This copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball, also known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea is the soothing drink Starbucks fans swear by. With mint, citrus, peach tea, lemonade, and honey, it's easy to make at home whenever you want a warm, comforting drink (especially in winter)!
Here's what gives the Starbucks Medicine Ball its signature flavor:
- Jade Citrus Mint Tea - adds a bright, minty citrus backbone.
- Peach Tranquility Tea - balances the mint with fruity sweetness.
- Steamed Lemonade - provides a tangy, soothing base.
- Honey - lightly sweetens and coats the throat.
- Peppermint syrup (optional) - intensifies the mint and gives a refreshing finish.
When I get a scratchy, sore throat or nasal congestion I reach for my medicine ball ingredients. The medicine ball drink uses Teavana teas but I am not able to find them in my area so I have some substitutions listed below that work for me. I love how the warmth of the tea helps me breathe easier, the citrus adds brightness, and the honey feels extra soothing on a scratchy throat.
I prefer to make this in a large (venti) size because when I'm not feeling well, staying hydrated is key and this tea makes it easier to sip plenty of fluids.
Medicine Ball Ingredients
If you get a pack of peppermint sticks grab a whole lemon and make a lemon peppermint stick.
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
How to Make a Starbucks Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea)
- Measure the lemonade and water.
- Heat both in the microwave until hot.
- Pour into a large, heat-proof mug.
- Add the tea bags to the lemonade-water.
- Add the honey and stir to dissolve.
- Steep the tea bags for 5 minutes.
- Add peppermint syrup or the peppermint stick if desired.
- Breathe deep and enjoy.
Pro Tip
I like to double the batch and keep some in the fridge to reheat later. Warm gently (don't boil) so the tea doesn't turn bitter.
Starbucks Medicine Ball Drink Substitutions
I know that you may not be able to find all these ingredients at your local grocery store so I have provided a few substitutions that have worked for me.
Use one bag of each substitute tea (same as the original) and steep about 5 minutes.
- Tazo Teas - Juniper Mint Honey tea and Organic Peachy Green
- Celestial Seasonings - Mint Magic and Sleepytime Peach
- Twinings - Green Nightly Calm and Focus
- Add a drop of peppermint oil, a teaspoon and a half of red hots candies or half a candy cane if you don't have a peppermint stick.
Iced Variation
Make a double batch and serve it over ice for an Iced Medicine Ball. You'll miss the heat benefits, but if iced tea is how you love it, it's a worthy trade-off.
Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:
Order Honey Citrus Mint Tea (your preferred size): half hot water, half steamed lemonade, 1 bag Teavana Jade Citrus Mint, 1 bag Teavana Peach Tranquility, honey packet, and an optional pump of peppermint.
In the app, search for Honey Citrus Mint Tea and choose your size. Customize with honey and an optional peppermint pump.
It started as a "secret menu" drink and became the Honey Citrus Mint Tea on the official menu. I first ordered it during a winter cold and knew I had to make a copycat at home.
Jade Citrus Mint has green tea (caffeine), Peach Tranquility is herbal (caffeine-free).
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Ingredients
medicine ball starbucks ingredients
- 10 ounces (283 ½ g) Water
- 10 ounces (283 ½ g) lemonade
- 1 tea bag (1 tea bag) Jade citrus mint tea
- 1 tea bag (1 tea bag) honey citrus mint tea
- 1 Tablespoon (1 Tablespoon) Honey
- 1 (1) Soft peppermint stick
Instructions
- Heat the lemonade and the water in the microwave until hot.10 ounces (283 ½ g) lemonade, 10 ounces (283 ½ g) Water
- Pout the hot lemonade and water in a large, heat proof mug or cup.
- Add the tea bags to the lemonade water.1 tea bag Jade citrus mint tea, 1 tea bag honey citrus mint tea
- Add the honey and stir to disolve the honey1 Tablespoon Honey
- Brew the teabags for 5 minutes.
- Add peppermint syrup or the peppermint stick if desired.1 Soft peppermint stick
- Breathe deep and enjoy your tea.
Nutrition
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and a graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 17 years, Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
Jen says
Just made this, it was perfect. the store didn't have the jade citrus teavana in stock so I bough mint medly (Bigalow I think). Worked great. No need for a peppermint stick.
Sarah Mock says
Glad you found a tea that worked for you! Peppermint stick is completely optional. We happened to have them when I photographed this recipe. Cheers!