Orange Julep – “???”
If Orange Julep has a slogan, I don’t know it.
They’ve probably had several since the 1940s. I’m sure they’re all great.
Giant Orange.
Orange Julep’s position as a Montreal physical / cultural landmark can probably be overstated – but I’m not in a position to do it. Located in the middle what is surely one of the ugliest neighbourhoods on the island, the beverage called Orange Julep is served daily out of a giant, 40 foot tall, orange-coloured concrete ball. Literally – the drink comes out of the ball. There are insulated tubes running out of the ceiling with spigots on the bottom. Not unlike beer taps.
This bizarre method of delivery only lends to the sense of mystery surrounding the means of production & ingredients in this drink. It appears to have some actual orange juice, along with loads of (powdered?) sugar. Beyond that is speculation. It seems very likely that there is a dairy component to the drink, but again – who knows? It’s certainly too frothy, viscous, and rich to escape skepticism.
Orange Julep also produces a bottled version of its famous drink – and that one is dairy-free. However, if you order the bottled version at the counter – they just look at you funny.
Why don’t you want it from the ceiling?!
While you may be thinking that Orange Julep suspiciously resembles the disgusting produce of that American West Coast drink chain, Orange Julius – you are probably thinking right. Julius pre-dates Julep by at least a decade. Coincidence? Then, locally, there is a cheap reproduction of the Orange Julep – known as “Orange Maison”. It comes in giant, plastic, orange-shaped bottles. Coincidence? It’s sugary sweet, but watery.
Apparently, it used to be delivered to houses along with the milk (?!?).
I love the Orange Maison jugs, but I don’t like drinking their contents. It’s okay with cheap alcohol if you want to feel like a sorority girl, though.
They’re just under two litres and kind-of awkward, right?
Once, I saw this fake-thug on the metro drinking straight out of the bottle. It was nearly as big as his head.
IT WAS ALWAYS THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY DAY THANK YOU FOR THIS SPECIAL FEATURE COMMEMORATING WEST ISLAND SUNRISES
OBLIO
chips de maison. orange maison.
think about it!
I actually for the first time ever went to this Orange Julep last Saturday. I had the best pogo of my life… but also, I noticed the ‘juice’ coming from the ceiling and thought “Only in fucking Quebec would we not only ignore the violation of health codes, but heartily endorse them.” The julep was delicious.