The Teavana Teas Behind the Honey Citrus Mint
To understand what kind of tea does Starbucks use in their honey citrus mint tea, you need to know about the two specific Teavana blends they combine. While Teavana's retail stores have closed, Starbucks continues to use their exclusive sachets in-store. The blend is a precise mix of one sachet of Jade Citrus Mint green tea and one sachet of Peach Tranquility herbal tea.
Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea
This tea provides the minty, bright, and slightly earthy green tea base of the drink. According to Starbucks, this blend features green tea combined with lemon verbena, lemongrass, and a hint of spearmint for a refreshing and invigorating taste. It is the source of the subtle caffeine in the Honey Citrus Mint Tea.
Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea
This herbal tea adds the soothing, sweet, and fruity notes that balance the mint and citrus. It is a caffeine-free blend combining the flavor of peach with tropical pineapple, lemon verbena, chamomile blossoms, and rose hips. This tea is what gives the drink its signature peachy aroma and taste.
The Fate of Teavana and Finding Replacements
After Starbucks acquired Teavana in 2012, they eventually decided to close all retail locations by 2018, though they continued to use the brand in their own stores. This means that the exact retail products used to be available, but finding them for home use is now challenging. Many fans of the drink have had to seek out viable alternatives.
Common Teavana Alternatives
- For Jade Citrus Mint: Tazo Zen is often cited as a very close substitute for the green tea portion, offering a similar blend of green tea with lemongrass and spearmint. Another option is to combine a high-quality green tea with separate mint and citrus elements. Some online stores that specialize in tea may also offer similar blends.
- For Peach Tranquility: For the peach herbal component, Bigelow Perfect Peach is a popular choice. Other peach-flavored herbal teas or even a combination of peach and chamomile tea can replicate the calming, fruity notes.
The Complete Honey Citrus Mint Tea Recipe at Home
Making a copycat version of the Honey Citrus Mint Tea is straightforward. Here are the key ingredients and steps to get the flavors right.
Ingredients
- 1 sachet or equivalent of Teavana Jade Citrus Mint (or a suitable alternative)
- 1 sachet or equivalent of Teavana Peach Tranquility (or a suitable alternative)
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup steamed or hot lemonade
- 1-2 teaspoons honey (or to taste)
- Optional: a few drops of peppermint extract for an extra minty kick
Instructions
- Heat your water and lemonade in separate containers until both are steamy and hot. It is important not to boil the lemonade as this can alter its taste.
- Place both tea bags into a large mug.
- Pour the hot water and hot lemonade over the tea bags.
- Let the tea steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer the flavor. Squeeze the bags gently before removing.
- Stir in the honey until it is fully dissolved.
- Add a drop or two of peppermint extract if you desire a more pronounced mint flavor.
- Sip and enjoy your homemade, soothing brew.
Comparing the Original and DIY Versions
| Feature | Original Starbucks Drink | DIY Copycat Version |
|---|---|---|
| Tea Brand | Teavana brand sachets (Jade Citrus Mint & Peach Tranquility) | Alternative brands (e.g., Tazo, Bigelow) or bulk loose leaf options |
| Ingredients | Teavana tea, lemonade, and Honey Blend syrup | Tea alternatives, lemonade (homemade or store-bought), and pure honey |
| Customization | Limited to available options and barista skill | Fully customizable; adjust sweetness, tea strength, and mint flavor |
| Availability | Available at any Starbucks location | Made conveniently at home whenever you want |
| Cost | Regular coffee shop prices | Much more cost-effective per serving |
Health Considerations: Is It Really a Medicine Ball?
Despite its comforting feel, it's important to clarify that the Honey Citrus Mint Tea contains no actual medicine. While hot tea and honey can soothe a sore throat and keep you hydrated, the drink contains a notable amount of sugar from the lemonade and honey blend. For perspective, a Grande Honey Citrus Mint Tea contains around 30 grams of sugar, so it's a treat, not a cure. Green tea does offer some health benefits and a small amount of caffeine. For those seeking an alternative for sore throats, the calming warmth is the primary benefit, not any specific healing properties beyond general comfort. Learn more about the history and origins of the unofficial name "Medicine Ball" here.
Conclusion
To answer the question, Starbucks uses a specific two-tea blend of Teavana Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility in their Honey Citrus Mint Tea. Although Teavana is no longer widely available for retail, excellent substitutes exist that allow enthusiasts to recreate this popular, soothing beverage at home. By combining a mint green tea with a peach herbal tea, along with hot lemonade and honey, you can easily replicate the comforting flavors of this classic drink. It’s a great way to enjoy the warmth and flavor without a trip to the coffee shop.
