Name: Starbucks Medicine Ball
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 bag green tea bag (Use decaf green tea if caffeine sensitive.); 1 bag mint herbal tea bag (Peach mint can be substituted.); 1 cup hot water (Water should be just off the boil.); 3/4 cup warm lemonade (Can substitute with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice plus 1/2 cup water and a little honey.); 1 to 2 tablespoons honey (Adjust to taste.); 1 slice lemon (Optional for garnish.)

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Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe has saved me on so many scratchy-throat mornings. If you wake up feeling stuffy, or the weather just feels heavy and cold, this cozy tea blend hits the spot. I used to run to the drive-thru for it, but making it at home is easy, fast, and honestly tastes even better. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and the strength. Today I’m sharing exactly how I brew it, along with smart swaps and tips so you can sip it the way you like.

What Is the Starbucks Medicine Ball

The Starbucks Medicine Ball, also called the Honey Citrus Mint Tea on their menu, is a warm, soothing drink made with lemonade, hot water, green tea, mint tea, and honey. It is light, a little tangy, a little sweet, and very calming on the throat. It is not a cure for anything, but it is one of those steamy sips that just makes you feel cared for.

At home, you can make it with simple pantry items. Think good honey, real lemon, and two tea bags. It is gentle enough to drink any time of day for most people. If you are caffeine sensitive, keep in mind that green tea has a little caffeine, so you can switch to decaf green tea or use all mint tea.

I like how the steam opens up my nose and the citrus wakes up my taste buds. It is a hug in a mug, especially on drizzly afternoons when all you want is a blanket and a warm cup.

Why People Love It

It is simple, comforting, and consistent. The blend is balanced, so you get fresh lemon flavor without too much pucker, and the honey rounds it out. The mint gives a cooling lift, which keeps it from feeling heavy. It tastes like a spa day you can hold.

Another big reason people love this is the ritual. Stirring in honey, breathing in the steam, taking a slow sip. Little moments like that make a long day feel softer. Also, making it at home saves money and time, and you can tweak it to your needs.

If you like trying feel-good sips, you can browse more cozy drinks in my recipe index here: all our recipes. I am always testing easy drinks and snacks that just make life smoother.

Health Benefits

Let’s keep it real. This drink is not medicine. But it can be a helpful part of your self care routine when you want warmth and hydration. Lemon adds vitamin C. Honey can soothe the throat. Warm liquids help loosen that stuck feeling when you are stuffy. Mint can feel cooling and fresh. Green tea has antioxidants.

My trick is to sip it slowly and inhale the steam. The heat plus lemon scent relaxes me right away. For another gentle and refreshing idea, I sometimes make this calming sip too: lemon balm water. It is crisp, light, and feels like a break in a glass.

Key Ingredients Explained

Lemonade or Lemon Juice

Store bought lemonade works, but I like a mix of fresh lemon juice and a tiny splash of simple syrup or honey to control the sweetness. If you go with premade lemonade, aim for one that is not too sugary. Fresh lemon gives a brighter, cleaner flavor.

Teas

Classic is one green tea bag plus one mint or peach mint herbal tea bag. Green tea brings a gentle grassy note and a small dose of caffeine. Mint is cooling and soothing. If mint is not your thing, try an orange herbal tea or chamomile instead.

Honey

Honey makes the drink feel silky and soothing. I like a mild clover honey. If you prefer less sweetness, start small and add more to taste. Remember, honey should not be given to babies under one year old.

Ingredient Substitutions

Make it your own with simple swaps that still taste great:

No lemonade? Use a mix of hot water, lemon juice, and a little honey to sweeten.
No green tea? Use decaf green tea or white tea for a gentle flavor.
No mint tea? Try chamomile, ginger tea, or a peach herbal tea.
No honey? Use maple syrup or agave. They dissolve well and taste smooth.
Want it extra cozy? Add a thin slice of fresh ginger while it steeps.

Medicine Ball Recipe

This is my go-to version that tastes very close to the cafe favorite. It comes together in about 5 minutes.

What you need:

1 green tea bag
1 mint herbal tea bag, or peach mint if you find it
1 cup hot water, just off the boil
3/4 cup warm lemonade, or 2 tablespoons lemon juice plus 1/2 cup water and a little honey
1 to 2 tablespoons honey, to taste
Lemon slice, optional

Notes: The classic mix is half hot water, half warmed lemonade. I go a touch heavier on lemon when I want extra brightness.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Heat your water until it is hot but not violently boiling. If it is screaming hot, green tea can taste bitter.

Step 2: In a large mug, add the green tea bag and the mint tea bag. Pour in the hot water and let it steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Taste at 2 minutes. A little shorter keeps the flavor clean and soft.

Step 3: Warm the lemonade on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling.

Step 4: Remove the tea bags. Add the warm lemonade to the mug. Stir in honey until it dissolves. Start with 1 tablespoon, then sip and adjust.

Step 5: Add a lemon slice if you like. Sit down, cup the mug in your hands, breathe in the steam, and sip slowly.

Tip: For a stronger green tea note, steep the green tea bag for 3 minutes and the mint tea bag for 2 minutes, removing them at different times. That simple tweak gives you more control.

Best Time to Drink

I like this drink first thing in the morning when the house is quiet and my voice is still waking up. It is also ideal in the late afternoon when you want a gentle pick me up without a heavy buzz. If you prefer something coffee-adjacent but not too intense, check out my simple routine here: a cozy coffee loophole drink. It pairs well with this tea on busy days.

At night, switch to decaf green tea so the drink stays relaxing.

How Often to Use

You can enjoy it daily if it feels good, especially during cold months. If you are sensitive to caffeine, use decaf green tea or reduce the steep time. When I am under the weather, I drink it once in the morning and sometimes again in the afternoon. Listen to your body, and sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Immune Support Benefits

The warmth, hydration, and lemon plus honey combo can support comfort while your immune system does its job. Green tea brings polyphenols, mint can feel relieving, and lemon adds a lift. Is it a magic fix? No. But it is a kind little helper. Pair it with rest, balanced meals, and fresh air when you can.

Who Should Avoid It

If you are avoiding caffeine, use decaf or skip the green tea. If you are sensitive to citrus or have reflux that flares with lemon, reduce the lemon or skip it. People with allergies to honey should avoid honey and use a different sweetener. And remember, honey is not safe for infants under one. If you are on specific medications or have health concerns, ask your doctor before making it a daily habit.

Flavor Variations

Citrus Twist

Add a splash of orange juice or a strip of orange peel while steeping. The oils from the peel make it smell heavenly. For a zesty punch, drop in a little fresh grated ginger.

Spiced Up

Stir in a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or add a cinnamon stick to the mug while you brew. It is cozy and slightly sweet without extra sugar. You can also try a ginger herbal tea in place of mint for a warm-spice profile.

When you are in the mood for other simple sips, I also like balancing drinks that feel light and clean. One you might enjoy is this neat trick many readers ask about: a pink salt and water mix. It is a different vibe, but it is interesting if you are exploring hydration habits.

Storage Tips

You can brew a stronger tea base, keep it in the fridge, and then add hot water and warm lemonade when you are ready to drink. Store the tea base in a sealed jar for up to 48 hours. Honey dissolves best when the drink is hot, so add it just before serving. If you want to pack it to go, preheat your travel mug with hot water, pour it out, then add your fresh drink so it stays hotter longer.

Common Mistakes

Oversteeping the green tea. It can taste bitter. Aim for 2 to 3 minutes.
Using boiling lemonade. Heat gently to keep the flavor fresh.
Adding honey to cold liquid. It does not dissolve well. Warm first.
Skipping the sip test. Taste as you go and adjust honey and lemon to your liking.

FAQs

Can I make it without lemonade?
Yes. Use hot water plus fresh lemon juice and sweeten to taste. It is bright and simple.

Is there a decaf version?
Use decaf green tea or skip green tea altogether and use two herbal tea bags. It still tastes great.

What if I do not like mint?
Try peach, chamomile, or ginger herbal tea. The drink is flexible.

Can I make a batch for the week?
Make a strong tea concentrate and store it chilled. Warm your portion, add lemon and honey fresh, and sip.

How close is this to the real thing?
Pretty close. The balance of lemon, mint, and honey is the key. This Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe lets you tweak sweetness and strength exactly how you like it.

Results Timeline

When I drink this, I feel a soothing effect within the first few sips because of the warmth and steam. My throat feels calmer in minutes, and the mint helps my nose feel clearer. Over the next hour, steady sipping keeps me hydrated and comfortable. If you are using it for general comfort during a cold week, a daily mug can make those long days feel a little easier.

Lifestyle Tips

Pair this drink with simple habits for more comfort. Keep a large water bottle nearby and sip all day. Get some fresh air and a short walk when you can. Keep your bedroom a little cooler at night so you sleep better. If you are experimenting with hydration and mineral balance, you might find this interesting reading: a pink salt routine. It is not the same kind of drink, but I get a lot of questions about it from readers who like easy wellness habits.

Finally, if you love trying new sips, I post quick drink ideas often. You can find more warm cup recipes and cool-down drinks in my main collection linked above.

A Cozy Wrap Up You Can Sip Today

Here is the heart of it. The Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe is simple, soothing, and very customizable. Warm tea plus lemon and honey feels like a small act of care that you can make in five minutes. Start with the base, adjust the lemon and honey, and make it your own. If you want more inspiration, these versions are helpful too: Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea (Secret Recipe!), Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea – Lovely Little Kitchen, and Starbucks Medicine Ball – A Beautiful Mess. Sip slow, breathe deep, and feel better soon.

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