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Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Recipe: The Ultimate Comforting Drink for Cold Season!
Difficulty: ⭐⭐ (Easy)

🍲 Introduction

The Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea, officially known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a soothing blend of citrus, mint, and honey that has become a beloved comfort drink. This warm, aromatic beverage combines the brightness of lemonade with the calming properties of mint and peach teas, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and minty flavors.

📔 History

What started as a viral social media trend quickly became one of Starbucks' most popular tea beverages. The drink gained such immense popularity that Starbucks took the unprecedented step of adding it to their official menu in just one day, rather than the usual months-long process. Originally shared as a "secret menu" item, customers dubbed it the Medicine Ball or Cold Buster for its comforting properties during cold and flu season.

Ingredients

For One Serving:

  • 3/4 cup water

  • 3/4 cup lemonade

  • 1 bag Jade Citrus Mint Tea (or any mint green tea)

  • 1 bag Peach Tranquility Tea (or any peach herbal tea)

  • 2 teaspoons honey

  • Optional: 1-2 drops peppermint extract

  • Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish

  • Optional: Lemon slice for garnish

Time Breakdown

Total Time: 15 minutes

  • Prep Time: 2 minutes

  • Heating Time: 5 minutes

  • Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes

  • Assembly Time: 3 minutes

Nutritional

Serving Size: 16 fl oz (1 serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories191
Protein2g
Carbohydrates41g
Fiber3g
Sugar37g
Sodium20mg
Fat1g

Allergen

This recipe contains:

  • No common allergens

  • May contain traces of citrus

Equipment

Measuring spoons
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Optional: Tea strainer
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Optional: Tea strainer
    • Medium saucepan or kettle
    • Large mug (16 oz capacity)
    • Measuring cups
    • Measuring spoons
    • Spoon for stirring
    • Optional: Tea strainer

    Preparation

    1. Combine water and lemonade in a saucepan
    2. Heat the mixture until it reaches about 200°F (93°C)
    3. Place both tea bags in your mug
    4. Pour the hot liquid mixture over the tea bags
    5. Let steep for 3-5 minutes
    6. Remove tea bags
    7. Add honey and stir until completely dissolved
    8. If using, add peppermint extract (start with one drop)
    9. Garnish with optional fresh mint leaves and lemon slice

    Variations

    • Replace lemonade with water and fresh lemon juice

    • Use sugar-free honey alternative

     

    Extra Minty Version:

    • Add fresh mint leaves while steeping

    • Include one drop of peppermint extract

    Safety

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    Pro Tips & Tricks

    • Adjust the honey amount to taste

    • Use a tea thermometer for precise water temperature

    • For maximum benefits, use raw, unfiltered honey

    • Adjust the honey amount to taste

    • Use a tea thermometer for precise water temperature

    • Steep the tea bags separately if you want to control the strength of each flavor

    • For maximum benefits, use raw, unfiltered honey

    • Adjust the honey amount to taste

    • Use a tea thermometer for precise water temperature

    • Use fresh lemon juice instead of lemonade for a less sweet version

    • Steep the tea bags separately if you want to control the strength of each flavor

    • For maximum benefits, use raw, unfiltered honey

    • Adjust the honey amount to taste

    • Use a tea thermometer for precise water temperature

    Serving & Pairing

    • Lemon cookies

    • Shortbread

    • Toast with honey

    • Lemon cookies

    • Shortbread

    • Light breakfast pastries

    • Toast with honey

    • Lemon cookies

    • Shortbread

     

    Pair with:

    • Light breakfast pastries

    • Toast with honey

    • Lemon cookies

    • Shortbread

    Serve immediately while hot

     

    Pair with:

    • Light breakfast pastries

    • Toast with honey

    • Lemon cookies

    • Shortbread

    Troubleshooting

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    Storage & Reheating

    • Reheat gently in microwave or on stovetop

    • Do not store with tea bags still in liquid

    • Can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours

    • Reheat gently in microwave or on stovetop

    • Do not store with tea bags still in liquid

    • Best consumed immediately while hot

    • Can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours

    • Reheat gently in microwave or on stovetop

    • Do not store with tea bags still in liquid

    Common Mistakes

    • Oversteeping the tea (causes bitterness)
    • Using boiling water (can damage tea properties)
    • Adding too much peppermint extract
    • Using cold honey (doesn't dissolve properly)

    FAQ

    Q: Can I make this recipe caffeine-free?

    A: Yes, replace the Jade Citrus Mint tea with caffeine-free mint tea.

    Q: Can I make this in advance?

    A: While best fresh, you can prepare and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

    Q: Can I use different types of tea?

    A: Yes, though the flavor profile will change. Stick to mint and fruit-based teas for similar results.

    Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?

    A: Yes, it contains no caffeine if made with herbal teas and can be adjusted for less sweetness.

    Q: Can I make this iced?

    A: Yes, prepare as directed and pour over ice once cooled.

    Q: How long should I steep the tea?

    A: 3-5 minutes is optimal; longer steeping may result in bitterness.

    Fun Facts & Trivia

    • The drink became so popular that Starbucks locations were making dozens per day before it became official
    • It was one of the fastest drinks to move from secret menu to official menu
    • The original viral social media posts claimed it had "miracle" properties
    • It's one of the few Starbucks drinks that started as a customer creation

    Conclusion

    This comforting and soothing beverage is perfect for any time you need a warm, therapeutic drink. Whether you're feeling under the weather or simply want a delicious hot tea, this Medicine Ball recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and minty flavors that made it a Starbucks sensation.

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