The Origin of the Medicine Ball
The story of the Medicine Ball is a classic tale of a grassroots, customer-created sensation going mainstream. Initially, the drink wasn't a corporate recipe at all but a custom concoction shared widely on social media platforms like Instagram. Enthusiastic customers and employees began spreading the word, praising its comforting and soothing qualities during cold and flu season. The combination of ingredients made it a perfect warm, citrusy drink, earning it the nickname "Medicine Ball" or "Cold Buster" among fans. Its rise in popularity was undeniable.
The Move from Secret to Official Menu
The immense demand for this off-menu item eventually prompted Starbucks to take action. Company managers noticed baristas were making dozens of them daily, and the recipe was codified and officially added to the permanent menu in 2017. However, for legal and marketing reasons, Starbucks couldn't use a name that implied medicinal properties. The beverage was therefore rebranded with its official name: Honey Citrus Mint Tea. While some old-school baristas may still refer to it by its popular nickname, the official name is the most reliable way to order.
How to Order the Honey Citrus Mint Tea
To ensure you get the right drink, especially if your barista is new or unfamiliar with the old lingo, it's best to use the official name. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to order:
- Ask for the "Honey Citrus Mint Tea." You can say, "Can I please have a Grande Honey Citrus Mint Tea?" for clarity.
- Use the Starbucks App. The drink is readily available in the "Hot Teas" section of the official app, making mobile ordering easy and straightforward.
- Specify Ingredients if Needed. If there's any confusion, you can list the components. The standard recipe includes one bag of Jade Citrus Mint green tea, one bag of Peach Tranquility herbal tea, hot water, steamed lemonade, and a pump of honey blend syrup.
Can You Still Order It as a "Medicine Ball"?
Yes, most baristas will still understand what you mean when you say "Medicine Ball." The nickname has stuck in the public consciousness and is still widely recognized. However, to avoid any potential confusion or delay, especially during busy hours, using the official name is always the safest bet. Ordering via the app guarantees you get the right drink without any verbal back-and-forth.
The Recipe and Key Ingredients
The standard build for a Honey Citrus Mint Tea is what makes it so comforting. While the original secret menu version used Teavana teas, Starbucks has continued to produce the drink with a very similar, if not identical, flavor profile after Teavana stores closed. The key components are:
- Jade Citrus Mint Tea Bag: A green tea base with minty and citrus notes.
- Peach Tranquility Tea Bag: An herbal tea that adds a soothing, peachy sweetness.
- Steamed Lemonade: The signature component that gives the drink its citrusy zing and warmth.
- Hot Water: To help steep the tea and balance the lemonade.
- Honey Blend Syrup: To sweeten the drink and add a comforting honey flavor.
Comparing the “Medicine Ball” and Honey Citrus Mint Tea
| Feature | The Original “Medicine Ball” (Secret Menu) | Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Official Menu) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Customer and employee creation circulated via social media. | Standardized, official Starbucks menu item. |
| Availability | Dependent on the barista's knowledge and willingness to make it. | Available at all Starbucks locations and on the app. |
| Ingredients | Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea, Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea, steamed lemonade, hot water, honey. | Jade Citrus Mint Tea, Peach Tranquility Tea, steamed lemonade, hot water, honey blend syrup. |
| Name | Unofficial nickname recognized by most, but not all, staff. | The official, proper name for the beverage. |
| Medicinal Claims | Often associated with being a cold remedy, though no proven medicinal properties. | No medicinal claims are made by Starbucks due to legal reasons. |
The Persistent Rumor: Is it Discontinued?
Rumors sometimes circulate on social media that the Medicine Ball is discontinued because Starbucks no longer uses Teavana teas. While it is true that Teavana storefronts closed, Starbucks has continued to source and provide the key ingredients necessary for the Honey Citrus Mint Tea. The recipe is still very much available and remains a popular cold-weather staple on the menu. The core ingredients and flavor profile have been maintained, so your favorite tea is safe.
Why It's So Popular for Sickness
While Starbucks makes no official medicinal claims, the drink's popularity during cold and flu season is well-founded in home remedy traditions. The hot steam can help with congestion, while honey is a natural cough suppressant and soothes a sore throat. Lemon provides a source of Vitamin C and adds a bright, zesty flavor. The combination is simply comforting, which is a key part of feeling better when you're under the weather.
Conclusion: The Medicine Ball Lives On
In conclusion, the legendary Medicine Ball does still exist at Starbucks, just not under that specific name. It has evolved from a secret menu hack into the officially recognized Honey Citrus Mint Tea, and it's here to stay. You can confidently order it by its official name at any Starbucks location, or easily find and customize it via the app. So, the next time you're feeling under the weather or simply craving a warm, citrusy treat, you can still rely on this classic tea.
For more information on the drink's official ingredients and nutritional details, you can visit the official Starbucks menu page.
Customization Options
Like many Starbucks beverages, the Honey Citrus Mint Tea can be customized to your liking. Here are a few ways to personalize your order:
- Less Sweet: Request less honey blend syrup or no honey at all.
- Extra Citrus: Ask for extra steamed lemonade for a more potent citrus kick.
- Add Mint: A pump of peppermint syrup can be added for a stronger mint flavor, though it may not be officially on the menu.
- Different Tea: While the standard uses Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility, you could inquire about substituting or adding different tea bags if available.
Making Your Own at Home
For those who prefer to make the drink at home or want to save money, a copycat version is straightforward to create. You'll need green tea, peach-flavored herbal tea, lemonade, hot water, and honey. You can find many recipes online that guide you through the process, allowing for full control over the sweetness and tea strength.
Final Thoughts
The journey of the Medicine Ball from a customer creation to a permanent menu item is a testament to its widespread appeal. Its comforting flavor profile and soothing warmth have made it a beloved choice for many. Whether you call it by its famous nickname or its official name, the delicious Honey Citrus Mint Tea is readily available and remains a comforting hug in a mug. So go ahead and enjoy your soothing tea—it's not going anywhere soon.
