Have you ever tried Starbucks’ Medicine Ball Tea? I’m referring to their delightful honey citrus mint tea from Starbucks. You may wonder why the name “Medicine Ball,” then?
Well, that’s because it perfectly captures the essence of this drink: sipping it feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, healing hug. This drink is also called “cold buster”.
It is a secret Starbucks recipe that combines two of their delicious teas – Citrus Mint Green Tea and Peach Herbal Tea. The tea is steamed in hot water with lemonade and honey.
This recipe is good for sore throats, coughs and colds. For me, this has became my go-to drink for anyone in the family suffering from a cold or sore throat. So, let me now tell you the details of this drink
Equipment Required
- Microwaveable Mug: While I use a microwave-safe mug to make this drink, you can use any cup of your choice.
- Metal Spoon: You will need a metal spoon to mix all the ingredients in the warm water.
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients used in this recipe will help you make this drink for one person.
- 3 Tablespoons Lemonade: I usually prefer using homemade lemon juice with water to reduce the sugar content of lemonade.
- 2 Cups WaterÂ
- 1 Tablespoon Honey: You can also use jaggery or brown sugar as an alternative to add sweetness to your drink.
- 1 Jade Citrus Mint Tea Sachet: Initially, I used Teavana’s jade citrus sachet, which is available at Starbucks. However, after it was discontinued, I started using Tazo zen tea sachets for making this drink.
- 1 Peach Tranquility Tea Sachet: If you don’t have peach tranquility tea, you can use any peach-flavored herbal tea or a combination of chamomile and peach tea for a similar flavor. Another option is to use a fruity herbal tea like hibiscus or citrus blends to keep the refreshing taste.
Preparation Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Minutes | 3 Minutes | 7 Minutes |
How To Make Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea At Home
Step 1
Add warm lemonade to a microwavable mug and hot boiling water to 90 degrees.
Step 2
Now add one tablespoon of honey and stir until it is completely dissolved in the lemonade water.
Step 3
Add the jade citrus mint tea and peach tranquility sachet to the mug and allow them to soak for 2 to 4 minutes.
Step 4
Your Starbucks Medicine Ball drink is ready.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I grate some ginger in my drink for added flavor.
- Adding fresh mint leaves also enhances the flavor and adds an extra dose of freshness to your drink.
- You can also add a hint of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties and warm, earthy flavor.
- I like the subtle spice element in my drink, so I also add a cinnamon stick.
- During summer, this drink can be made into its chilled version by pouring the brewed tea over the ice in a glass.
- The best part is that you can make this drink in advance and reheat it right before consuming or serving.
FAQs About Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
Nutritional Information Per Serving
While the name might suggest it’s a healthy drink, a closer look at the nutritional values of the ingredients reveals that it is high in sugar and carbs. Therefore, it can’t be classified as a healthy drink.
| Calories | 163 kcal |
| Sugar | 42 g |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Protein | 0.2 g |
This drink is suitable for people following a vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free diet.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Vegan Diet: People following a vegan diet can substitute honey for maple syrup, monk fruit, or jaggery to make this drink suitable for their diet. Honey can also be skipped, as lemonade has a certain amount of sugar.
- Keto-Friendly Diet: To make this drink keto-friendly, I like using fresh lemon juice without any sugar and substituting artificial sweeteners like maple syrup or stevia to make this drink suitable for his diet.
- Sugar-Free Diet: If you’re on a sugar-free diet, opt for fresh lemon juice combined with artificial sweeteners instead of lemonade. You can also substitute honey with maple syrup or monk fruit to make this drink suit your diet.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- Refrigerator: I store the medicine ball tea in a stainless steel or BPA-free water bottle. It stays fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: For longer storage, I freeze it, and it lasts for about 12 to 18 months this way.
Reheating
- Stovetop: To use this method for reheating, I pour the tea into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until it reaches my desired temperature.
- Microwave: I usually transfer the tea into a microwave-safe cup and heat it in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
What To Serve With This Recipe
This drink has become a part of my morning routine. I enjoy it alongside healthy breakfast options like yogurt parfaits, Oatmeal, nuts, fruit salads, etc. At times, I also enjoy this drink all by itself.
However, depending on your taste and preference, you can also pair it alongside an Omelette, Scrambled Eggs, Sandwiches, Avocado Toast, or a Salad.
Printable Version
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Lemonade
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 1 Jade Citrus Mint Tea Sachet
- 1 Peach Tranquility Tea Sachet
Equipment
- Microwaveable Mug
- Metal Spoon
Instructions
- Add warm lemonade to a microwavable mug and hot boiling water to 90 degrees.
- Now add one tablespoon of honey and stir until it is completely dissolved in the lemonade water.
- Add the jade citrus mint tea and peach tranquility sachet to the mug and allow them to soak for 2 to 4 minutes.
- Your Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea is ready to be served.
Notes
- I grate some ginger in my drink for added flavor.
- Adding fresh mint leaves also enhances the flavor and adds an extra dose of freshness to your drink.
- You can also add a hint of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties and warm, earthy flavor.
- I like the subtle spice element in my drink, so I also add a cinnamon stick.
- During summer, this drink can be made into its chilled version by pouring the brewed tea over the ice in a glass.
- The best part is that you can make this drink in advance and reheat it right before consuming or serving.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
This copycat recipe of Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea may not be the healthiest option due to its sugar content, but enjoying it in moderation can still be a warm and pleasant experience. It has become a part of my morning routine, and I enjoy every sip with the sense of calmness around me.
Whether you make it at home or order it from Starbucks, this drink can be a great addition to your wellness routine, especially during cold seasons.
So, go ahead, grab a cup, and enjoy its comforting flavors by giving this recipe a quick shot in your home kitchen! Also, do not forget to write to us about your experience with this drink in the comment section below.
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