity, you could try growing your own naranjilla tree. My grandmother had a passion fruit tree in her backyard in Florida, and she’d have enough fresh fruit to last all summer. She planted it in a spot with enough shade to protect it from the hot summer sun in West Palm Beach.

I’ve come across frozen lulo pulp that’s packed into convenient 3oz portions—perfect for a single drink. You can also find larger frozen packs if you need more.

Storage

How Long Does Fresh Jugo de Lulo Last in the Fridge?

Stored juice remains fresh for up to one to two days maximum, so refrigeration is ideal for last-minute preparations.

There are so many advantages to making and consuming freshly made juices, and the only downside is you should truly consume them rather quickly because they don't have preservatives. Too many days in the fridge can cause it to spoil.

Top Tips

Strain the juice after blending– note that this is if you've been lucky enough to find fresh fruit. First, blend it, then strain it to remove any remaining seeds or pulp.

If you're incorporating frozen pulp, there is no need to strain the juice.

Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust based on your desired level of sweetness or favorite flavors. For example, add half a banana to your recipe if you love a good banana smoothie and want a tangy twist.

Serve with ice or chilled for a refreshing drink. This recipe is so straightforward; you can easily make a batch for a couple of days and store it in a glass carafe.

Instructions For The Easiest Jugo de Lulo Recipe – One Serving

Step One

Add 3 ounces of frozen lulo pulp, a few ice cubes, and 1 cup of cold filtered water to a blender.

Step Two

Blend for about a minute, or use the iced drink setting if available. Make sure it’s well-blended to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.

Step Three

Serve immediately, or store in the fridge to chill. It’s great with steak tacos or a light summer salad!

What To Serve With This Dish

This tropical drink goes great with rice and beans, crunchy plantain chips, or a hearty Colombian chicken stew (sudado de pollo). It’s the perfect way to bring a little extra brightness to the table!

Looking to try more tropical drinks or explore other homemade juice recipes? Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal:

Jugo de Maracuya

If you make this jugo de lulo, I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment or give the recipe a rating—hearing from you always makes my day, and I do my best to reply to everyone. 

And if you snap a photo, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! I love seeing how your dishes turn out.