How to Make a Medicine Ball Tea at Home (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)

Few drinks feel as comforting on a cold, stuffy day as a "medicine ball." The cozy cup made famous by Starbucks (officially called Honey Citrus Mint Tea) blends two teas, lemonade and honey into something warm, bright and soothing. The best part? It's easy to make at home, and it costs a fraction of the coffee-shop price.

What is a medicine ball tea?

A medicine ball is a hot drink made with a citrus mint green tea, a peach herbal tea, steamed lemonade and a drizzle of honey. Some people add a pump of peppermint for an extra-cool finish. It isn't actually medicine, of course. It's simply a warm, honey-lemon cup people love to sip during cold and flu season, when their throat feels scratchy or they're feeling under the weather.

Copycat medicine ball tea recipe

Makes 1 large (16 oz) mug

Ingredients

• 1 citrus mint green tea bag
• 1 peach herbal tea bag
• 1 cup hot water (just off the boil)
• 1 cup lemonade
• 1 to 2 teaspoons honey, to taste
• Optional: a few drops of peppermint, a slice of lemon, or a little elderberry syrup

Instructions

1. Heat the lemonade on the stove or in the microwave until steaming, but not boiling.
2. Pour the hot water into a large mug and add both tea bags. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove the bags.
3. Top the tea with the warm lemonade.
4. Stir in the honey until it dissolves. Add a lemon slice and enjoy while it's warm.

Tips for the best medicine ball at home

• Don't boil the lemonade. Gentle heat keeps it bright instead of bitter.
• Use real honey. Raw, unfiltered honey has the richest flavor. (Remember: honey isn't for babies under 1 year old.)
• Watch the caffeine. Green tea has a little caffeine. For an evening cup, use a decaf or herbal citrus mint tea.
• Make it a ritual. A big mug, a blanket and a slow sip is half the comfort.

The easy way: a ready-to-brew Medicine Ball Tea Kit

Don't want to buy two boxes of tea, a jug of lemonade and a bottle of honey for one cozy cup? That's exactly why we created our Medicine Ball Tea Kits. Each kit includes everything for one mug: citrus mint tea, peach tea, a lemon and elderberry drink packet, a honey spoon and a sun-dried lemon slice. Just add hot water.

They're our best seller every winter, and they make thoughtful get-well gifts, teacher gifts and stocking stuffers. Grab a single kit or save with a 3, 5, 10 or 20 pack.

Shop Medicine Ball Tea Kits →

Frequently asked questions

Does a medicine ball tea have caffeine?

Yes, a small amount from the green tea. The peach tea is caffeine-free herbal tea.

Can I make a medicine ball iced?

Absolutely. Brew the tea double-strength, let it cool, then pour over ice with cold lemonade and honey stirred in while the tea is still warm.

Is a medicine ball tea good when you're sick?

Many people find a warm honey-lemon drink soothing and comforting when they're under the weather, and staying hydrated always helps. It isn't a treatment for any illness, so check in with your healthcare provider if you're feeling unwell.