Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Recipe: Soothing & Easy to Make

Introduction

The Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea, also known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea, has become a favorite for its soothing qualities. Whether you want a comforting drink on a cold day or a remedy for a scratchy throat, the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea is the perfect choice. This recipe will teach you how to recreate it easily at home.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make the classic Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea:

1 sachet of Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea
1 sachet of Teavana Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea
1 cup of water
1 cup of lemonade
Honey and lemon

These ingredients are the foundation of the famous Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea..

Instructions

Begin by preparing the liquid base for the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea using water and lemonade.
Next, steep the green and peach tea sachets to create the signature blend of the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea.
Add honey and lemon to capture the drink’s classic flavor profile.

Benefits

The Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea is more than just a delicious drink; it’s also a soothing remedy for colds and sore throats. Its combination of green tea, peach tea, honey, and citrus provides comfort and wellness in every sip.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed making the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea, you’ll love trying our other Starbucks-inspired drinks like Copycat Starbucks Iced Matcha Latte.

What is the Starbucks Medicine Ball?
Initially a secret menu item, the Starbucks Medicine Ball quickly gained popularity through customer demand and social media buzz. Officially named Honey Citrus Mint Tea, it combines two unique Teavana teas—Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility—with steamed lemonade, honey, and a splash of hot water. The result? A soothing, slightly tangy, minty drink perfect for relaxation or battling cold symptoms.

For other tea-inspired treats, check out this recipe for Earl Grey Cookies—a delicious pairing for your tea.

This drink is a blend of two unique Teavana teas—Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility—combined with steamed lemonade, a drizzle of honey, and a splash of hot water. The result is a comforting and slightly tangy beverage with a balance of sweetness and minty freshness that feels like a warm hug in a cup.

Origins of the Name
The nickname “Medicine Ball” stems from its perceived health benefits. Fans of the drink often claim it helps soothe sore throats, alleviate congestion, and provide relief from cold symptoms. While it’s not an official cure for illness, the combination of warming tea, citrusy lemonade, and honey certainly makes it feel like a natural remedy.

Why It’s So Popular
There are several reasons the Medicine Ball has gained such a loyal following:

Health Benefits: Many drinkers turn to it when they’re feeling under the weather or looking for a caffeine-free alternative.
Flavor Profile: Its combination of citrus, mint, and honey creates a balanced, refreshing taste.
Customizable: Whether you prefer extra honey, more lemonade, or a stronger tea flavor, it’s easy to tailor this drink to your preferences.

The Starbucks Medicine Ball isn’t just for those fighting a cold—it’s also a fantastic comfort drink during chilly days or whenever you need a relaxing tea experience. Up next, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients that make this drink so special.

Ingredients in the Medicine Ball

The magic of the Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe lies in its carefully selected ingredients. This recipe is straightforward yet creates a soothing and delicious tea that fans adore, each contributing to the drink’s soothing and flavorful profile. While the recipe is simple, the combination of these components creates a unique tea that has won over many fans.

Jade Citrus Mint Tea
This Teavana tea is the foundation of the Medicine Ball’s minty freshness. Made from a blend of green tea, spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass, it delivers a light, refreshing taste with herbal undertones. The green tea also provides a subtle energy boost while remaining low in caffeine, making it a suitable choice for any time of day.

Peach Tranquility Tea
The second tea in the mix, Teavana’s Peach Tranquility, is a caffeine-free herbal tea. It features a delightful combination of peach, pineapple, chamomile flowers, and lemon verbena. The fruity and floral notes add sweetness and balance the minty sharpness of the Jade Citrus Mint.

Steamed Lemonade
Lemonade is a key component in the Medicine Ball, contributing its tangy citrus flavor. At Starbucks, the lemonade is steamed for a warm, velvety texture that enhances the drink’s soothing effect. You can use fresh-squeezed lemonade or store-bought varieties when making it at home, but choosing a high-quality lemonade with minimal added sugar ensures the best results.

Honey
A drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness and ties together the mint and citrus flavors. Beyond its taste, honey is known for its potential health benefits, such as soothing sore throats and providing antimicrobial properties. For the best experience, use raw or organic honey.

Optional Peppermint Syrup
Some Starbucks locations offer a splash of peppermint syrup for an extra minty kick. While it’s not a standard ingredient, you can add this if you love the cooling sensation of peppermint. At home, a drop of peppermint extract can achieve a similar effect.

Hot Water
Finally, a splash of hot water rounds out the drink. It tempers the lemonade’s tartness, allows the teas to steep, and ensures the beverage is warm and comforting.

Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re unable to find the exact Teavana teas, there are alternatives:

For Jade Citrus Mint, use any green tea blended with mint or lemon.
Replace Peach Tranquility with another herbal tea featuring peach or chamomile.

The Key Components

Jade Citrus Mint Tea: A blend of green tea, spearmint, and lemon verbena, adding freshness and a subtle energy boost.
Peach Tranquility Tea: Herbal tea with peach, pineapple, and chamomile flowers for a sweet and floral balance.
Steamed Lemonade: Warm, tangy lemonade enhances the tea’s soothing effects.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and ties the flavors together.
Hot Water: Ensures the drink is warm and comforting.

For those with a sweet tooth, you might also enjoy the Classic Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies, another great accompaniment to this tea.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Recreating the Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients. With this guide, you’ll easily make the Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe to enjoy anytime.. By following these steps, you can enjoy this soothing and flavorful drink anytime you need a warm pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 sachet of Jade Citrus Mint tea (or a substitute like green tea with mint and lemon)
1 sachet of Peach Tranquility tea (or another herbal tea with peach or chamomile)
1 cup of lemonade (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup of hot water
1–2 tablespoons of honey (adjust to taste)
(Optional) Peppermint extract or syrup for an extra minty flavor

For creative dessert pairings, consider trying this Pumpkin Banana Loaf for a hearty, seasonal treat.

Step 1 – Gather Your Supplies
Before starting, ensure you have a teapot or kettle, a heatproof mug, and the necessary ingredients. If you’re steaming your lemonade, you’ll also need a small saucepan.

Step 2 – Prepare the Lemonade

Pour 1 cup of lemonade into a small saucepan.
Heat the lemonade over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling. Steaming it mimics the texture of Starbucks’ version, but if you prefer, you can microwave it for 30–60 seconds.

Step 3 – Brew the Teas

While the lemonade is warming, heat 1 cup of water in a kettle or microwave until hot but not boiling (about 175–185°F is ideal for green tea).
Place both the Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility tea sachets in your mug.
Pour the hot water over the tea bags and let them steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.

Step 4 – Combine the Ingredients

Once the teas are brewed and the lemonade is warmed, remove the tea bags from the mug.
Pour the steamed lemonade into the mug with the brewed teas.
Add 1–2 tablespoons of honey, stirring until it dissolves. Adjust the sweetness based on your taste preferences.

Step 5 – Optional Additions
If you’d like to replicate Starbucks’ peppermint twist, add a small splash of peppermint syrup or a drop of peppermint extract. Stir well to incorporate.

Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy
Your homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball is ready to enjoy! Sip it slowly while it’s still warm to fully experience the soothing blend of citrus, mint, and honey.

Bonus Tips for the Perfect Brew

For a stronger flavor, steep the tea bags longer or use two sachets of each tea.
If you prefer your drink less sweet, reduce the amount of honey or opt for an unsweetened lemonade.
Store leftover lemonade in the refrigerator and reheat it for future servings.

Tips for Customization

Tips for Customization
One of the great things about the Starbucks Medicine Ball is its flexibility. With a few tweaks, you can adjust the drink to match your flavor preferences, dietary needs, or health goals. Here are some ideas to make this recipe your own.

Adjusting Sweetness

More Honey: For those who enjoy a sweeter tea, increase the amount of honey to 2–3 tablespoons.
Less Sweet: Reduce or omit the honey altogether if you prefer a more tart and refreshing flavor. Stevia or agave syrup can also be used as a lower-calorie alternative.
No Added Sugar: Use a sugar-free lemonade or replace it with freshly squeezed lemon juice diluted with water for a natural, unsweetened taste.

Tea Substitutions
If you can’t find the exact Teavana teas, try these alternatives:

Jade Citrus Mint Substitute: Look for green tea blends with mint, lemongrass, or citrus notes. Moroccan Mint or Lemon Ginger Green Tea are great options.
Peach Tranquility Substitute: Herbal teas featuring peach, chamomile, or a floral profile work well. Look for blends with pineapple or apple for a fruity touch.

Adding Extra Flavors
Take your Medicine Ball to the next level by experimenting with additional ingredients:

Ginger: Add a slice of fresh ginger or a dash of ground ginger for a spicy, warming kick.
Turmeric: A pinch of turmeric can enhance the drink’s health benefits, especially for inflammation relief.
Cinnamon: Sprinkle some cinnamon on top for a cozy flavor twist.
Vanilla: Add a few drops of vanilla extract for a smooth and creamy undertone.

Making It Vegan-Friendly
The classic Medicine Ball recipe includes honey, but you can make a vegan version by substituting it with:

Maple syrup
Agave nectar
Coconut sugar
Stevia (for a calorie-free option)

Increasing the Citrus Kick
If you’re a fan of bold citrus flavors, you can:

Use extra lemonade in place of water for a stronger citrus base.
Add a slice of fresh lemon, lime, or orange to the cup for a burst of natural fruitiness.
Use lemon-flavored herbal teas to intensify the citrus profile.

Boosting the Minty Flavor
For those who love the refreshing taste of mint, try these options

Steep an additional mint tea bag along with the other teas.
Add fresh mint leaves directly to the cup.
Use a splash of peppermint syrup or a few drops of peppermint extract.

Making It Extra Creamy
Turn your Medicine Ball into a creamy tea latte by adding a splash of milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Steamed milk works best for a frothy, luxurious texture.

Experimenting with Herbal Teas
If you’re adventurous, swap out the tea blends for other herbal teas you love. Combinations like chamomile and lavender or lemon balm and hibiscus can create unique takes on the classic Medicine Ball.

Creating a Cold Version
The Medicine Ball is typically served warm, but you can make a chilled version for hot days:

Brew the teas and let them cool to room temperature.
Combine with chilled lemonade and a few ice cubes.
Sweeten with honey or your preferred sweetener and stir well.

By customizing your Medicine Ball, you can enjoy it in a variety of ways, from a rich and creamy latte to a tangy, refreshing iced tea. In the next section, we’ll discuss the potential health benefits of this drink and why it’s a favorite for wellness enthusiasts.

Health Benefits of the Medicine Ball

The Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe isn’t just a delicious tea; it also offers a range of health benefits. Making the Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe at home allows you to enjoy its soothing effects without visiting a store.. Its soothing ingredients make it a popular choice during cold and flu season or whenever you need a comforting, immunity-boosting drink.

Soothing Sore Throats
One of the key reasons people turn to the Medicine Ball is its ability to ease throat discomfort. The combination of warm tea, honey, and mint creates a calming effect:

Honey coats the throat, reducing irritation and helping to suppress coughs.
Mint in the Jade Citrus Mint tea offers a cooling sensation that alleviates soreness.
The warm liquid helps loosen mucus and provides hydration, essential for recovery.

Immune System Support
The Medicine Ball is packed with ingredients that can give your immune system a boost:

Vitamin C from Lemonade: Lemonade provides a natural dose of vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune health.
Antioxidants in Green Tea: Jade Citrus Mint tea contains green tea, which is rich in antioxidants that help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Chamomile in Peach Tranquility: Chamomile is known for its calming properties and can support overall wellness.

Aiding Digestion
The mint and citrus ingredients in the Medicine Ball can promote better digestion. Mint has been shown to relax the digestive tract, while lemon aids in detoxification and stimulates the production of digestive enzymes. Sipping this tea after a meal may help relieve bloating and indigestion.

Relieving Nasal Congestion
The warm steam from the drink and the menthol-like properties of mint can help clear sinuses and ease nasal congestion. Drinking the Medicine Ball during a cold provides a comforting way to breathe more easily.

Stress Relief and Relaxation
Chamomile, a key component of Peach Tranquility tea, is widely recognized for its stress-relieving effects. The drink’s warmth and gentle flavor also contribute to relaxation, making it a perfect choice for unwinding after a long day or as part of your bedtime routine.

Hydration and Comfort
Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, especially when you’re feeling under the weather. The Medicine Ball provides a flavorful alternative to plain water, ensuring you stay hydrated while enjoying a warm, comforting beverage.

A Low-Caffeine Alternative
For those sensitive to caffeine, the Medicine Ball is an excellent option. The Jade Citrus Mint tea contains a minimal amount of caffeine, while the Peach Tranquility tea is completely caffeine-free. This balance makes the drink suitable for evening consumption or for those avoiding high-caffeine beverages.

DIY Adjustments for Added Benefits
If you’re looking to amplify the health benefits of your homemade Medicine Ball, consider these additions:

Fresh Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Turmeric: A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Cinnamon: Adds a touch of spice while helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

Wellness Beyond Cold Remedies
While it’s often thought of as a drink for cold and flu season, the Medicine Ball can be enjoyed year-round for its overall wellness benefits. Its balanced flavors and nutritious ingredients make it a great choice for any time you want to feel revitalized.

Soothing Sore Throats

The warm tea, combined with honey and mint, helps ease throat irritation and provide hydration.

Immune Boost

Vitamin C from Lemonade: Supports immune health.
Antioxidants in Green Tea: Fights inflammation and boosts overall wellness.
Chamomile’s Calming Effects: Promotes relaxation and well-being.

For another health-conscious treat, explore this recipe for a Lemony Snack Mix, combining zesty flavors with a healthy twist.

Conclusion

The Starbucks Medicine Ball is more than just a drink—it’s a comforting, versatile tea that’s easy to recreate at home. By experimenting with substitutions and customization options, you can tailor it to your taste and dietary preferences. Pair it with recipes like Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad for a balanced, nourishing experience.

Start brewing your own Starbucks Medicine Ball today and savor the comforting blend of mint, citrus, and honey, anytime you need a wellness boost or just a cozy treat!