Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Recipe (Honey Citrus Mint Tea Copycat)
Feeling Under the Weather? Try This Soothing Remedy!
Ever wondered how to recreate that comforting, soothing tea that seems to work wonders when you're feeling under the weather? The famous medicine ball tea recipe from Starbucks (officially known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea) has gained a cult following for good reason. This warm, citrusy, and sweet concoction combines the healing properties of mint, citrus, and honey to create what many consider the ultimate comfort drink when fighting off colds. Today, I'm sharing my perfected copycat recipe that tastes just like the original but can be made in the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the cost!
As someone who has relied on this soothing blend during many cold seasons, I've fine-tuned this recipe to match the flavor profile of the starbucks medicine ball, honey citrus mint tea, sick tea recipe while maintaining all the comforting benefits. Let's dive into how you can make this healing elixir at home!
Ingredients List
For one 16-ounce serving (equivalent to a Starbucks Grande):
- 1 Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea bag (or any mint green tea)
- 1 Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea bag (or any peach herbal tea)
- 2 tablespoons honey (preferably raw, organic honey)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (approximately half a lemon)
- 8 ounces hot water
- 4 ounces steamed lemonade (you can use store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: 1 thin slice of fresh lemon for garnish
- Optional: 1 small sprig of fresh mint for garnish
- Optional: A small dash of ground turmeric for extra anti-inflammatory benefits
Substitutions:
- If you can't find the exact Teavana teas, any mint green tea and peach herbal tea will work well
- For a less sweet version, reduce honey to 1 tablespoon
- For a dairy-free steamed lemonade, simply heat store-bought or homemade lemonade in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling
Timing
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Brewing Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
This homemade version saves you approximately 15 minutes compared to driving to Starbucks and waiting in line. Plus, at roughly $1-2 per serving (versus $4-5 at Starbucks), you'll save both time and money!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Tea Bags
Place both tea bags in your mug or cup. Using both teas simultaneously creates that perfect balance of mint and peach flavors that makes the medicine ball tea so distinctive. Pro tip: Don't squeeze the tea bags immediately; let them steep properly first.
Step 2: Add Hot Water
Heat 8 ounces of water to approximately 175°F (80°C) – just below boiling. This temperature is ideal for green tea as it prevents bitterness. Pour the hot water over the tea bags and let them steep for 3 minutes. The water should turn a beautiful golden-green color as it steeps.
Step 3: Prepare Your Lemonade
While your tea is steeping, heat 4 ounces of lemonade in a small saucepan on medium heat or in the microwave for about 45 seconds. The lemonade should be hot but not boiling. This step is crucial for maintaining the proper temperature of the final drink.
Step 4: Add Honey and Lemon
Remove the tea bags (you can gently squeeze them now) and add the honey to the hot tea. Stir until completely dissolved. Freshly squeeze the lemon juice directly into the tea mixture and stir again. The acidity of the lemon helps cut through the sweetness while adding vitamin C.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Pour the heated lemonade into the tea mixture and stir gently. If desired, garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a small sprig of mint. The steam rising from the hot drink will release the aromatic oils from the mint, enhancing both flavor and sinus-clearing benefits.
Nutritional Information
Per 16-ounce serving:
- Calories: 130
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugars: 32g (mostly from honey and lemonade)
- Protein: <1g
- Fat: 0g
- Vitamin C: 30% of daily value
- Antioxidants: High (from green tea and honey)
- Electrolytes: Moderate (from honey and lemon)
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Lower Sugar Option: Replace the honey with 1 tablespoon of agave nectar or maple syrup, and use diet lemonade or homemade sugar-free lemonade
- Extra Immune Boost: Add a ¼-inch piece of fresh ginger and a small dash of cayenne pepper
- Vegan Version: Use agave nectar instead of honey
- Extra Strength Version: Add a dash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of cinnamon for additional throat-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties
- Caffeine-Free Option: Use herbal mint tea instead of green mint tea if you're sensitive to caffeine or making this before bedtime
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in a large mug with a wide mouth to inhale the aromatic steam
- Pair with a slice of whole grain toast with avocado for a light, nutritious meal when you're feeling under the weather
- For special occasions, serve in clear glass mugs to showcase the beautiful amber color
- Create a self-care station with your medicine ball tea, a good book, and a warm blanket for maximum comfort
- For summer months, allow to cool slightly and pour over ice for a refreshing iced medicine ball tea
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Water That's Too Hot: Boiling water will make the green tea bitter. Aim for water just below boiling point.
- Skipping the Fresh Lemon: Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness and vitamin content of fresh lemon.
- Using Cold Lemonade: This will cool down your drink too quickly. Always heat your lemonade.
- Over-Steeping the Tea: More than 3-4 minutes can make the tea bitter and overpowering.
- Using Regular Honey Instead of Raw Honey: Raw honey has more beneficial enzymes and antibacterial properties.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- This drink is best enjoyed fresh and hot, but you can prepare the base tea mixture and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- For meal prep, prepare tea bags, honey, and lemon slices in advance and store in an airtight container.
- If you have leftover medicine ball tea, store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours and reheat gently.
- For an easy throat-soothing popsicle, pour leftover tea into popsicle molds and freeze for a cooling treat.
Conclusion
This homemade medicine ball tea recipe captures all the soothing, comforting qualities of the Starbucks original while allowing you to customize it to your preferences. Whether you're fighting a cold, soothing a sore throat, or simply seeking a moment of warm comfort, this honey-citrus blend delivers on all fronts.
The combination of mint, citrus, and honey creates a flavor profile that's both refreshing and soothing, while the hot temperature helps relieve congestion and soothe irritated throats. The best part? You can make it anytime you need it without leaving home.
Have you tried making this tea at home? I'd love to hear your thoughts or any personal variations you've created in the comments below!
FAQs
Q: Is medicine ball tea actually effective for colds and congestion?
A: While not a medical cure, the ingredients in medicine ball tea can help provide symptomatic relief. The steam helps clear congestion, honey soothes sore throats, and lemon provides vitamin C. Many find it comforting when dealing with cold symptoms.
Q: Can I make medicine ball tea without lemonade?
A: Yes! If you don't have lemonade, you can substitute with more hot water and add extra lemon juice and honey to taste. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious and soothing.
Q: How many calories are in the Starbucks version compared to this homemade recipe?
A: The Starbucks Grande Honey Citrus Mint Tea contains approximately 130 calories, which is very close to our homemade version. The calorie content mainly comes from the honey and lemonade.
Q: Is this tea safe for children?
A: This tea is generally safe for children, though you may want to reduce the honey for very young children and ensure the tea isn't too hot. Note that honey should never be given to infants under 12 months of age due to the risk of botulism.
Q: Can I make this tea with just one type of tea if I don't have both?
A: Absolutely! While using both teas creates the classic medicine ball flavor, you can make a simplified version with just mint tea or just peach tea. The drink will still be soothing and delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
