Ultimate Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe: Your Soothing Homemade Cold & Flu Remedy
Discover how to easily make the popular Starbucks Medicine Ball at home. This copycat recipe delivers a comforting and effective super tea, perfect for soothing cold and flu symptoms during peak season. Say goodbye to high prices and long lines, and hello to instant relief!
As colder months arrive, so often does the dreaded cold and flu season. The Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea, also known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, has become a beloved warm concoction celebrated for its comforting properties. Crafted with a soothing blend of steamed lemonade, zesty citrus mint green tea, calming peach herbal tea, and a touch of honey, it’s a powerhouse of relief. You don’t need to brave the elements or the Starbucks queue to enjoy this medicinal brew. Learn how to recreate this comforting beverage in your own kitchen, saving money and enjoying immediate comfort.
The Starbucks Medicine Ball started its journey as a highly sought-after secret menu item. Its incredible soothing qualities and delicious flavor quickly spread through word-of-mouth, transforming it from an insider’s tip to a regular fixture on the Starbucks menu. And just in time for when we need it most, wouldn’t you agree?
This past winter has been particularly challenging for cold and flu outbreaks! In my home state of Nebraska, we even made the news for having one of the highest flu diagnosis rates. Not exactly a record to be proud of, right? It certainly makes me grateful for the comfort and safety of working from home when sniffles and sore throats are rampant!
The Phenomenon of Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
My eldest daughter was the first to introduce me to this miraculous drink. As a hairstylist, she interacts with countless people daily, making her highly susceptible to catching colds and developing scratchy throats. Once she discovered the “Medicine Ball” on the Starbucks menu, she was absolutely captivated by its comforting effects.
She quickly shared her discovery with my younger daughter, who is deeply involved in school musicals and show choir. With constant singing, her throat is always in need of soothing, and she frequently drinks hot tea with fresh lemons. The Medicine Ball became an instant favorite for both of them, offering quick relief and a delightful taste.
Initially, ordering it felt like being part of a secret society, almost like needing a special hand signal or code word. The mystique of a “secret menu” item intrigued me, so I took it upon myself to demystify it. The result? This perfect copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball tea recipe, bringing all that warmth and relief directly to your home without any secret missions.
The Therapeutic Power: Health Benefits of Tea & Honey
The incredible health benefits found within the ingredients of this tea are no secret. Each component contributes to a powerful concoction designed to soothe and support your immune system during illness. Let’s delve into why this drink truly lives up to its “Medicine Ball” moniker:
- Tea (Green & Herbal): Teas are brimming with antioxidants, which are crucial for fighting off free radicals and supporting overall cellular health. Green tea, like the Jade Citrus Mint, offers a gentle caffeine boost along with L-theanine, promoting a calm alertness. Herbal teas, such as Peach Tranquility, are known for their calming properties, helping to relax the body and ease discomfort associated with colds.
- Lemonade (or Fresh Lemons): Lemons are an excellent source of Vitamin C, a vital nutrient renowned for its immune-boosting capabilities. Vitamin C helps to shorten the duration and severity of colds. The tartness of lemon also helps to cut through congestion and provides a refreshing zing.
- Mint: Whether from the Jade Citrus Mint tea or an optional peppermint extract, mint is a natural wonder for respiratory health. It acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and expel mucus, and a decongestant, clearing stuffy nasal passages. The menthol in mint provides a cooling sensation that can soothe a scratchy throat.
- Honey: Used for centuries across various cultures, honey is a natural powerhouse for alleviating sore throats and persistent coughs. Its thick consistency coats the throat, providing immediate relief, while its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can aid in recovery. It also adds a delightful, natural sweetness without needing refined sugars.
Indeed, the Medicine Ball drink, with its blend of natural remedies, seems to embody ancient wisdom repackaged into a viral, trending, and hashtag-worthy beverage that genuinely offers comfort and relief.
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Ingredients: What You Need
The beauty of the Medicine Ball lies in its simplicity. It’s made with readily available ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry, making it incredibly easy to whip up when you need it most. The original Starbucks recipe hinges on specific Teavana teas, but fear not, we have excellent substitutes if those are hard to find.
Here are the essential ingredients for crafting this soothing Starbucks copycat recipe:
- Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea Bag: This is one of the foundational components. The mint provides a cooling, decongestant effect, while the green tea base offers antioxidants.
- Teavana Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea Bag: The other crucial tea. This herbal tea brings a wonderfully calming peach flavor, complementing the mint and lemonade beautifully. It’s naturally decaffeinated, making it perfect for anytime relief.
- Hot Water: Essential for steeping the teas and creating a warm, comforting beverage.
- Lemonade: Starbucks uses steamed lemonade, but for a homemade version, simply heating store-bought lemonade works perfectly. I highly recommend a good quality lemonade, and personally, I find “Simply Light Lemonade” to be an excellent choice for its balanced sweetness and light pulp.
- Honey: A crucial ingredient for its therapeutic properties and natural sweetness. Adjust the amount to your personal taste, especially considering the sweetness of your chosen lemonade.
- Peppermint Extract (Optional): For an extra burst of minty freshness and enhanced decongestant power, a small amount of peppermint extract can be a fantastic addition. It provides that invigorating mint flavor without adding extra sugar.
How to Make a Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Without Teavana Tea
Many people, myself included, have found Teavana teas challenging to locate since Starbucks stopped selling them in retail stores. Despite numerous calls and inquiries to Starbucks, getting concrete feedback on accessible substitutes has been difficult. So, I took matters into my own hands and developed a fantastic alternative blend that mimics the original’s flavor and soothing benefits.
You can find the precise substitution recipe in the notes section of the printable recipe card below. Generally, you’ll replace the Teavana bags with readily available alternatives like Bigelow Mint Medley (for the citrus mint profile), Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion (for the peach tranquility), and optionally, Celestial Seasonings Vitamin C Shine for an added immune boost and a subtle citrus note. These combinations achieve a very close flavor profile and retain the comforting essence of the original Medicine Ball.
What Makes the Medicine Ball So Unique and Effective?
The secret to the Starbucks Medicine Ball’s distinctive charm and effectiveness truly lies in one key component: the “steamed lemonade.” When you first hear it, “steamed lemonade” might sound like a complicated, barista-only technique. But in reality, it’s far simpler than it sounds – and perfectly reproducible at home!
Steamed lemonade is simply lemonade that has been gently heated. There’s no fancy equipment required. You don’t need a professional espresso machine with a steam wand to achieve the desired effect. Just take your favorite good-quality pre-made lemonade and heat it up, just as you would water for regular tea. This heated lemonade forms the comforting base for your tea, infusing every sip with a warm, tangy sweetness that’s incredibly soothing for a sore throat.
Once your lemonade is warm, you steep the tea bags directly in it. This infuses the vibrant flavors of the Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility teas directly into the lemony base. Add a generous swirl of honey – a natural cough suppressant and throat soother – and voilà! You’ve successfully created a comforting, therapeutic, and absolutely delicious copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball at a mere fraction of the price. The combination of warmth, hydration, vitamin C, and soothing herbal properties makes it an unparalleled cold fighter.
How to Make a Starbucks Medicine Ball at Home: Simple Steps
Recreating this beloved Starbucks beverage at home is surprisingly simple and quick. You’ll be enjoying its comforting warmth in just minutes! Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the Lemonade & Water: Begin by combining your desired amount of water and lemonade in a microwave-safe mug or a small saucepan. Heat this mixture until it’s steaming hot, but not boiling. This can take about 1-2 minutes in the microwave or a few minutes on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Steep the Teas: Once the liquid is hot, add one Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea bag and one Teavana Peach Tranquility tea bag (or your chosen substitutes) directly into the hot lemonade and water mixture. Allow the tea bags to steep for 2-3 minutes. This steeping time ensures optimal flavor and benefits without making the tea bitter. After steeping, remove and discard the tea bags.
- Sweeten and Enhance: Pour the hot tea mixture into your favorite mug. Stir in 2 teaspoons of honey, adjusting the amount to your personal sweetness preference. If you enjoy an extra kick of mint and added decongestant power, now is the time to add 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Enjoy: Give it one final stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Sip and enjoy this wonderfully warm and soothing homemade Medicine Ball Tea. It’s best enjoyed while still hot, allowing the steam and flavors to work their magic.
This straightforward process means you can have a comforting cup of Medicine Ball Tea ready whenever a cold or flu strikes, offering instant relief and a taste of Starbucks luxury right in your living room.
Variations on the Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball
While the classic Medicine Ball recipe is fantastic on its own, there are several ways to customize this soothing drink to perfectly match your preferences and enhance its therapeutic benefits. Experiment with these variations to find your ideal cold-fighting concoction:
- Peppermint Power: The original Starbucks version often includes an optional pump of peppermint syrup. If you love that strong minty flavor but want to avoid added sugars, our recipe’s optional peppermint extract is a perfect alternative. It delivers the decongestant and refreshing qualities of mint without unnecessary sweetness. You could also muddle a few fresh mint leaves at the bottom of your mug before adding the hot liquid for a natural, vibrant mint infusion.
- Ginger Boost: For an extra immune boost and a warming kick, consider adding a few thin slices of fresh ginger to your hot lemonade and water mixture while it’s heating. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can further aid in soothing a sore throat and clearing congestion.
- Extra Lemon Zest: If you’re a fan of a stronger citrus punch, add a slice or two of fresh lemon to your mug before serving. The fresh lemon oil from the peel can also add an aromatic touch.
- Sweetness Adjustment: The amount of honey is entirely up to you. If your lemonade is already quite sweet (like some regular lemonades), you might need less honey. For those who prefer a less sweet, more tart beverage, simply reduce the honey or skip it altogether, relying on the lemonade for sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar can also be used as vegan alternatives to honey.
- Alternative Teas: As discussed, finding Teavana teas can be tricky. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other brands of mint green tea and peach herbal tea. Look for “citrus mint” or “peppermint green tea” and “peach herbal” or “peach passion” blends to capture the essence of the original.
- Electrolyte Boost: For severe dehydration or illness, consider using a low-sugar electrolyte solution (like unflavored Pedialyte or a homemade salt-and-sugar solution) instead of plain water to heat alongside your lemonade. This can help replenish essential minerals lost during illness.
These simple variations allow you to tailor your homemade Medicine Ball Tea, ensuring it’s not only effective but also perfectly suited to your taste buds.
Do You Have Other Recipes for Cold and Flu Season?
Chances are, if you’re looking for a Medicine Ball Tea recipe, the flu or a nasty cold has made an unwelcome appearance. You know the type: it shows up at the worst possible moment and overstays its welcome, draining your energy and making you miserable. While the Medicine Ball is a fantastic start, a holistic approach with nourishing foods and drinks can make a world of difference in your recovery. Hydration, essential nutrients, and comforting warmth are key when you’re feeling under the weather.
Beyond this soothing tea, here are a few classic recipes and remedies known to help fight cold and flu symptoms and provide much-needed comfort:
- Chicken Noodle Soup with Sauerkraut: This isn’t your average chicken soup! The added sauerkraut brings probiotics and a tangy kick, making it a unique and powerful immune booster.
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy: For those chilly nights, a warm hot toddy can offer soothing relief. This pumpkin spice version adds a comforting autumnal twist to a classic cold remedy.
- Kapusniak (Polish Chicken Noodle Soup): Another fantastic sauerkraut-based soup, this Polish staple is hearty, flavorful, and packed with ingredients that comfort and nourish a weary body.
- Easy Fruit Salad: When your appetite is low, a light and refreshing fruit salad provides essential vitamins, hydration, and natural sugars to keep your energy up.
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: If you enjoy a little heat, a spicy chicken noodle soup can work wonders to clear sinuses and warm you from the inside out.
- Miracle Slushie Sore Throat Remedy: A cool and soothing slushie can be incredibly comforting for a raw, inflamed throat, offering gentle relief without irritation.
- Cinnamon Sore Throat Tea: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making this warm tea another excellent choice for soothing a sore throat.
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See ALL of my Restaurant Copy Cat Recipes
Now you’re fully equipped to fight off those sniffles and sore throats without having to venture out and risk spreading your germs (or catching more!). With this homemade copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball, you can enjoy all the comfort and relief from the cozy confines of your own home. And let’s be honest, wouldn’t you rather be snuggled up in bed, getting better anyway? 
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Print Recipe
Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe
Equipment
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Teavana Tea Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility (or suitable alternatives)
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Mug
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Microwave or Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup lemonade I used Simply Light Lemonade for a balanced sweetness.
- 1 bag Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea
- 1 bag Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea
- 2 teaspoons honey adjust to taste for desired sweetness and throat soothing.
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract optional, but enhances mint flavor and decongestant effects.
Instructions
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Combine the water and lemonade in a microwave-safe mug or small saucepan. Heat until very hot and steaming, either on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Avoid boiling.
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Carefully place both tea bags (Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility) into the hot lemonade tea mixture. Allow them to steep for 2-3 minutes. This steeping time is crucial for developing the full flavor and extracting the beneficial compounds. Remove and discard the tea bags after steeping.
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Pour the infused tea into your favorite mug. Add the honey and, if using, the peppermint extract. Stir thoroughly to ensure the honey dissolves completely and the flavors are well combined.
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Enjoy your soothing homemade Medicine Ball warm. It’s the perfect comforting beverage for a sore throat or general cold and flu relief.
Notes
- I highly recommend Simply Light Lemonade for this recipe. It offers a great balance of sweetness and tartness, and I personally enjoy the natural pulp it contains.
- The amount of honey can be adjusted to your personal preference. Keep in mind that many lemonades already provide a good amount of sweetness, so start with less and add more if desired.
- The addition of peppermint extract is optional but highly recommended. It significantly enhances the minty flavor and provides an extra boost as a natural decongestant, which is particularly helpful during cold and flu season. If you prefer a milder mint flavor, you can omit it.
- This recipe is designed to make one generous 12-ounce serving, perfect for a single dose of comfort.
- TO MAKE WITHOUT TEAVANA TEA: If you’re having trouble finding Teavana brand teas, don’t worry! You can easily replicate the Medicine Ball using widely available alternatives. Follow the same heating and steeping instructions but substitute the Teavana tea bags with these:
- For Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea, use one Bigelow Mint Medley tea bag (for its strong mint and subtle citrus notes) or a similar green tea with mint.
- For Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea, use one Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion tea bag (for its delightful peach flavor).
- For an added immune boost and citrus zing, you can also include one Celestial Seasonings Vitamin C Shine tea bag, though this is optional.
I still find that adding the peppermint extract to these alternatives truly brings out that signature Medicine Ball flavor and provides excellent relief, but it remains optional based on your preference.