Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
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Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea or Cold Buster is officially known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea. It’s a warm drink developed by Starbucks. You can now make it at home when you want something warm and soothing. It is known for its gentle citrus notes and light sweetness.
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
Even though Honey Citrus Mint Tea is nicknamed ‘medicine ball’ it doesn’t contain any medication.
This drink is made by steeping two types of tea in hot water and finishing it with citrus juice and honey. The water should be hot but not boiling, so the tea does not turn bitter. Stir well at the end so the honey fully dissolves.
Personal tip
We like this recipe because it feels comforting and is easy to make. Making it at home also lets us control the sweetness and strength of the tea. Using fresh citrus juice gives it a cleaner finish than bottled juice.
Nutritional information
This tea is low in calories and contains no fat. The main source of sugar comes from honey and lemonade. It also provides vitamin C from the citrus and small amounts of antioxidants from the tea.
Key Ingredients in Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
This Starbuck’s favorite started on the secret menu. Skip the trip and expense. Here’s what you need to make it at home.
- Lemonade: I use low sugar or sometimes just squeeze fresh lemon in it.
- Citrus-mint tea: Originally made with Starbucks Teavana Jade Citrus Mint™ Green Tea, but it is no longer available. Any citrus mint tea will work.
- Peach-flavored tea: I like using Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion tea but, again, any peach tea will work.
- Honey: Opt for local honey, if you can and add as much or little as you like.
- Lemon slice: Just for garnish, if you want.
- Hot water. Not boiling.
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Tips and Subs
Use very hot water, not boiling, to keep the tea smooth.
Adjust the honey to your liking by starting with less and adding more as needed.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is fine if you don’t have lemonade.
A caffeine-free tea option can be used if you want to drink it later in the day.
Using a garlic press, sometimes I squeeze in one small clove of garlic and 1 teaspoon minced garlic.
Why you’ll ❤️ this recipe.
☕Warm and soothing
🥪Simple to make at home
🍯Easy to adjust sweetness
🗓️Works well year round
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea FAQ
This drink can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stove.
It was developed to be served hot or warm but can absolutely be served cold. Many people enjoy it over ice.
The flavor is best when the tea is freshly steeped. However, it can be reheated. Here’s how to reheat:
Microwave: Pour the tea into a mug and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Conclusion
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea, also known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is easy to recreate at home with just a few steps. It is a good option when you want a warm drink that feels gentle and comforting. Making it yourself is budget-friendly and lets you control every part of the flavor.
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat equal parts water and lemonade (e.g., 8 ounces of each) in a saucepan or microwave until hot, but not boiling.
- Steep one bag of citrus mint tea and one bag of peach tea in the hot liquid for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Sweeten with a tablespoon of honey, stirring until dissolved.
- Serve warm, adding an optional slice of lemon or a drop of peppermint extract for extra relief and flavor.