It is called the Starbucks Medicine Ball, however many fans prefer to order it as Honey Citrus Mint Tea. Its effectiveness as a comfort drink within a cup has caused numerous customers to order this medicinal beverage during the cold and flu season. It begins as a secret menu product and is now a steady item on the drinks list for anyone seeking comfort in a cup. Let’s take an in-depth look at how it started, what’s involved in its preparation, preparation methods, health benefits, and variations of the Starbucks Medicine Ball.
The Starbucks Medicine Ball: Comfort in a Cup
Origins of the Medicine Ball
It was a customer and barista invention in the late year of 2016. The Medicine Ball caught on like wildfire on social media where it was even called the “Medicine Ball” or “Cold Buster.” Because of popularity, Starbucks made it one of its permanent menu offerings in 2017 naming it Honey Citrus Mint Tea[2][3]. This move from secret menu to being on the actual menu shows just how soothing and healthy the drink really is.
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What is in a Starbucks Medicine Ball?
The Starbucks Medicine Ball is a delicious mix of ingredients that contribute to the unique flavor and soothing characteristics of the drink. This is what you can look forward to in this warm drink:
- Jade Citrus Mint Tea: Green tea that uses lemon verbena, lemongrass, and spearmint.
- Peach Tranquility Tea: An herbal tea using peach, candied pineapple, chamomile, lemon verbena, and rose hips.
- Steamed Lemonade: With added sweetness and vitamin C.
- Hot Water: Used as a fluid for diluting the tea bags.
- Honey: Adds sweetening and soothing properties[1][4][5].
Ingredient : Description
Jade Citrus Mint Tea : Green tea with lemon verbena and spearmint
Peach Tranquility Tea : Herbal tea with peach and chamomile
Steamed Lemonade : Sweetened lemonade for more flavor
Hot Water : To steep the bases of teas
Honey : Natural sweetener with health benefits
How to Make a Starbucks Medicine Ball at Home
While ordering at Starbucks Medicine Ball may make your Medicine Ball rather hassle free, you’re still allowed to make it right from home and modify the flavors that you like and which seem best to suit you. Here’s how to duplicate this comforting beverage:
Ingredients
1 packet of Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea
1 packet of Teavana Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea
8 ounces hot water
8 ounces lemonade, steamed
1 tsp of honey
Steps
1. Presweetened Lemonade: If you’re making a store mix, make sure to heat your lemonade to steaming, but if you are freshly making the lemonade simply make it.
2. Preparing Teas: Add your hot water in the mug. Then you add on both of the bags the tea and let brew with it for about 3-5 minutes
3. Adding the Honey: Remove your tea and sweeten the Medicine Ball from your mug to your tastes. It is best made warm.
Health Benefits of the Medicine Ball
The ingredients in the Medicine Ball will benefit your health in so many ways:
- Throat Soothing and Cough Relief: As it is hot and has honey, it can soothe sore throats and assist with coughs.
- Vitamin C Intake: The lemonade contains vitamin C, which keeps your immune system healthy.
- Fluid Intake: It hydrates you because fluids are an essential component in the time of illness.
- Digestive Aid: Mint will help aid digestion and eradicate nausea.
Customization to the Classic Recipe
This classic recipe is fantastic in its own right, but there are many ways that make your Medicine Ball very personal:
- Extra Honey: This drink would be great for those with a sweet tooth as adding more honey makes it dance within the taste buds.
- Alternate with other herbal teas: Use chamomile or lemon verbena instead for some different flavors
- Iced Tea: Make it an iced tea for warmer weather; combine with honey and peppermint syrup for Peach Green Tea Lemonade.
Customization Tips
1. Caffeine Content: If you are caffeine-sensitive but still want to enjoy some stimulating effect, try using decaf teas or reduce the amount of Jade Citrus Mint tea.
2. Flavorings: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprig of fresh mint for an even more enhanced flavor.
How to Order Starbucks
If you prefer to get it at Starbucks rather than prepare it at home, here’s what to do:
1. Order the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, which is its official name on the menu.
2. Let the barista know any changes you’d like (such as extra honey or less lemonade) to make it taste right to you.
Most baristas are familiar with the term “Medicine Ball,” but using the official name helps to clarify things.
It’s more than a drink – it’s a healing ball of comfort for most of its enthusiasts. While others may use it as an antidote for battling off the common cold, a lot of people may want to drink it during one of those very rare mornings when they feel quite chill. In terms of its preparation and modification possibilities, everyone can make it easy enough to drink in Starbucks and even in their comfort homes.