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I’ll never forget the first time I walked into Starbucks with a scratchy throat and asked the barista, “Can you make me that tea everyone’s talking about?” She smiled knowingly and said, “The Medicine Ball?” Within minutes, I was cradling a warm cup of the most comforting drink I’d had in ages.
That was three years ago, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. But here’s the thing—at nearly $5 per cup, my Medicine Ball Starbucks habit was getting expensive. So I did what I do best: I went into my kitchen and figured out how to recreate it at home.
After dozens of attempts and plenty of taste-testing (tough job, I know), I’ve perfected this Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe that tastes just like the ocksriginal but costs a fraction of the price and lets you control exactly what goes in your cup.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- How to make an authentic Starbucks Medicine Ball tea recipe at home in just 5 minutes
- What’s actually in this viral drink and why it became so popular
- The real truth about whether it helps when you’re feeling under the weather
- Low-sugar, caffeine-free, and vegan variations for different dietary needs
- How to order a Medicine Ball at Starbucks and customize it perfectly
- Cost comparison: homemade vs. Starbucks (spoiler: you’ll save a lot!)
Table of Contents
What Exactly Is the Starbucks Medicine Ball?
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram this cold and flu season, you’ve probably seen people clutching a warm cup of Starbucks Medicine Ball and swearing by it. This cozy honey citrus mint tea started as a secret menu hack and became so popular that Starbucks officially added it to the menu as Honey Citrus Mint Tea.
As a nutritionist and recipe developer, I had to recreate this viral drink at home – with a version that still tastes like your favorite Starbucks Medicine Ball tea, but lets you control the sugar, caffeine and ingredients.
Let’s start with the basics. The Starbucks Medicine Ball—officially called Honey Citrus Mint Tea on the menu—is a soothing hot beverage that combines minty green tea, peachy herbal tea, steamed lemonade, hot water, and honey.
The drink started as a grassroots creation. Customers would come in during cold and flu season asking baristas to mix specific teas together in a particular way. It spread through word of mouth (and eventually social media) as the “Medicine Ball” or “Cold Buster.” The demand got so intense that Starbucks finally added it to their official menu.
What makes it special? It’s that perfect combination of citrusy brightness from the lemon, cooling relief from the mint, gentle sweetness from peach notes, and throat-soothing honey. The first sip feels like a warm hug when you’re feeling run down.
I find myself reaching for this drink not just when I’m sick, but anytime I need something comforting that isn’t coffee. It’s become my go-to for cozy evenings, stressful afternoons, and those in-between moments when regular tea feels too plain but a latte feels too heavy.
The Secret Behind What’s in a Starbucks Medicine Ball
If you’ve ever wondered what is in the Starbucks Medicine Ball, here’s the exact breakdown of the original version:
Jade Citrus Mint Tea: This is a green tea blend with spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass. It provides that refreshing minty-citrus punch and contains a small amount of caffeine.
Peach Tranquility Tea: An herbal blend with peach, chamomile, rose hips, and citrus notes. This one’s caffeine-free and adds the gentle peachy sweetness that balances the mint.
Steamed Lemonade: Half the liquid in your cup is actually lemonade, which gives the drink its signature tang and sweetness. This is also where most of the sugar comes from.
Hot Water: The other half of the liquid dilutes the intensity and makes it more sippable.
Honey: Usually one or two pumps of Starbucks’ honey blend, which coats your throat and adds natural sweetness.
When I recreate this medicine ball Starbucks recipe at home, I stick to this same formula but use ingredients I can easily find at any grocery store. The result? Honestly, I think my homemade version tastes even better because I can adjust the sweetness and lemon intensity to exactly how I like it.
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Recipe – Honey Citrus Mint Copycat
Sofie NienhausIngredients
For the classic copycat
- ¾ cup water 180 ml
- ¾ cup lemonade regular or low-sugar 180 ml
- 1 minty green tea bag
- 1 peach herbal tea bag
- 1 teaspoons honey or to taste
- Optional garnish: lemon slice fresh mint
Instructions
- Heat the water and lemonade
- Add water and lemonade to a small saucepan.
- Heat until steaming hot but not at a rolling boil (you want it very hot, not aggressively boiling so the lemonade doesn’t taste bitter).
- Add tea bags to your mug
- Place the minty green tea bag and the peach herbal tea bag in your mug.
- Pour the hot water–lemonade mixture over the tea bags.
- Steep
- Let the tea steep for 3–5 minutes.
- For a milder, softer flavor, stop at around 3 minutes. For a stronger, more intense Medicine Ball, go closer to 5 minutes.
- Sweeten with honey
- Remove the tea bags and discard.
- Stir in 1–2 teaspoons honey, starting with 1 teaspoon and tasting before you add more.
- Garnish and serve
- Add a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint if you like.
- Sip warm and enjoy.
Notes
- If you want a bigger mug (about 16–18 oz), you can increase water and lemonade to 1 cup each and keep the same number of tea bags.
- For a more subtle lemonade flavor, use 2 parts water to 1 part lemonade instead of equal parts.
- Always adjust the honey depending on your taste and how sweet your lemonade is.
Nutrition
Does the Starbucks Medicine Ball Really Help When You’re Sick?
This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Does the Starbucks Medicine Ball really help?
Here’s my honest take as someone who’s tried it dozens of times while feeling under the weather: it’s not a cure, but it absolutely provides comfort and some legitimate benefits.
The warm steam helps open up your nasal passages temporarily, making it easier to breathe when you’re congested. I’ve noticed this effect is most pronounced in those first few minutes of sipping.
Honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats, and there’s actually scientific backing for this. It coats your throat and can temporarily reduce that scratchy, irritated feeling.
The hydration factor can’t be overlooked. When you’re sick, staying hydrated helps your body function better, and a flavorful drink makes it easier to get those fluids in compared to plain water.
The mint creates a cooling sensation that can make you feel like you’re breathing more clearly, even if it’s mostly a sensory effect.
That said, this isn’t medicine. It won’t shorten the duration of your cold or cure the flu. What it will do is make you feel cared for and slightly more comfortable while your immune system does its work.
I think of my medicine ball tea Starbucks recipe as similar to my pink salt weight loss recipe—it’s a supportive wellness ritual that works best as part of a holistic approach to health, not a standalone solution.
Important Note: This article is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace medical advice. If you’re seriously ill or have ongoing health concerns, please consult with a healthcare professional.
My Perfected Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Recipe
After making this drink more times than I can count, I’ve refined the process to be as simple and foolproof as possible. You’ll have a steaming mug ready in about 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (180 ml) water
- ¾ cup (180 ml) lemonade (regular, light, or homemade)
- 1 minty green tea bag (or herbal mint tea for caffeine-free)
- 1 peach herbal tea bag (or chamomile with a fruity blend)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey (start with 1 and adjust to taste)
- Optional: lemon slice and fresh mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Heat your liquids: Pour the water and lemonade into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high until it’s steaming hot and just starting to show tiny bubbles around the edges, but not at a full rolling boil. This usually takes 3-4 minutes. If it boils too aggressively, the lemonade can taste slightly bitter.
- Prepare your mug: While the liquid heats, place both tea bags in your favorite mug. I love using a clear glass mug so I can watch the beautiful color develop.
- Pour and steep: Carefully pour the hot water-lemonade mixture over the tea bags. Let them steep for 3-5 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea. I usually go for 4 minutes—it’s that sweet spot between too weak and too intense.
- Sweeten thoughtfully: Remove the tea bags (give them a gentle squeeze to extract those last beneficial compounds). Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey, taste, then add more if needed. Remember, your lemonade already contains sugar, so you might need less honey than you think.
- Garnish and enjoy: If you’re feeling fancy, add a thin lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint. Take that first sip slowly and feel the warmth spread through you.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cup
For a larger serving (16-18 oz, closer to a Starbucks Grande), use 1 cup each of water and lemonade with the same two tea bags.
If you find the lemonade flavor too intense, try a 2:1 ratio of water to lemonade instead. This creates a more subtle citrus note that some people prefer.
The quality of your honey matters more than you’d think. I’ve experimented with everything from basic grocery store honey to local wildflower varieties, and the local honey adds a depth of flavor that’s really special.
Don’t skip the steeping time, but don’t over-steep either. Green tea in particular can become bitter if left too long. Set a timer if you’re the forgetful type (like me!).
Customizing Your Medicine Ball: Variations for Every Need
One of my favorite things about making this Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe at home is how easily you can adapt it. Here are the variations I make most often:
Lower-Sugar Medicine Ball
This is the version I make most frequently because I’m mindful of added sugars in my diet.
Use 1 cup water and just ½ cup lemonade (or even less). Add fresh lemon juice to boost the citrus flavor without the sugar. Start with just ½ teaspoon of honey and taste before adding more. You’ll cut the sugar content significantly while keeping that comforting flavor profile.
I sometimes combine this lighter approach with ideas from my Costa Rican tea recipe for weight loss for a truly wellness-focused beverage.
Caffeine-Free Medicine Ball
Perfect for evenings or for anyone avoiding caffeine, this version is just as delicious.
Simply swap the minty green tea for an herbal peppermint or spearmint tea. Keep everything else the same. The peach herbal tea is already caffeine-free, so this one change makes the entire drink caffeine-free.
I make this version after dinner when I want something soothing but don’t want to compromise my sleep.
Vegan Medicine Ball
Making this plant-based is incredibly easy.
Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. I slightly prefer maple syrup because it adds a richer, more complex sweetness that complements the tea beautifully. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust from there.
Iced Medicine Ball for Warm Days
Yes, you can absolutely enjoy this as a cold drink! Here’s how I do it:
Make the tea as directed, but let it cool to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes). Fill a tall glass with ice, pour the cooled tea over it, and garnish with lemon and mint. The flavors actually brighten up when served cold, and it becomes this incredibly refreshing drink that’s perfect for spring and summer.
The Real Cost Comparison: Starbucks vs. Homemade
Let’s talk money, because this is where making your own medicine ball Starbucks recipe really pays off.
| Item | Starbucks | Homemade | Savings Per Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grande Medicine Ball | $4.75-$5.25 | $0.75-$1.10 | $4.00-$4.50 |
| Weekly (5 cups) | $23.75-$26.25 | $3.75-$5.50 | $20.00-$22.50 |
| Monthly (20 cups) | $95-$105 | $15-$22 | $80-$90 |
Breaking down the homemade cost:
- A box of quality green tea bags (20 count): $4-6 → About $0.20-0.30 per bag
- A box of peach or chamomile herbal tea (20 count): $4-6 → About $0.20-0.30 per bag
- Lemonade (64 oz bottle): $3-4 → About $0.25 per serving
- Honey (12 oz jar): $5-7 → About $0.10-0.20 per serving
When I realized I was spending over $100 a month on this one drink during cold season, making it at home became a no-brainer. That’s real money I can put toward other wellness priorities—or honestly, just save.
How to Order a Medicine Ball at Starbucks (If You’re Not Making It at Home)
Of course, there are times when you want the Starbucks experience or you’re on the go. Here’s exactly how to order a Starbucks Medicine Ball:
The official name: Ask for a “Honey Citrus Mint Tea.” This is what it’s called on the menu, though most baristas will still know what you mean if you say “Medicine Ball.”
Size matters: I usually get a Grande (16 oz) because it’s the perfect amount. A Venti can feel like too much liquid, and a Tall sometimes leaves me wanting more.
Customization options at Starbucks:
Ask for “light lemonade” or “extra water” if you want to reduce the sugar content. This is my go-to modification.
Request “less honey” or “no honey” if you’re watching sweetness levels. You can always add your own honey or sweetener.
Ask for it “extra hot” if you really want that soothing steam effect.
Request it iced during warmer months—yes, they can do this!
On the app: Search for “Honey Citrus Mint Tea” in the hot teas section. You can customize sweetener levels and add any modifications in the special instructions.
Nutrition Facts: What You’re Actually Drinking
Let’s be transparent about what’s in your cup, because understanding the nutrition helps you make informed choices.
A Grande Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea contains approximately:
- 130 calories
- 30-32g carbohydrates (mostly from sugars)
- Minimal protein and fat
- About 20mg caffeine (much less than coffee’s 165mg)
- 20mg sodium from the lemonade
The majority of those carbs come from the lemonade and honey blend. If you’re monitoring your sugar intake—whether for weight management, blood sugar control, or general health—this is definitely something to be aware of.
My homemade lower-sugar version typically comes in around:
- 60-80 calories
- 15-18g carbohydrates
- 10-15mg caffeine (if using green tea)
- Essentially no sodium if you use fresh lemon juice instead of commercial lemonade
This is why I generally make my own. I can enjoy the comfort and flavor while keeping it aligned with my wellness goals—similar to how I approach my natural Mounjaro recipe as a food-first wellness strategy.
The Tea Substitution Guide: When You Can’t Find the Exact Teas
One of the most common questions I get is about tea substitutions. The good news? You have lots of flexibility here.
For the minty green tea: If you can’t find Jade Citrus Mint specifically, any green tea with mint will work beautifully. I’ve successfully used:
- Plain green tea with a separate peppermint tea bag
- Green tea with added fresh mint leaves
- Mint-flavored green teas from other brands
- Even just a high-quality peppermint herbal tea if you want to go caffeine-free
For the peach herbal tea: Peach Tranquility is wonderful, but alternatives work great too. Try:
- Any peach-flavored herbal tea
- Chamomile tea (which is in Peach Tranquility anyway)
- Chamomile with a bit of peach jam stirred in
- A fruity herbal blend with berries or citrus
I’ve honestly made excellent Medicine Balls with completely different tea combinations when I’ve been traveling and working with whatever the local grocery store had available. The core formula of mint + fruit/floral + lemon + honey is what matters most.
Making It in Batches: Meal Prep for Cold Season
During peak cold and flu season, I often make a large batch of this Starbucks Medicine Ball tea recipe to keep in my fridge. It’s a game-changer for busy mornings or when you’re not feeling well enough to fuss with brewing individual cups.
Big Batch Recipe (4 servings):
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups lemonade
- 4 minty green tea bags
- 4 peach herbal tea bags
- 4-8 teaspoons honey (adjust to taste)
Heat the water and lemonade in a medium saucepan until steaming hot. Add all the tea bags and steep for 4-5 minutes. Remove tea bags, stir in honey starting with less and tasting as you go, let cool slightly, then transfer to a glass jar or bottle.
Storage: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually mellows and blends beautifully over time.
Reheating: Pour your desired amount into a saucepan or microwave-safe mug and heat gently. If it seems a bit concentrated, add a splash of water. I usually reheat mine in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
This approach has saved me so much time during weeks when I’ve been under the weather or just really busy. Having it ready to go means I actually drink it instead of deciding it’s too much effort.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Medicine Ball Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, these creative twists can add new dimensions to your medicine ball tea Starbucks recipe:
Ginger-Boosted Medicine Ball: Add 2-3 thin slices of fresh ginger to your mug before pouring the hot liquid. The ginger adds warmth and has its own soothing properties for upset stomachs.
Extra-Minty Version: Use a peppermint tea bag instead of mint green tea, and add a few fresh mint leaves. This creates an intensely refreshing drink that’s especially good for congestion.
Turmeric Golden Medicine Ball: Add ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder and a tiny pinch of black pepper (which helps with turmeric absorption). This gives you anti-inflammatory benefits and a beautiful golden color.
Berry Twist: Substitute the peach tea with a berry herbal blend and use a berry lemonade. It’s like a completely different drink but equally comforting.
Lavender Dream: Add a pinch of culinary lavender to the chamomile tea for an extra-calming evening version. This one’s become my pre-bedtime favorite.
These variations remind me of how I experiment with wellness recipes like my Dr. Jennifer Ashton gelatin trick recipe—taking a solid foundation and customizing it to meet specific needs.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
After making this recipe countless times and helping friends troubleshoot their versions, I’ve noticed a few common pitfalls:
Using boiling water directly on the lemonade: This is the most frequent mistake. When lemonade gets too hot too fast, it can develop a slightly bitter or burnt taste. Always heat gently and remove from heat just as it starts to steam.
Over-steeping the green tea: Leave those tea bags in too long and you’ll end up with astringency that overwhelms the gentle flavors. Set a timer for 3-5 minutes maximum.
Adding too much honey upfront: Remember, your lemonade is already sweet. Start with less honey than you think you need, taste, then adjust. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Using low-quality tea bags: I learned this the hard way. Those dusty, cheap tea bags really do make a difference in flavor. Invest in decent-quality tea—it’s still way cheaper than buying from Starbucks.
Not customizing to your taste: The beauty of making this at home is that you can adjust everything. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the water-to-lemonade ratio, honey amounts, and steeping times until you find your perfect version.
FAQs – Your Medicine Ball Questions Answered
What is in the Starbucks Medicine Ball?
The Starbucks Medicine Ball contains Jade Citrus Mint tea (a minty green tea), Peach Tranquility tea (a peachy herbal blend with chamomile), steamed lemonade, hot water, and honey. When making it at home, you can use any mint green tea and peach or chamomile herbal tea to achieve the same comforting flavor profile.
Does the Starbucks Medicine Ball really help?
The Medicine Ball provides genuine comfort and some helpful benefits when you’re feeling under the weather, though it’s not a medical treatment. The warm steam helps with congestion, honey soothes a sore throat, and staying hydrated supports your immune system. However, does the Starbucks Medicine Ball actually work as a cure? No—it’s a supportive comfort measure that can make you feel better while your body heals, but it won’t shorten the duration of illness or replace proper medical care when needed.
What do I order at Starbucks if I want a Medicine Ball?
Ask for “Honey Citrus Mint Tea”—that’s the official menu name. Most baristas will also recognize it if you say “Medicine Ball” or “Cold Buster,” but using the official name ensures clarity. How to order a Starbucks Medicine Ball: You can order in person, at the drive-through, or through the mobile app by searching for Honey Citrus Mint Tea in the hot tea section. Customize it by requesting light lemonade, extra water, or less honey if desired.
How do I order a Medicine Ball at Starbucks?
To order, simply say “I’d like a Honey Citrus Mint Tea” and specify your size (Tall, Grande, or Venti). What does Starbucks call their Medicine Ball now? The official name is “Honey Citrus Mint Tea,” though the Medicine Ball nickname is still widely recognized. You can customize it by asking for modifications like light lemonade for less sugar, extra hot for more steam, or no honey if you prefer to control sweetness yourself.
What is in the Medicine Ball from Starbucks?
What is in the Medicine Ball from Starbucks includes two types of tea bags, hot water, steamed lemonade, and honey blend. Specifically: one bag of Jade Citrus Mint (green tea with spearmint and citrus), one bag of Peach Tranquility (peach, chamomile, and rose hips), equal parts hot water and steamed lemonade, and typically one to two pumps of honey. The combination creates that signature citrusy, minty, peachy flavor with natural sweetness.
Can I make Medicine Ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! I regularly make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully over time. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to drink it. If it tastes a bit concentrated after refrigeration, add a splash of water when reheating.
Is Medicine Ball tea safe for kids?
Older children and teens can enjoy a modified version, but there are important considerations. Never give honey to children under 1 year old due to botulism risk. For older kids, I recommend making a caffeine-free version using herbal mint tea instead of green tea, and reducing the lemonade to cut down on sugar. Always check with your pediatrician if you have concerns about specific ingredients.
How much caffeine is in Medicine Ball tea?
A Grande Starbucks Medicine Ball contains approximately 16-25mg of caffeine from the green tea component—significantly less than coffee’s 165mg or even regular green tea’s 35-45mg. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or drinking it in the evening, you can easily make a caffeine-free version at home by using herbal mint tea instead of mint green tea.
Your Perfect Cup Awaits
Making your own Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe at home is one of those small changes that can genuinely improve your daily wellness routine. Whether you’re battling a scratchy throat, looking for a cozy afternoon drink, or just want to save money on your favorite Starbucks order, this simple recipe delivers.
What I love most about this drink is how adaptable it is. Need it lower in sugar? Adjust the lemonade. Want it caffeine-free for evening sipping? Swap the tea. Looking for a vegan option? Use maple syrup. The foundation is solid, but you get to make it truly yours.
Start with the basic recipe I’ve shared, then experiment to find your perfect balance. Some of you will love it extra lemony, others will prefer more honey, and some will discover creative variations I haven’t even thought of yet.
The next time you feel that familiar tickle in your throat or just need something warm and comforting, skip the Starbucks line and head to your kitchen instead. In five minutes, you’ll have a cup of honey citrus mint tea that’s just as good—if not better—than the original, customized exactly to your preferences.
And that’s what sustainable wellness looks like to me: simple, accessible rituals that support your health without breaking the bank or requiring complicated processes. Just like my pink salt recipe for weight loss and my 4-ingredient Mounjaro recipe, this Medicine Ball fits perfectly into a lifestyle that prioritizes both health and enjoyment.
Here’s to cozy cups, saved money, and feeling a little bit better every day.
Want to explore more wellness-focused recipes? Check out my Zepbound price analysis for understanding weight loss medication costs, or discover natural alternatives in my collection of tea-based wellness recipes.