If you’re feeling under the weather or simply looking for a warm, comforting drink, the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea is a perfect choice. Originally a secret menu item, this soothing tea became so popular that Starbucks officially added it to their menu as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea. Known for its ability to relieve sore throats, boost immunity, and provide a cozy, citrusy-sweet flavor, this drink has become a go-to for many tea lovers.
But what if you could make this delicious, healing tea at home without having to visit Starbucks? The good news is that you can easily recreate the Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe using simple ingredients like green tea, peach herbal tea, lemonade, and honey. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just craving a warm, soothing beverage, this homemade version is just as good—if not better—than the original.
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What is Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea?
The Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea, also officially known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a warm, comforting beverage that has gained immense popularity for its soothing properties. Originally a secret menu item, it was a customer-created drink that became so beloved that Starbucks decided to add it to their official menu.
This tea is known for its lightly sweet, citrusy, and minty flavors, making it a go-to drink, especially during the colder months or whenever someone is feeling under the weather. It has become a popular home remedy for sore throats, colds, and congestion due to its blend of green tea, herbal tea, honey, and lemonade.
Benefits of the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
The Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea isn’t just a delicious, soothing drink—it’s also packed with ingredients that offer several health benefits. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply looking for a warm and refreshing beverage, this tea provides hydration, immune-boosting properties, and relaxation in every sip. Here’s why this tea has become a go-to remedy for many:
Soothes Sore Throats and Cold Symptoms
One of the biggest reasons people love the Medicine Ball Tea is its ability to provide relief from sore throats, congestion, and cold symptoms. Here’s how the ingredients help:
- Warm liquid: Drinking warm tea can soothe an irritated throat and provide comfort when you’re feeling sick.
- Honey: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, honey coats the throat and helps reduce irritation and coughing.
- Lemonade: The acidity from lemon can cut through mucus buildup, making it easier to breathe and swallow.
- Herbal and green tea: These teas provide a mild decongestant effect, helping to clear sinuses and ease cold symptoms.
Supports the Immune System
The Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can help boost your immune system and keep you feeling your best:
- Green tea (Jade Citrus Mint) contains catechins, powerful antioxidants that help strengthen the immune response.
- Peach Tranquility Tea is made with chamomile, citrus, and rosehip, all of which have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and fighting infections.
- Honey has natural antibacterial properties that can help ward off infections and keep your body strong.
Provides Relaxation and Stress Relief
Sometimes, all you need is a warm, calming drink to help you unwind. The combination of herbal tea, honey, and mint makes this tea perfect for relaxation:
- Chamomile in Peach Tranquility Tea is well known for its calming effects and ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Mint has a cooling and refreshing effect, which can help ease headaches and promote relaxation.
- The warmth of the tea can provide a sense of comfort and coziness, especially during colder months or when you’re feeling run-down.
A Healthier Alternative to Sugary Drinks
Unlike sugary sodas or heavily sweetened coffee drinks, the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea offers a naturally sweet, low-calorie alternative:
- Contains natural sugars from honey and lemonade, rather than artificial sweeteners.
- Herbal and green teas provide hydration and antioxidants without excessive calories.
- You can customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of honey to your liking.
Helps with Digestion
The ingredients in the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea can also aid digestion and soothe an upset stomach:
- Peppermint and green tea help to relax the digestive tract, reducing bloating and discomfort.
- Chamomile has been used for centuries to ease stomach pain and indigestion.
- Warm liquids in general help to stimulate digestion and promote gut health.
Ingredients You Need to Make a Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe
Creating the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea at home is easier than you might think! With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the same warm, soothing, and immune-boosting drink that has become a favorite among tea lovers. Below, we’ll go over the essential ingredients you’ll need, along with possible substitutions in case you don’t have access to Starbucks’ signature tea blends.
Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea (or Alternative Green Tea with Mint)
This green tea blend is one of the key components of Starbucks’ Medicine Ball Tea. It provides a refreshing minty taste with a hint of citrus and contains antioxidants that help support the immune system.
🔹 Alternative Options:
If you don’t have Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea, you can substitute it with:
- Any mint green tea blend
- A mix of green tea and peppermint tea
- A green tea with citrus flavors, like lemon or orange-infused green tea
Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea (or Alternative Peach Herbal Tea)
The second tea in this recipe is Teavana Peach Tranquility, a caffeine-free herbal tea that adds a fruity, floral, and slightly sweet flavor to the drink. It’s made with chamomile, peach, rosehip, and licorice root, all of which contribute to its smooth and relaxing taste.
🔹 Alternative Options:
If you can’t find Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea, try these substitutions:
- Any peach-flavored herbal tea
- Chamomile tea + a dash of peach juice for natural peach flavor
- A combination of hibiscus tea and dried peaches
Hot Water
Using hot, freshly boiled water is essential to properly steep the teas and extract their flavors. Depending on the variety of tea, the optimal temperature varies:
- Green tea should be brewed at 175°F (80°C) to prevent bitterness.
- Herbal tea can be brewed at 200°F (93°C) for full flavor extraction.
Lemonade (for a Tangy Citrus Kick)
Lemonade is what gives the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea its signature citrusy brightness and a slightly sweet tang. It enhances the immune-boosting properties of the tea and adds a refreshing, zesty contrast to the mint and peach flavors.
🔹 Alternative Options:
If you don’t have store-bought lemonade, you can make your own by mixing:
- Fresh lemon juice + honey or sugar + warm water
- Lemon zest and juice steeped in hot water for a few minutes
For a lower-sugar version, use unsweetened lemon juice instead of lemonade.
Honey (for Natural Sweetness and Soothing Effect)
Honey not only adds a natural sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemonade but also provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe sore throats.
🔹 Alternative Options:
If you prefer a different sweetener, try:
- Maple syrup (for a slightly richer flavor)
- Agave nectar (for a vegan option)
- For a version without sugar, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
While the traditional Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea is made with the ingredients above, you can customize it to your preference:
- A slice of fresh ginger for extra warmth and digestive benefits
- A dash of cinnamon for a spiced twist
- A sprig of fresh mint for added freshness
- An extra squeeze of lemon for a more citrus-forward flavor
A Comprehensive Guide to Home-Made Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
Recreating the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea at home is incredibly easy and requires just a few simple steps. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a warm, comforting drink, this step-by-step guide will help you make the perfect copycat version in no time!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have the following materials available:
- 1 Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea bag (or substitute with mint green tea)
- 1 Teavana Peach Tranquility tea bag (or any peach herbal tea alternative)
- 1 cup (8 oz) hot water (around 175°F for green tea)
- 1 cup (8 oz) lemonade (warmed)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey (adjust to taste)
- Optional: fresh mint, a slice of ginger, or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor
Step 2: Heat the Water and Lemonade
- Boil 1 cup of water until it reaches around 175°F (80°C)—this is the ideal temperature for green tea, preventing it from becoming bitter.
- In a separate pot or microwave-safe container, warm 1 cup of lemonade until it’s hot but not boiling. This ensures that the flavors blend well without being overly acidic.
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a less tart version, dilute the lemonade with a bit of water.
Step 3: Steep the Teas
- Place both tea bags (Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility) into a large mug.
- Pour the hot water over the tea bags and let them steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
- For a stronger flavor, steep longer or use two bags of each tea.
💡 Pro Tip: Cover your mug while steeping to keep the heat in and extract more flavor from the tea.
Step 4: Add Lemonade and Sweeten with Honey
- Take out the tea bags and throw them away once the tea has steeped.
- Pour in the warm lemonade, stirring gently to combine.
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey, adjusting the amount to your preferred sweetness. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
💡 Pro Tip: If you like an extra hint of citrus, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice into the tea before serving.
Step 5: Customize and Enjoy!
Your homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea is now ready to enjoy! Here are some customization ideas:
✅ For a stronger mint flavor – Add a few fresh mint leaves.
✅ For an extra immune boost – Grate in a small piece of fresh ginger.
✅ For a spicy twist – Stir in a dash of cinnamon.
✅ For an iced version – Let the tea cool, then serve over ice.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a caffeine-free version, replace the Jade Citrus Mint tea with peppermint herbal tea.
Tips and Variations for a Personalized Medicine Ball Tea
One of the best things about making the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea at home is that you can customize it to your taste preferences. Whether you want to tweak the sweetness, adjust the flavors, or make it even healthier, there are plenty of ways to personalize your cup. Below are some tips and variations to help you create the perfect homemade Medicine Ball Tea that suits your needs!
Adjusting the Sweetness to Your Preference
The Starbucks version of the Medicine Ball Tea is naturally sweetened with honey, but you can control the level of sweetness by:
✅ Using more or less honey – Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust based on taste.
✅ Swapping honey for other sweeteners – Try maple syrup, agave nectar, or monk fruit sweetener for a different twist.
✅ Going sugar-free – If you want a no-sugar option, skip the honey altogether or use stevia.
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a sweeter tea but want to cut back on sugar, try adding a few slices of fresh fruit like peach, orange, or apple for natural sweetness.
Enhancing the Flavor with Extra Ingredients
While the original recipe has a balanced mix of citrus, mint, and peach flavors, you can enhance or modify the flavor profile with:
- Fresh Ginger – Adds a spicy kick and extra health benefits for digestion and immunity.
- Cinnamon – A pinch of cinnamon powder or a cinnamon stick adds warmth and depth.
- Cloves or Star Anise – These spices add a hint of earthiness and extra coziness.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – For a more refreshing and cooling taste.
- Lemon or Orange Zest – For an even more intense citrus boost.
💡 Pro Tip: Lightly muddle fresh mint or ginger before steeping the tea to release their essential oils for a stronger flavor.
Making a Caffeine-Free Version
If you want to enjoy the comforting benefits of Medicine Ball Tea without caffeine, simply replace the green tea with a caffeine-free alternative:
✅ Swap Jade Citrus Mint Tea with peppermint tea or lemon ginger tea.
✅ Keep the Peach Tranquility Tea, as it’s already caffeine-free.
✅ Use chamomile tea for a relaxing, bedtime-friendly version.
💡 Pro Tip: This caffeine-free version is perfect for kids or anyone sensitive to caffeine!
Creating an Iced Medicine Ball Tea for a Refreshing Twist
Love cold drinks? Turn this warm, soothing tea into a refreshing iced version:
✅ Brew the teas as usual, then let them cool to room temperature.
✅ Pour over a glass filled with ice cubes.
✅ Add a slice of lemon or peach for extra flavor.
✅ Optional: Top with sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing drink.
💡 Pro Tip: Freeze some lemonade into ice cubes and use them instead of regular ice to keep your drink cool without watering it down.
Boosting the Immune-Boosting Properties
If you’re making this tea to help fight a cold or sore throat, you can enhance its health benefits by adding:
✅ Turmeric – A pinch of turmeric powder or fresh turmeric root for anti-inflammatory benefits.
✅ Elderberry Syrup – Known for its immune-supporting properties, add a teaspoon of elderberry syrup for extra protection against colds.
✅ Apple Cider Vinegar – Helps with digestion and detoxification. Just add a splash (1-2 teaspoons) to your tea.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re feeling under the weather, sip your Medicine Ball Tea warm with a little extra honey and fresh ginger for maximum relief.
Experimenting with Different Tea Blends
While the original Starbucks version uses Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility teas, you can mix and match different tea flavors to create your own unique blend:
- For a stronger minty flavor – Use double peppermint tea bags.
- For a spicier kick – Try chai tea or ginger tea.
- For a more floral taste – Use a combination of hibiscus and chamomile teas.
- For a berry-infused twist – Add berry herbal tea, like raspberry or elderberry.
💡 Pro Tip: If you can’t find Teavana teas, try experimenting with similar flavors from brands like Tazo, Celestial Seasonings, or Twinings.
Turning It Into a Medicine Ball Tea Latte
Want to make your Medicine Ball Tea extra creamy and comforting? Turn it into a latte-style drink by:
✅ Replacing part of the water with steamed milk (almond, oat, or coconut milk work great!).
✅ Frothing the milk for a light, airy texture.
✅ Sprinkling a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra coziness.
💡 Pro Tip: Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor and create a more indulgent experience.
FAQs
Can I make Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea without Teavana teas?
Yes! You can substitute Jade Citrus Mint Tea with any mint green tea and Peach Tranquility Tea with any peach-flavored herbal tea for a similar taste.
Is Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea good for a cold or sore throat?
Yes! The combination of honey, lemon, mint, and warm tea helps soothe a sore throat, ease congestion, and provide immune-boosting benefits.
Does the Medicine Ball Tea contain caffeine?
Yes, because it includes green tea (Jade Citrus Mint Tea). However, you can make a caffeine-free version by swapping it with peppermint or chamomile tea.
How can I make an iced version of the Medicine Ball Tea?
Simply brew the tea as usual, let it cool, then pour it over ice. For extra refreshment, top it with sparkling water.
Can I store Medicine Ball Tea for later?
Yes! You can make a large batch, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just reheat when ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
The Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea is a warm, soothing, and immune-boosting drink that you can easily make at home. With simple ingredients like green tea, peach herbal tea, honey, lemonade, and hot water, you can recreate this comforting beverage while customizing it to your taste. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, with extra ginger or a touch of cinnamon, this tea is perfect for relaxation and wellness. Try making it today and find your favorite way to enjoy this Starbucks favorite! 🍋☕💛