As the cold and flu season comes, a warm, soothing drink is just what you need. The Starbucks Medicine Ball, also known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a favorite for many. It’s a great way to feel better. But why pay a lot for it when you can make it at home? We’ll show you how to make your own Medicine Ball, its health perks, and how to make it your own.
Key Takeaways
- The Starbucks Medicine Ball is a popular beverage that combines citrus mint and peach teas with lemonade and honey.
- This recipe can be easily replicated at home with simple, readily available ingredients.
- The Starbucks Medicine Ball offers various health benefits, including immune-boosting properties and soothing effects for cold and flu symptoms.
- Customization options allow you to personalize the recipe to your taste preferences.
- Preparing the Starbucks Medicine Ball at home is more cost-effective than buying the store-bought version.
Understanding the Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe Phenomenon
The Starbucks Medicine Ball, also known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, has become a favorite for cold remedies. It’s a comforting mix of lemon, mint, and honey that many swear by for soothing flu symptoms. Pair this homemade version with a warm dessert like the Churro Cheesecake Recipe for a cozy evening treat.
From Secret Menu to Customer Favorite
A customer created the Medicine Ball to fight cold symptoms. Its fame spread quickly through word-of-mouth and social media. Starbucks added it to their menu, calling it the “Medicine Ball” for its health benefits.
Why It’s Called a Medicine Ball
The Medicine Ball, or Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is loved for its unique taste. It combines citrusy, minty, and sweet flavors. These are believed to help with cold and flu symptoms.
Current Menu Name: Honey Citrus Mint Tea
Starbucks renamed it to Honey Citrus Mint Tea when it became a regular menu item. But many still call it the Medicine Ball. It’s a specialty drink with prices varying by location, size, and promotions.
Health Benefits of This Soothing Beverage
The Starbucks Medicine Ball, also known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is more than a tasty drink. It’s packed with health benefits. It combines ingredients that boost the immune system, fight off colds and flu, and have antioxidant properties. This makes it a top choice for natural remedies during the cold months.
Immune-Boosting Properties
The Medicine Ball’s ingredients, like green tea, lemon, and honey, are great for the immune system. Green tea has EGCG, which fights cell damage and may treat diseases. Lemonade is full of vitamin C, helping the immune system and shortening colds. Honey, a natural sweetener, has antibacterial and antiviral properties, adding to the drink’s immune-boosting effects.
Antioxidant Power of Combined Ingredients
The Medicine Ball’s mix of green tea, peach tea, and lemon is a strong antioxidant blend. Green tea is full of antioxidants, and peach tea adds vitamins and minerals for health. Lemon boosts the drink’s antioxidant power, fighting off free radicals and supporting cell health.
Soothing Effects for Cold and Flu Symptoms
Feeling sick? The Medicine Ball’s warmth and comfort can help. Honey and peppermint soothe sore throats, and the tea and lemonade hydrate and relieve congestion. Its natural decongestants make it a natural remedy for cold and flu season.
Looking to boost your immune system, fight a cold, or just enjoy a tasty drink? The Starbucks Medicine Ball is perfect. Knowing its health benefits, you can make this comforting drink at home and enjoy its nutritional perks.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Version
To recreate this comforting beverage at home, you’ll need mint and peach teas, lemonade, and honey. If you’re experimenting with flavors, consider adding a side of the Date Palm Recipe—its sweet and fruity notes complement the citrusy tea beautifully.
Tazo Tea Zen is a great substitute for the Jade Citrus Mint. It has green tea, lemongrass, and spearmint. Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion tea is a good choice for the peach flavor instead of Peach Tranquility.
You’ll also need hot water, lemonade (the light version), and honey. Making your own lemonade can make the drink taste fresher and more natural.
Adding a few drops of peppermint extract can give your homemade Medicine Ball a minty twist.
With these ingredients, you can make the soothing and immune-boosting Starbucks Medicine Ball in your kitchen.
“The homemade recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 mint tea bag, and 1 peach tea bag for a 20-ounce serving.”
With a little preparation, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of the Starbucks Medicine Ball at home.
Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Want the comfort of a Starbucks Medicine Ball without the wait or cost? You can make it at home with a few simple steps. Let’s explore the homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe and learn how to make this cozy, immune-boosting tea.
Preparing the Base Mixture
Begin by mixing equal parts water and lemonade, about 3/4 cup each, in a small saucepan. Heat it until it’s hot but not boiling.
Tea Steeping Instructions
- Add one Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea bag and one Teavana Peach Tranquility tea bag to the hot liquid.
- Let the tea bags steep for 2-3 minutes, infusing the blend with their flavorful goodness.
- Remove the tea bags once the steeping time is up.
Adding Finishing Touches to Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe
To finish your homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe, stir in 2 teaspoons of honey. For more flavor, add a 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
And there you have it! Your own Starbucks-inspired Medicine Ball tea, ready to enjoy. This recipe makes one 12-ounce serving, similar to a Starbucks tall size. You can now sip and savor the soothing warmth of this cozy beverage at home.
Tips for Perfect Tea Temperature and Steeping Time
When brewing the perfect cup of tea for your homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe, temperature and steeping time are key. Follow these simple tips to make sure your tea is always perfect.
Optimal Tea Temperature
For the best flavor, heat your water to about 190°F (88°C). This temperature works well for both green tea and herbal tea, the main ingredients in the Medicine Ball. Don’t use boiling water, as it can make the tea taste bitter.
Perfect Steeping Time
Steep the tea bags for 2-4 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Steeping too long, especially with green tea, can make it bitter. For a stronger flavor, steep longer. For a lighter taste, steep for less time.
If you’re warming lemonade in the microwave, heat it for about 45 seconds to 1 minute before adding hot water and tea bags. This ensures the drink is at the perfect temperature.
“The perfect cup of tea starts with getting the temperature and steeping time just right. Follow these tips to brew your homemade Medicine Ball to perfection.”
Creating a delicious Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe requires the right balance of tea, lemonade, and other ingredients. Mastering the tea brewing process will help you make a soothing, flavorful drink at home.
Alternative Tea Options When Teavana Isn’t Available
If you can’t find Teavana teas for the Starbucks Medicine Ball, don’t worry. There are great alternatives to make this drink at home.
Substitute Tea Brands
For Jade Citrus Mint, try Bigelow’s Mint Medley or other mint green teas. For Peach Tranquility, choose Celestial Seasonings’ Country Peach Passion or peach-flavored herbal teas. Look for teas that have citrus, mint, and peach flavors, just like the Medicine Ball.
Flavor Matching Guide
- Mint Green Tea: Bigelow Mint Medley, Tazo Zen, Twinings Pure Peppermint
- Peach Herbal Tea: Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion, Tazo Peach, Stash Peach
- Vitamin C-Enriched Tea: Traditional Medicinals Hibiscus, Yogi Mango Ginger, Pukka Turmeric Gold
Some recipes mix three tea bags: mint, peach, and vitamin C tea. This combo closely matches the original Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe flavor and boosts your immune system.
With a bit of creativity, you can make the Starbucks Medicine Ball at home. Even if Teavana is out of stock, you can still enjoy its soothing benefits.
Customization Options and Variations for Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe
Making your own Starbucks-inspired Medicine Ball tea at home offers endless possibilities.
Add fresh ginger for extra zing or experiment with herbal blends. Pair it with something savory like the Alice Springs Chicken Recipe for a unique balance of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion.
Adjust the honey to your liking for sweetness. For fewer calories, try light lemonade or less honey. Peppermint syrup or a few drops of peppermint extract add a fresh minty taste. Fresh mint leaves also add a nice look and smell.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a tangier taste.
- Adding a slice of fresh ginger gives a zing and boosts your immune system.
- Try different herbal teas like raspberry, ginger, hibiscus, or lemongrass for new flavors.
This homemade Medicine Ball tea lets you experiment. You can make it less calorie-rich or more flavorful. It’s a chance to be creative and find the perfect mix for you.
| Customization Option | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Adjust Honey Levels | Tailor sweetness to personal preference |
| Use Light Lemonade | Reduce calorie count |
| Add Peppermint Syrup or Extract | Enhance minty flavor |
| Incorporate Fresh Mint Leaves | Provide visual appeal and aroma |
| Substitute Fresh Lemon Juice | Increase tartness and acidity |
| Include Fresh Ginger Slices | Add a zesty, immune-boosting touch |
| Experiment with Herbal Tea Blends | Create unique and personalized flavors |
With these Medicine Ball tea variations, you can make it your own. It’s a chance to customize Starbucks tea and find your favorite flavors.
Cost Comparison: Homemade vs. Starbucks Version
The Starbucks Medicine Ball, now known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a favorite drink during cold and flu season. But did you know you can make this tea at home for much less? Let’s look at the cost and see how much you can save by making your own.
Price Breakdown per Serving
A Starbucks Medicine Ball costs about $3-$4 for a grande size. But, making it at home only costs $1-$1.50 per serving. Here’s a detailed cost comparison:
- Teavana tea bags: $0.76 per bag
- Honey: $0.22 per serving
- Lemon: $0.15 per lemon
- Total homemade cost: $1.13 per serving
Long-term Savings Analysis
By making the Medicine Ball at home, you save $2-$3 per drink. This can really add up over time. If you drink this tea often, you could save hundreds of dollars a year.
The recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients you might already have at home. This makes it a smart and easy choice for tea lovers. Plus, you can customize it to your taste, making it even more enjoyable.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The Starbucks Medicine Ball tastes best when fresh. But, you can prep parts ahead for a quick mix. Steep a big batch of tea and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and add honey right before serving.
For easy prep, make tea bags with loose leaf teas or keep them ready. You can also make a strong tea mix by doubling the tea and cutting water. Then, just dilute it when you’re ready to store homemade tea.
To make-ahead Medicine Ball ingredients, follow these steps:
- Make the tea mix ahead and chill it for up to 3 days.
- Make tea bags with loose leaf teas for easy brewing.
- Double the tea and cut water to make a strong mix. Dilute it when you’re ready to serve.
- Keep honey and lemon separate for easy adding before serving.
With these tea preparation tips, you can enjoy the Starbucks Medicine Ball easily. It’s great for busy days or when you need a quick boost.
Conclusion
Making the Starbucks Medicine Ball at home saves money and lets you customize it. You can enjoy this soothing drink whenever you want. By following the recipe and tips in this guide, you can make a drink that’s just as good as the Starbucks version.
This homemade Medicine Ball is perfect for when you’re fighting a cold or just want a warm, tasty tea. It’s sure to become a favorite in your tea collection.
The Starbucks Medicine Ball has a special mix of steamed lemonade, hot water, peach tea, mint tea, and honey. This mix gives it a unique flavor that can help soothe and nourish your body. By making it at home, you get the homemade Starbucks tea benefits like saving money and making it just how you like it.
In short, the Medicine Ball recipe summary shows you how to make a tasty, DIY cold remedy that’s good for you. Making this tea at home is convenient and rewarding. It helps you live a healthier, more budget-friendly life.
FAQ
What is in the Starbucks Medicine Ball?
The Starbucks Medicine Ball, also known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a special drink. It mixes Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility teas with hot water, steamed lemonade, and honey.
What is equivalent to a Medicine Ball at Starbucks?
The Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe is officially called the Honey Citrus Mint Tea on the regular menu.
How do you order a Medicine Ball from Starbucks?
To order a Medicine Ball, just ask for the “Honey Citrus Mint Tea” at any Starbucks.
Is Medicine Ball Tea from Starbucks Healthy?
Yes, the Medicine Ball is a healthy and soothing drink. It has green tea, peach tea, honey, and lemon. These ingredients offer antioxidants, boost your immune system, and help with cold and flu symptoms.
Can I just ask for a Medicine Ball at Starbucks?
Yes, you can ask for a “Medicine Ball” at Starbucks. They will make the Honey Citrus Mint Tea for you.
What is the Sleepy Mama drink at Starbucks?
The “Sleepy Mama” is not an official Starbucks drink. It’s a name customers use for a customized tea or drink. But Starbucks does not have an official item by that name on their menu.
What is the Medicine Ball at Starbucks secret menu?
The Medicine Ball, or Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a Starbucks secret menu drink made with mint tea, peach tea, steamed lemonade, hot water, and honey. It’s soothing and perfect for cold days.
Additional Resources to Explore
Here are some great resources for making your own version of the Starbucks Medicine Ball and understanding its health benefits:
- Starbucks Secret Menu: The Medicine Ball
This article explains the origins of the Medicine Ball and how to order it at Starbucks. It provides insights into the drink’s popularity and variations, making it a great read for fans of this soothing beverage. - Healthline – Benefits of Honey and Lemon
Healthline outlines the numerous health benefits of honey and lemon, two key ingredients in the Medicine Ball. This resource is useful for understanding how these ingredients contribute to immune support and overall wellness. - Tea How-To: Brewing the Perfect Cup
This guide provides tips on brewing different types of tea, including green and herbal teas. It covers optimal temperatures and steeping times, ensuring your homemade Medicine Ball is delicious and aromatic.
By exploring these resources, you can deepen your understanding of the ingredients and techniques that make the Starbucks Medicine Ball a favorite for cold and flu season.
Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Begin by mixing equal parts water and lemonade, about 3/4 cup each, in a small saucepan. Heat it until it's hot but not boiling.
- Add one Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea bag and one Teavana Peach Tranquility tea bag to the hot liquid.
- Let the tea bags steep for 2-3 minutes, infusing the blend with their flavorful goodness.
- Remove the tea bags once the steeping time is up.
- To finish your homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe, stir in 2 teaspoons of honey. For more flavor, add a 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.