Medicine Ball Tea (Starbuck’s Copycat)

There’s nothing more soothing than a warm, honey-sweetened tea when you’re feeling under the weather — or just need a cozy pick-me-up. Starbucks’ Medicine Ball Tea, also known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, has become a cult favorite for its comforting blend of peach, citrus, and mint flavors. After two weeks of research, countless taste tests, and visits to multiple Starbucks locations, I’ve perfected this copycat recipe so you can make the same refreshing tea at home.

With its soothing honey, bright lemon, and herbal mint notes, this homemade version is just as delicious and comforting as the original — plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients!

 

Starbuck’s Medicine Ball Tea

We love to serve this tea when someone is sick or has a sore throat, but I make it just for the fresh, sweet tea flavors.

How to Order a Medicine Ball Tea at Starbuck’s?

It used to be labeled Medicine Ball Tea on the menu, but it’s been changed. You need to order a Honey Citrus Mint Tea. It’s still the same thing.

Why My Recipe is the Best

I’ve worked really hard on this recipe. Here are a few reasons it’s the best!

• Tested, Tested, and Tested! – I spent two weeks researching and taste-testing the original Starbuck’s medicine ball tea. I tested it over and over several times to make sure the recipe is as close as it can be to the real thing.
• Great taste with alternatives – Teavana tea bags are what Starbuck’s uses, but I offer alternatives if you can’t find the Teavana brand near you. (Hint, I could only get them at Wal-Mart.)
• Size variations – Make the perfect serving of this tea, or make a large batch to have on hand if you’re sick. I’ve got you covered with the right amounts of each ingredient to achieve the perfect flavor profile.
• Make it your own – I offer tips to make this drink your own concoction based on flavors you like.

Ingredients to Make Medicine Ball Tea

• 1 sachet Teavana Peach Tranquility tea (or any peach-flavored herbal tea)
• 1 sachet Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea (or green tea with mint)
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 cup lemonade (store-bought or homemade)
• 1–2 teaspoons honey (to taste)
• 1–2 drops peppermint extract (optional, for extra minty flavor)

Instructions for the Perfect Medicine Ball Tea

1. Steep the Tea: boil one cup of water and add one tea bag of each flavor. Let this steep for 3-5 minutes.
2. Heat the Lemonade: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe container, heat 1 cup of lemonade until warm, but not boiling.
3. Combine: Remove the tea sachets from the mug and add the warmed lemonade to the brewed tea.

4. Sweeten: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of honey, adjusting to your desired level of sweetness.
5. Add Peppermint (Optional): For a stronger minty flavor, add a drop or two of peppermint extract.

Suggestions and Alternatives

There are so many ways you can make this tea personalized to your favorite flavors. It’s really hard to mess up so try different combinations to find your favorite one!

• Tea variations – try different flavors of fruit-flavored tea. You can’t really go wrong.
• Peppermint – add a drop or two of peppermint extract if you want a mintier flavor.
• Lemonade ratio – use more or less lemonade depending on how much lemon flavor and sweetness you want.
• Replace honey – you can use honey or any sweetener you like.

If You Can’t Find Teavana Tea

I did an early version of this tea using Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion and Bigelow’s Mint Medley. This is a great flavor, but wasn’t the same as what Starbuck’s serves. Be adventurous with different flavors of tea.

Can’t Have Sugar? How to Make it No Sugar or Low Sugar

If you can’t have sugar, or just want less sugar, here’s a few options. You can purchase a no-sugar lemonade and use that. You can also swap the lemonade for one cup of water with a tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice. This will give you a straight lemon water and tea ratio without the sugar. You can then add sugar substitute if you like or opt for no sweetener.

How Do You Store Medicine Ball Tea?

Storage Tips:

• Cool Completely – Let the tea cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
• Use an Airtight Container – Store in a glass jar or pitcher with a lid to keep flavors fresh.
• Shake Before Serving – Ingredients like honey and citrus may settle, so give it a good stir or shake before drinking.

Reheating Instructions

• Warm in a microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat.
• Avoid boiling, as it may change the flavor of the tea and affect the honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Starbuck’s Drink Recipes

• Starbuck’s Pink Drink (It’s better than the original!)
• Starbuck’s Caramel Frappuccino
• Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte