How to Make the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea

Winter’s cold can weaken your immune system. That’s when the Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe comes to the rescue. It started as a secret menu item but is now a favorite. This tea is a mix of comfort and health, blending herbal teas, steamed lemonade, and honey into a soothing elixir that feels like a warm hug for your soul. Whether you’re battling a cold or just craving something cozy, this drink is the ultimate winter companion.

The 2023 flu season was tough, with many cases in places like Nebraska. This homemade tea is a natural shield against winter sickness. It’s easy to make with just five ingredients and five minutes of prep.

This tea’s secret is in its ingredients: jade citrus mint green tea, peach tranquility herbal tea, hot water, steamed lemonade, and honey. Each part adds health benefits, making it a special tea. It’s a blend of taste and nutrition in one cup.

What is the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea?

The Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea is a popular drink that started as a secret menu item. It quickly became well-known. Known as the “Honey Citrus Mint Tea,” it’s made to help you feel better when you’re sick.

To make a Starbucks Medicine Ball at home, knowing its ingredients is important. This recipe combines special ingredients to make a drink that’s both healing and tasty.

Overview of Ingredients

The Medicine Ball Tea has a specific mix of ingredients:

  • Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea
  • Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea
  • Hot Water
  • Steamed Lemonade
  • Honey

Each part of the drink is important for its taste and health benefits. Even though Starbucks used Teavana teas, you can find similar flavors with other brands.

Health Benefits

This tea blend has many health benefits:

IngredientHealth Benefit
Green TeaRich in antioxidants, supports metabolism
LemonadeHigh in Vitamin C, boosts immune system
HoneyNatural antibacterial properties, soothes throat

The Medicine Ball Tea has 16-25 mg of caffeine per serving. It gives a gentle energy boost and may help your immune system. With about 134 calories, it’s a nice choice instead of usual cold medicines.

“A cup of comfort that warms both body and soul” – Starbucks Beverage Enthusiast

The Perfect Ingredients for Your Medicine Ball

Making a tasty DIY Starbucks medicine ball drink is all about picking the right ingredients. With the right choices, your homemade tea can be just as good as the Starbucks version.

Selecting the Right Teas

To make a true Starbucks medicine ball, you need specific teas. The original recipe calls for two:

  • Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea
  • Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea

Pro tip: If you can’t find these teas, try organic peppermint green tea and peach herbal tea. They’ll give you similar tastes.

Citrus Elements

Citrus is key in the medicine ball. You can use:

  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Store-bought lemonade

Sweeteners and Extras

Honey is the go-to sweetener for this drink. You might also want to add:

IngredientPurposeRecommended Amount
HoneyPrimary Sweetener1-2 tablespoons
Peppermint SyrupExtra FlavorOptional, to taste

“The magic of the medicine ball is in its simple, natural ingredients” – Tea Enthusiast

Choosing your ingredients wisely will help you make a cozy and tasty medicine ball tea. It will be just as good as the Starbucks version.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing

Making a copycat Starbucks medicine ball recipe at home is simple. This homemade honey citrus mint tea will warm you up. It’s a great alternative to the Starbucks drink.

Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start brewing, get these key ingredients ready:

  • 1 mint tea bag
  • 1 peach or lemon herbal tea bag
  • Hot water
  • Steamed lemonade or fresh lemon juice
  • Raw honey

Brewing the Tea Like Starbucks

Here’s how to make your homemade medicine ball tea:

  1. Heat water to 190-200°F for the best tea extraction
  2. Pour hot water into a large mug
  3. Add both tea bags and steep for 3-5 minutes
  4. Remove tea bags and stir in 1-2 tablespoons of raw honey
  5. Add steamed lemonade or lemon juice to taste

“The secret to a great homemade medicine ball is in the quality of your ingredients and brewing technique.”

IngredientNutritional Impact
Mint TeaAids digestion, reduces inflammation
Peach/Lemon TeaProvides vitamin C, supports immune system
Raw HoneyNatural sweetener, potential throat-soothing properties
LemonRich in vitamin C, anti-inflammatory benefits

Your homemade honey citrus mint tea is ready to enjoy! It has about 90 calories. It’s a delicious, warming drink that’s just like Starbucks.

Personalizing Your Medicine Ball

starbucks medicine ball

Creating your own starbucks tea secret menu recipe is exciting. You can make the classic Medicine Ball Tea your own with a few tweaks. Your perfect brew is just a few steps away!

The best medicine ball tea recipe is super flexible. You can change it to fit your taste and health needs.

Flavor Variations to Explore

  • Swap mint tea with chamomile for a softer flavor profile
  • Add fresh ginger for an extra warming kick
  • Incorporate turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits
  • Experiment with different herbal tea combinations

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

Customize your sweetness with these options:

  1. Use raw honey for deeper flavor
  2. Replace honey with agave nectar
  3. Try stevia for a zero-calorie option
  4. Reduce honey quantity for less sweetness
SweetenerCalories per TablespoonSweetness Level
Raw Honey64High
Agave Nectar60Medium-High
Stevia0Adjustable

Pro tip: Fresh lemon juice can replace lemonade for a lower-sugar version of your Medicine Ball Tea.

“The beauty of this tea is its adaptability – make it your own!” – Tea Enthusiast

Tips for the Best Medicine Ball Tea

Making a great Starbucks medicine ball recipe at home needs focus and quality ingredients. When you make Starbucks medicine ball at home, picking the right parts can make your tea amazing.

Choosing Quality Ingredients

The secret to a great medicine ball tea is in your ingredients. Here are some key tips:

  • Choose organic, high-grade herbal teas for the best flavor
  • Use raw, unprocessed honey for natural sweetness
  • Go for loose-leaf teas when you can for a richer taste

Using Fresh Lemon

Fresh lemon makes your medicine ball tea better with its bright citrus taste and health perks. Here’s why fresh lemon is important:

  1. It cuts down on sugar compared to lemonade
  2. It gives you a natural vitamin C boost
  3. It makes the tea taste better overall

“The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the taste and wellness potential of your medicine ball tea.”

IngredientQuality RecommendationBenefits
TeaOrganic, Loose-leafEnhanced flavor, more antioxidants
HoneyRaw, UnprocessedNatural sweetness, additional nutrients
LemonFresh, OrganicLower sugar, vitamin C boost

Follow these tips to make a medicine ball tea that’s as good as Starbucks. It will be full of flavor and health benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Starbucks medicine ball tea at home needs focus. It’s not just about mixing ingredients. It’s about the careful steps that make this drink unique.

When making your homemade medicine ball drink, two big mistakes can ruin it. These mistakes can affect the drink’s taste and health benefits.

The Perils of Over-Brewing

Steeping your tea too long can make it bitter. To avoid this, brew your tea with care:

  • Steep tea for 5-7 minutes max
  • Use water at the right temperature (around 175-185°F)
  • Look for color changes to avoid over-steeping

Honey: Don’t Be Stingy

Honey is more than just sweetener in your medicine ball tea. It adds flavor and health benefits. Not using enough honey means missing out on the drink’s warmth and healing.

“A generous drizzle of honey can transform your tea from good to extraordinary” – Tea Enthusiast’s Guide

Use 1-2 tablespoons of high-quality honey per serving. Choose raw, unprocessed honey for the best benefits.

Storing Leftovers

After making your starbucks honey citrus mint tea, you might wonder how to store it. Storing it right lets you enjoy it for days. It’s all about keeping it fresh.

Best Practices for Storing

Here’s how to store your Medicine Ball Tea:

  • Use an airtight glass container for storage
  • Cool the tea completely before refrigerating
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • Keep away from strong-smelling foods

Reheating Tips

Ready to reheat your tea? Here’s how:

  1. Transfer tea to a microwave-safe mug
  2. Heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds
  3. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly
  4. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon or drizzle of honey to refresh flavors
Storage MethodDurationRecommended Container
Refrigerator StorageUp to 4 daysAirtight Glass Container
Room Temperature2 hours maximumNot Recommended

“Proper storage is key to maintaining the delightful flavors of your homemade Medicine Ball Tea.” – Tea Preservation Expert

Pro tip: Always trust your senses. If the tea smells off or looks unusual, it’s best to discard it and prepare a fresh batch of your starbucks honey citrus mint tea recipe.

Where to Find Ingredients

Making a tasty homemade honey citrus mint tea like Starbucks needs the right ingredients. Your Starbucks tea secret menu recipe can come to life with some smart shopping.

Finding the perfect parts for your Medicine Ball Tea is easy. You’ll need a few key items that are easy to find in most grocery stores and online.

Local Grocery Store Ingredients

Most local supermarkets have everything you need for your homemade tea adventure:

  • Fresh lemons
  • Organic honey
  • Herbal tea bags
  • Lemonade mix

Online Shopping Options

When local stores don’t have what you need, online retailers have you covered:

IngredientOnline RetailersPrice Range
Teavana Jade Citrus Mint TeaAmazon, Starbucks Online Store$8-$12
Teavana Peach Tranquility TeaTarget.com, Walmart.com$6-$10
Organic HoneyThrive Market, Whole Foods Online$5-$15

Pro tip: Check multiple online platforms to find the best prices for your homemade honey citrus mint tea ingredients.

“The secret to a great Medicine Ball is quality ingredients and a little creativity!” – Home Tea Enthusiast

Remember, making your Starbucks tea secret menu recipe at home can save you money. It also lets you customize your favorite warm drink.

starbucks medicine ball recipe

Starbucks Medicine Ball

Also known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a soothing beverage that combines herbal teas, steamed lemonade, and honey. Originally a secret menu item, it has become a popular choice for those seeking comfort during cold seasons.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 people

Ingredients
  

Teas:

  • 1 bag of Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea or any mint green tea
  • 1 bag of Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea or any peach herbal tea

Liquids:

  • 8 ounces of water
  • 8 ounces of lemonade store-bought or homemade

Sweetener:

  • 1-2 tablespoons of honey adjusted to taste

Instructions
 

Heat the Water and Lemonade:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the water and lemonade. Heat the mixture until it reaches a simmer, but avoid bringing it to a full boil.

Steep the Teas:

  • Place both tea bags into a large mug. Pour the hot lemonade-water mixture over the tea bags.
  • Allow the teas to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength.

Sweeten the Tea:

  • Remove the tea bags after steeping. Stir in honey until fully dissolved, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.

Serve:

  • Enjoy the tea warm. Optionally, garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Tea Substitutions: If the specific teas used by Starbucks are unavailable, substitute with similar mint green tea and peach herbal tea blends to achieve a comparable flavor profile.
  • Lemonade Options: For a less sweet version, use fresh lemon juice mixed with water in place of lemonade. Adjust the honey accordingly to maintain desired sweetness.
  • Health Benefits: This beverage combines the antioxidants of green tea, the soothing properties of honey, and the vitamin C from lemonade, making it a comforting choice during cold and flu seasons.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Homemade Medicine Ball

Making the best medicine ball tea at home is a fun journey. Your Starbucks medicine ball recipe lets you control the taste and ingredients. It’s easy to make a warm drink that’s good for you and tastes great.

This homemade Medicine Ball Tea is more than tasty. It has only 179 calories per 16-ounce serving. It combines herbal teas’ warmth with honey’s immune-boosting powers. Plus, it has little caffeine, making it great for any time.

Recap of Benefits

Your homemade tea offers many health benefits. It soothes sore throats, provides antioxidants, and is comforting. It’s a smart choice for a tasty, healthy drink.

Encouragement to Experiment

Feel free to make this recipe your own. Change the honey amount, try new tea mixes, or add citrus. The Starbucks medicine ball recipe is flexible. Every time, you’ll find new flavors and a drink that’s just right for you.

FAQ

What exactly is a Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea?

The Medicine Ball Tea is a secret menu drink at Starbucks. It’s made with Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea and Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea. You also need hot water, steamed lemonade, and honey. It’s great for soothing cold and flu symptoms.

Can I make a Medicine Ball Tea at home?

Yes, you can make it at home! Use Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea and Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea. Add hot water, lemonade, and honey. High-quality ingredients and the right brewing method are key to get the Starbucks taste.

What are the health benefits of Medicine Ball Tea?

This tea can boost your immunity and soothe sore throats. It’s also hydrating. The mix of green tea, herbal tea, honey, and lemon gives you antioxidants, vitamin C, and antibacterial properties.

How much honey should I use in my homemade Medicine Ball Tea?

Use 1-2 tablespoons of honey, depending on how sweet you like it. Start with one tablespoon and adjust to taste. Raw, local honey is best for health benefits.

Can I make a sugar-free version of the Medicine Ball Tea?

Yes, you can make it sugar-free. Use fresh lemon juice instead of lemonade and choose a sugar-free honey. You can also use stevia or other natural sweeteners.

How long can I store leftover Medicine Ball Tea?

Store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat it gently to keep the flavor and health benefits. Add a squeeze of lemon or a bit of honey to refresh it.

What if I can’t find the exact Teavana teas used by Starbucks?

Use similar green tea and herbal tea combinations. Mint green tea and a fruity herbal tea like peach or chamomile work well. Aim for a similar flavor and ingredient balance.

Is Medicine Ball Tea good for when I’m sick?

Many people find it helpful when they’re sick. The warm liquid, honey, lemon, and herbal teas can soothe sore throats and provide hydration. It’s a comforting remedy during cold and flu season.

Can I make this tea iced?

You can serve it iced. Brew the tea strongly, cool it, and serve over ice. Add honey while the tea is warm so it dissolves well.

Are there any variations I can try?

Yes! Try adding fresh ginger, a cinnamon stick, or different tea combinations. Some like to add turmeric or use different honey flavors.

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