How to Make a Starbucks Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea) at Home
Discover how to recreate the soothing Starbucks Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea) at home with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Starbucks Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea) Recipe
The Starbucks Medicine Ball, now officially named Honey Citrus Mint Tea on the Starbucks menu, has become one of the coffee chain’s best-loved non-coffee beverages. Valued for its comfort factor and warm, soothing flavors, this tea was initially a “secret menu” item before becoming a Starbucks staple. If you’re seeking a flavorful, easy-to-make drink that’s perfect for cold weather or calming a sore throat, this homemade Medicine Ball recipe is for you.
What Is the Starbucks Medicine Ball?
The Medicine Ball is a hot tea beverage that blends mint tea and peach tea with steamed lemonade, honey, and fresh lemon slices. The result is a sweet, citrusy, and minty drink that’s soothing and delicious. While it’s widely reputed to be a cold-busting remedy, many people enjoy it simply for its taste and warming qualities, whether or not they’re feeling under the weather.
- Other Names: Honey Citrus Mint Tea, Cold Buster
- Original Teas Used: Teavana Jade Citrus Mint & Peach Tranquility (now often substituted with similar varieties)
- Popularity: From secret menu favorite to official menu item at Starbucks locations worldwide
What Does the Medicine Ball Taste Like?
The Medicine Ball offers a combination of warmth, sweetness, and refreshingly bright citrus and mint flavors. The blend of herbal and fruit teas, with the addition of honey and lemonade, provides a distinct, soothing aroma and a flavor profile that’s both lively and calming. This makes it an ideal beverage for chilly days, relaxation routines, or moments when you need extra comfort.
Ingredients for a Homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball
Crafting a Medicine Ball at home is simple and relies on a handful of accessible ingredients. Below is a basic version, with suggestions for alternatives and customizations.
- Water: Acts as the base liquid for brewing teas.
- Lemonade or Lemonade Mix: Adds a citrusy tang and sweetness. Use fresh lemonade for a more natural flavor, or a lemonade mix for convenience.
- Mint Tea Bag: Choose a herbal mint blend for a caffeine-free option, or a mint green tea for some caffeine and gentle lift.
- Peach Tea Bag: Provides fruity sweetness. Any herbal peach tea works well.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps soothe the throat.
- Fresh Lemon Slices or Juice: Intensifies the bright citrus notes.
- Fresh Mint Leaves (optional): For a boost of fresh aroma and flavor.
Suggested Quantities (per serving):
- 2 cups (16 oz) water
- 2 teaspoons lemonade mix or 1 cup pre-made lemonade
- 1 mint tea bag
- 1 peach tea bag
- 2 teaspoons honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 lemon (sliced)
- 5 fresh mint leaves (optional)
How to Make Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
Follow these steps for a quick, homemade version of the Starbucks Medicine Ball. This method can be customized for individual taste preferences or scaled for multiple servings.
- Prepare the Mug: In your largest mug, add the lemonade mix, mint tea bag, peach tea bag, honey, fresh lemon slices, and mint leaves if using.
- Heat the Water: Heat water to just below boiling (about 200°F or 93°C) to bring out the full flavor of the teas without bitterness.
- Steep: Pour the hot water over the ingredients in the mug. Stir gently to dissolve the honey and lemonade mix. Let the tea bags steep for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy: Remove the tea bags and mint leaves (if used) once the tea is at your desired strength. Sip as soon as the drink has cooled to a comfortable temperature.
Tips for the Perfect Medicine Ball
- If using pre-made lemonade, heat it alongside the water.
- Adjust honey to taste for sweetness or omit entirely for a lower-sugar beverage.
- Experiment with fruit herbal teas—orange, pineapple, or chamomile are great alternatives for different flavors.
- Caffeine content can be controlled by your selection of mint (herbal vs. green tea).
- Add a green tea bag for a boost of antioxidants and possible anti-inflammatory benefits.
Customizations & Substitutions
One of the joys of this recipe is its flexibility. Here’s how you can tweak the Medicine Ball to suit your needs or inventory:
- Caffeine-Free Version: Use herbal mint tea instead of green, and ensure your peach tea is also caffeine-free.
- Alternative Teas: Substitute peach tea with other fruit teas (apricot, orange, pineapple) or swap mint for lemon verbena or lemon balm.
- Sugar-Free: Reduce honey or eliminate it altogether, and use a sugar-free lemonade or just lemon juice and water.
- Vegan: Replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly drink.
- Extra Mint: Add a dash of peppermint extract or extra fresh mint.
- For Decongestion: Some home recipes add a tiny amount of peppermint extract for stronger sinus relief.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160–190 |
| Sugar | 40–45g (varies with honey & lemonade used) |
| Sodium | <25mg |
| Carbohydrates | ~43g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
Note: Actual values will depend on brands and amounts of lemonade and honey used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Starbucks Medicine Ball good when you’re sick?
A: Many people turn to the Medicine Ball when feeling under the weather because the warmth, honey, and citrus can help soothe sore throats and offer comfort. However, it’s mainly a comforting tea and not a medical cure.
Q: What if I don’t have the exact teas Starbucks uses?
A: You can substitute with any quality mint (herbal or green) and peach herbal teas. Other fruit or citrus teas work well, too. For decaf, opt for herbal blends.
Q: Can I make a Medicine Ball with only water and lemon?
A: Yes—you’ll lose some of the signature peach and mint flavors, but the resulting drink still offers a warm, comforting citrus tea. Add a touch of honey and mint leaves for added flavor.
Q: Is the Medicine Ball caffeinated?
A: It can be—if you use green or black tea. If you want a caffeine-free version, ensure both teas are herbal.
Q: Can kids drink the Medicine Ball?
A: Yes, especially if you use caffeine-free herbal teas. Adjust honey for age and dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a pick-me-up during cold weather or as a relaxing evening beverage.
- Pair with a light snack such as shortbread, biscotti, or fresh fruit.
- Serve at holidays or gatherings for a comforting, crowd-pleasing alternative to coffee.
Storing and Reheating
- Store: Keep leftover tea in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until just hot—avoid boiling to prevent bitterness.
Summary
The Starbucks Medicine Ball is more than just a seasonal favorite; it’s a customizable, easy-to-make warm tea that invites comfort and wellness. By combining zesty lemon, soothing honey, floral peach, and refreshing mint, you can bring the signature Starbucks experience into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximal flavor.
References
- https://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/medicine-ball-starbucks-copycat/
- https://homemadehome.com/homemade-starbucks-medicine-ball/
- https://abeautifulmess.com/starbucks-medicine-ball/
- https://lovelylittlekitchen.com/starbucks-medicine-ball-tea/
- https://anaffairfromtheheart.com/copycat-starbucks-medicine-ball-recipe/
- https://www.austinsimplyfit.com/nutrition-lifestyle/at-home-starbucks-like-medicine-ball/
- https://therealfooddietitians.com/starbucks-medicine-ball-tea/
