Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea recipe is a soothing, homemade congestion-relieving remedy to help you feel better when the sniffles strike or you want to ward off the common cold, soothe a sore throat, or control a cough.
This DIY version only takes 5 minutes to make by seeping 2 types of tea bags in boiling water and mixing in honey and lemonade; it’s a fraction of the price you’ll find at Starbucks and prepared with less sugar.
When you can make the same simple medicine ball drink at home without driving to the store, why risk spreading germs when you can sip it from the comfort of your couch?
What is a Medicine Ball at Starbucks?
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea is a comforting blend of herbal teas, flavored with citrus and honey. It’s an invigorating drink that has been enjoyed by Starbucks fans around the world for many years now.
For years it has been a Starbucks “secret menu Item” and sometimes referred to as Cold Buster Tea. Recently, Starbucks has added it to their official menu by the name of Honey Citrus Mint Tea.
Why we love Medicine Ball Starbucks tea
- Made with only 5 ingredients, one of which is water.
- Most delicious, slightly sweet, soothing cup of tea you’ve ever tasted.
- Good to have on hand during cold and flu season.
- Healthy, healing, comforting hot drink to warm you up when you don’t feel well.
- Customizable! Change up your drink by using your favorite brands and varieties of tea AND you can control the sugar content.
Starbucks Medicine Ball ingredients
- Peach tea: I used a sachet of Teavana Peach Tranquility herbal tea but you can use your favorite brand. (Celestial Seasonings also has a Peach Passion)
- Jade citrus mint green tea: I used a sachet of Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea but you can use your favorite brand. (You can also use green tea with lemon or mint – like Tazo Zen)
- Hot Water
- Honey
- Lemonade: I used Simply Lemonade in this recipe but feel free to use any frozen, fresh, or homemade lemonade or substitute fresh lemon juice (you will need to add additional water if you do this)
You can buy a complete set of Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea and Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea and honey sticks here! There are 15 of each flavor of tea – How convenient is that for a fraction of the price of one Starbucks!
Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe substitutions and additions
- Swap The Sweetener: You can substitute agave nectar, maple syrup, or simple syrup for the honey if you prefer.
- Make It More Minty: If you’d like your tea to taste mintier, you can add some peppermint extract (if you’re making this at home) or ask for a pump of peppermint syrup if you are ordering it at Starbucks. Feel free to include some fresh mint leaves too.
How to make Medicine Ball Tea (Starbucks copycat)
- Make Your Mug: Add both tea bags to a mug, pour in boiling water and honey, stir, and let steep until desired strength (I recommend at least 5 minutes). Add lemonade and stir to combine.
- Serve: Sip and enjoy!
Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe tips
- You can heat the water in a microwave, on the stovetop in a saucepan, or in a tea kettle.
- If you prefer to sip a cold drink over one that is hot, you can serve it as a sweet tea over ice.
- For a lower sugar option, you can use lemon juice in place of the lemonade.
- Feel free to use steamed lemonade if you want to prepare your tea just like Starbucks!
How to store Starbucks Medicine Ball
How long does Starbucks medicine tea last in the fridge?
The Starbucks medicine ball tea can typically last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the Starbucks medicine ball?
It is generally not recommended to freeze the Starbucks medicine ball. Freezing can affect the taste and texture of the ingredients, particularly the honey and lemon. It’s best to consume it fresh or store it in the fridge for a few days.
More Copycat Starbucks Recipes
Other Easy Drink Recipes
Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe (Medicine Ball Tea)
Ingredients
- 1 sachet Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea (Celestial Seasonings also has a Peach Passion)
- 1 sachet Teavana Jade Citrus Mint (You can also use green tea with lemon or mint – like Tazo Zen)
- 8 ounces water freshly boiled
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 8 ounces Simply Lemonade
Instructions
- Add both tea bags in a mug. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water and honey, stir until dissolved. Let steep for 2-5 minutes, or until desired strength.
- Add lemonade, stir to combine, and enjoy!(Optional – you can heat up the lemonade to keep the drink hot)
Jenn’s Notes
- You can heat the water in a microwave, on the stovetop in a saucepan, or in a tea kettle.
- If you prefer to sip a cold drink over one that is hot, you can serve it as a sweet tea over ice.
- For a lower sugar option, you can use lemon juice in place of the lemonade.
- Feel free to use steamed lemonade if you want to prepare your tea just like Starbucks!
what substitute can be used for Teavana Peach and jade citrus since they are no longer available?
I’ve made this recipe plenty of times, instead of the lemonade I squeeze 1 limon into water and heat up. then add the tea bags and hot water
You can use green tea with lemon or mint (like Tazo Zen) and peach herbal tea (like Celestial Seasonings Peach Passion)
will definitely try this recipe.Sounds like it would be very helpful for when I’m sick.
Thank you for sharing.
I’ll give 5 after I try it.
5
Where can you buy the teavana tea for a reasonable price?
I believe Walmart carries it, but you can use any type of tea, just try to stick with something close to those flavors to get close to the original if you would like that version.
I always have some when I have a cold and it works I feel better afterwards
I have t had the tea yet will get the ingredients soon, can’t wait.
Love this drink!