There are few drinks as comforting as the Starbucks Medicine Ball. Whether you are feeling under the weather or just need a warm, soothing beverage to get you through the day, this drink has become a go-to for many. Originally a “secret menu” item, its popularity soared so much that Starbucks officially added it to its menu under the name Honey Citrus Mint Tea. It is a delightful blend of sweet, citrus, and mint flavors that feels like a hug in a mug.
However, frequent trips to Starbucks can add up, and sometimes you crave that comforting warmth right in your own home. The good news is that you can easily recreate this iconic drink in your kitchen. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the ultimate Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe, giving you all the details, tips, and tricks you need to become your own favorite barista. Get ready to save money and enjoy this delicious tea whenever you wish.
What Exactly Is the Starbucks Medicine Ball?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore what makes this drink so special. The Medicine Ball, or Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a unique, caffeine-infused tea that combines two different Teavana tea bags, steamed lemonade, and a touch of honey. Its reputation as a “cold-buster” comes from its soothing ingredients that are often associated with home remedies for colds and sore throats.
The magic starts with the combination of teas. Starbucks uses Teavana’s Jade Citrus Mint green tea and Peach Tranquility herbal tea. The Jade Citrus Mint provides a refreshing spearmint and lemongrass kick with a touch of caffeine, while the Peach Tranquility adds sweet, fruity notes of peach, pineapple, and chamomile. When these two are steeped together, they create a complex and balanced flavor profile that is both invigorating and calming.
In addition, the steamed lemonade adds a bright, tangy citrus flavor and a bit of sweetness, cutting through the herbal notes perfectly. Finally, a drizzle of honey rounds everything out, adding natural sweetness and its well-known throat-soothing properties. It is this thoughtful combination of ingredients that has transformed a simple customer creation into a worldwide phenomenon.
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Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe: The 5 Ultimate Steps to a Perfect Copycat
A warm, soothing blend of mint and peach teas with lemonade and honey, this Starbucks Medicine Ball copycat is perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Ingredients
1 Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea bag (or similar mint green tea)
1 Teavana Peach Tranquility tea bag (or similar peach herbal tea)
8 oz (1 cup) of water
8 oz (1 cup) of lemonade
1–2 tablespoons of honey, to taste
Optional: 1 pump (or 1/4 teaspoon) of peppermint syrup or extract
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe mug, heat the water and lemonade until hot but not boiling (about 175°F or 80°C).
2. Place both tea bags into a large mug.
3. Pour the hot water and lemonade mixture over the tea bags.
4. Let the teas steep for 3–5 minutes, then remove and gently squeeze out excess liquid.
5. Stir in the honey until fully dissolved. Add peppermint syrup or extract if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
You can substitute the Teavana teas with similar mint green and peach herbal tea blends.
For a lower-sugar version, use sugar-free lemonade and reduce or replace the honey.
To make an iced version, brew the tea in hot water only, cool it, then pour over ice and top with cold lemonade.
This recipe is ideal for soothing sore throats and offers a comforting alternative to coffee.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredients for the Perfect Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe
To create an authentic-tasting copycat, using the right ingredients is key. While the specific Teavana brand teas will give you the closest match, we will also provide some excellent, easy-to-find alternatives. Here is everything you will need to get started.
The Tea Duo
The foundation of the Medicine Ball is its two distinct teas. The interplay between the minty green tea and the fruity herbal tea is what creates the signature flavor. Look for these in the tea aisle of most major grocery stores or online.
The Citrus and Sweeteners
The lemonade provides both the citrusy tang and a significant portion of the sweetness. The honey complements this while adding its own unique flavor and comforting qualities. For the best result, choose a quality lemonade that you enjoy drinking on its own.
Complete Ingredient List
- 1 Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea bag (or a similar mint green tea)
- 1 Teavana Peach Tranquility tea bag (or a similar peach herbal tea)
- 8 oz (1 cup) of water
- 8 oz (1 cup) of lemonade
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey, to taste
- Optional: 1 pump (or 1/4 teaspoon) of peppermint syrup or extract for an extra minty flavor
If you cannot find the specific Teavana teas, do not worry. For Jade Citrus Mint, a great substitute is Tazo Zen or any green tea that includes spearmint and lemongrass. For Peach Tranquility, look for Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion or any herbal tea with strong peach and chamomile notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Own Starbucks Medicine Ball
Making this drink at home is incredibly simple and takes just a few minutes. The process involves heating your liquids, steeping the tea, and adding your sweetener. Follow these clear steps for a perfect result every time.
- Heat the Liquids: In a small saucepan on the stove or in a large microwave-safe mug, combine the water and the lemonade. Heat the mixture until it is very hot but not boiling. If you are a tea enthusiast, aim for a temperature around 175°F (80°C), which is ideal for green tea and prevents it from becoming bitter.
- Steep the Teas: Place both the Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility tea bags into your favorite large mug. Pour the hot water and lemonade mixture over the tea bags.
- Let it Brew: Allow the teas to steep for about 3 to 5 minutes. The longer you let them steep, the stronger the flavors will be. Be careful not to over-steep the green tea, as it can release tannins that create a bitter taste.
- Add the Honey: Once the tea has steeped to your liking, remove the tea bags. Squeeze them gently to release any extra flavor before discarding them. Add one to two tablespoons of honey and stir until it is completely dissolved.
- Customize and Serve: Taste your Medicine Ball and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more honey. For an extra minty kick, like some Starbucks variations, add a small amount of peppermint syrup or extract. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth.
For a quick overview, here is a summary of the process:
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heat Water and Lemonade | Heat to about 175°F (80°C). Do not boil, as this can make the green tea bitter. |
| 2 | Add Tea Bags to Mug | Place one Jade Citrus Mint and one Peach Tranquility tea bag in your mug. |
| 3 | Steep the Tea | Pour hot liquid over tea bags and let steep for 3-5 minutes. |
| 4 | Add Honey | Remove tea bags, then stir in honey until it dissolves. |
| 5 | Serve and Enjoy | Taste and adjust sweetness. Serve hot. |
Tips and Tricks for the Best Homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball
Now that you have the basic recipe down, you can start to experiment and perfect your homemade version. With a few simple tweaks, you can tailor the drink to your exact preferences and elevate it from a good copycat to your personal signature beverage.
Finding the Best Tea Alternatives
The biggest challenge for some can be finding the exact Teavana teas. If your local store does not carry them, here are some excellent substitution strategies. For the Jade Citrus Mint, look for any green tea blend that lists both mint (preferably spearmint) and a citrus note like lemongrass or lemon verbena. For the Peach Tranquility, any caffeine-free herbal tea with a prominent peach flavor will work well. Blends with chamomile, apple, or pineapple notes are even better.
Customizing Sweetness and Flavor
One of the greatest benefits of making the Medicine Ball at home is having complete control over the ingredients, especially the sugar content. The lemonade is the main source of sugar. Therefore, you can choose a low-sugar or sugar-free lemonade to make a lighter version. You can also adjust the amount of honey or substitute it with agave nectar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. For a tangier drink, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.
Making an Iced Medicine Ball
Who says this drink is only for cold days? You can easily turn this recipe into a refreshing iced tea. To do this, brew the tea with only the hot water (not the lemonade) and make it extra strong by using two of each tea bag or steeping for longer. Dissolve the honey in the hot tea. Let it cool completely, then pour it over a glass full of ice. Top it off with cold lemonade and a slice of lemon for garnish.
Why You Should Make the Starbucks Medicine Ball at Home
Beyond just satisfying a craving, there are several compelling reasons to master this recipe. Making your favorite coffee shop drinks at home is an empowering and rewarding experience that offers more benefits than you might think.
Significant Cost Savings
A single Grande Honey Citrus Mint Tea from Starbucks can cost upwards of four dollars. When you buy the ingredients in bulk—a box of tea, a carton of lemonade, and a jar of honey—the cost per serving drops dramatically. You could potentially make an entire week’s worth of Medicine Balls for the price of just two or three drinks from the cafe. Over time, these savings really add up.
Health and Ingredient Control
When you make something yourself, you know exactly what goes into it. You can choose organic lemonade, use local raw honey, and control the exact amount of sugar in your drink. This is a huge advantage for anyone with dietary restrictions or those who are simply conscious about their sugar intake. You can create a version that is just as delicious but much healthier than the original.
Unbeatable Convenience
There is nothing worse than feeling a tickle in your throat and wanting a soothing Medicine Ball, only to realize you have to get dressed and drive to the nearest Starbucks. With these ingredients stocked in your pantry, relief is just a few minutes away. You can whip up a warm, comforting mug any time of the day or night, without ever having to leave your house.
In conclusion, mastering this homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe is a simple way to bring a little bit of comfort and luxury into your daily routine. It is a forgiving recipe that is easy to customize, allowing you to create the perfect soothing beverage for your taste. So next time you are craving that signature blend of citrus, mint, and peach, you can confidently head to your kitchen instead of the coffee shop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Starbucks Medicine Ball
Is there caffeine in the Starbucks Medicine Ball?
Yes, there is a small amount of caffeine in the Medicine Ball. The caffeine comes from the Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea, which is a green tea. A grande-sized drink has approximately 16-20 mg of caffeine, which is significantly less than a standard cup of coffee.
What can I use as a substitute for lemonade?
If you do not have lemonade, you can still make a delicious version of this drink. Simply use all hot water instead of the water-lemonade mixture. You will want to add a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and potentially a bit more honey to replicate the sweet and tangy flavor.
Is the Medicine Ball actually good for a cold or sore throat?
While it is not a cure, the ingredients in the Medicine Ball can certainly help soothe the symptoms of a cold or sore throat. The warm steam can help with congestion, honey is known to coat and soothe the throat, and lemon provides a good dose of Vitamin C. It is a comforting remedy, but not a replacement for actual medicine.
Can I make a big batch of this ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily make a larger batch to keep in the refrigerator. Brew a concentrated version of the tea with honey, let it cool, and store it in a pitcher. When you are ready for a mug, simply mix your tea concentrate with lemonade (or water and lemon juice) and heat it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
