Feeling under the weather is never fun, but a warm, comforting drink can make all the difference. When you're sick, your body craves warmth and hydration, and certain ingredients, like honey and citrus, are known for their soothing properties. Fortunately, Starbucks offers a variety of beverages that can help you find some relief. This guide breaks down your best options, from the legendary 'Medicine Ball' to other less-obvious choices.
The Ultimate Sick Day Soother: Honey Citrus Mint Tea
For years, a customer-created remedy known as the 'Medicine Ball' was a popular off-menu item at Starbucks. Due to its viral popularity, it is now an official menu item called the Honey Citrus Mint Tea. This drink has become the go-to order for many people battling a cold or flu, and for good reason.
What is in the Honey Citrus Mint Tea?
The Honey Citrus Mint Tea is a combination of several key ingredients designed for comfort:
- Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea: A green tea blend with spearmint and lemongrass that provides a refreshing minty flavor.
- Teavana Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea: A smooth, calming peach-flavored herbal tea that balances the mint and citrus notes.
- Steamed Lemonade: Provides a citrusy flavor that is often associated with traditional cold remedies.
- Honey: Added for sweetness and its well-known ability to coat and soothe a sore throat.
The warmth of the tea and lemonade, combined with the soothing properties of honey and the invigorating scents of mint and citrus, makes it a powerful remedy for seasonal sniffles and sore throats.
Other Soothing Hot Drinks at Starbucks
While the Honey Citrus Mint Tea is the superstar, other hot drink options can also provide comfort and relief when you're sick.
Mint Majesty Tea
If you want all the soothing, sinus-clearing benefits of mint without any caffeine, the Mint Majesty herbal tea is an excellent choice. This caffeine-free option is made with a simple blend of spearmint and peppermint leaves. It is a fantastic option if you're sensitive to caffeine or need to rest without interference.
Peach Tranquility Tea
For a simpler, fruitier option, a hot cup of Peach Tranquility herbal tea is a comforting choice. This tea provides a warm, calming experience and can be ordered with a touch of honey to sweeten and further soothe a sore throat.
London Fog Tea Latte
This is a classic hot tea that combines Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla syrup. The bergamot oil in the Earl Grey tea can be calming, and the warmth of the latte is deeply comforting. However, keep in mind that Earl Grey contains caffeine, so it might not be the best pre-bedtime choice.
Healthy Cold Drink Options
Sometimes when you're running a fever, a hot drink is the last thing you want. In those moments, a cool, hydrating beverage is a better choice.
Evolution Fresh Organic Defense Up
This bottled smoothie is an excellent source of vitamin C, containing a blend of organic orange, apple, mango, and pineapple juices. When you're sick, your body can use all the immune-boosting vitamins it can get, and this is a tasty, refreshing way to get them. Just be mindful of the sugar content.
Iced Passion Tango Tea
This vibrant, caffeine-free herbal tea is a flavorful way to hydrate. It contains hibiscus, apple, and lemongrass, giving it a refreshing, fruity tang. You can ask for it unsweetened to avoid excess sugar while enjoying a hydrating, delicious beverage.
Comparison Table: Starbucks Sick Day Drinks
| Drink Name | Primary Benefit | Key Ingredients | Caffeine Level | Best For | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honey Citrus Mint Tea | Soothes sore throat, clears sinuses | Green & Peach Tea, Lemonade, Honey | Moderate (from green tea) | Colds, sore throats, congestion | High sugar content if not customized |
| Mint Majesty Tea | Sinus relief, calming | Spearmint, Peppermint | None | Congestion, before bed | No fruity flavor |
| Peach Tranquility Tea | Calming, sore throat relief | Peach, Chamomile, Rose Hips | None | Mild sickness, throat irritation | Less potent flavor |
| London Fog Tea Latte | Comforting, relaxing | Earl Grey Tea, Steamed Milk | Moderate (from black tea) | General comfort, mild aches | Added sugar from vanilla, caffeine |
| Evolution Fresh Organic Defense Up | Vitamin C boost, hydrating | Orange, Apple, Mango, Pineapple | None | Boosting immunity, hydration | High sugar and calorie count |
| Iced Passion Tango Tea | Hydrating, refreshing | Hibiscus, Lemongrass, Apple | None | Fever, general hydration | Can be high in sugar if sweetened |
What to Avoid When You're Sick
When you're ill, your body needs to focus its energy on recovery. Some Starbucks drinks can work against that process. High-caffeine drinks, like heavy coffee brews or espresso shots, can be dehydrating and interfere with restful sleep, which is crucial for healing. Similarly, overly sugary drinks like Frappuccinos or heavy syrups can cause inflammation and a sugar crash that will leave you feeling worse. Stick to the soothing, hydrating options to help your body heal efficiently.
Customizing Your Drink for Maximum Comfort
Starbucks is famous for its customizability. When ordering your sick day drink, consider these modifications:
- Add Peppermint: For extra sinus relief, add a pump of peppermint syrup to your Honey Citrus Mint Tea.
- Extra Honey: If your throat is particularly sore, ask for an extra drizzle or pump of honey.
- Half Sweet: To reduce the sugar content, ask for half the usual amount of pumps for any flavored syrups or lemonade.
- Swap Teas: If you want a caffeine-free version of the Medicine Ball, ask the barista to swap the Jade Citrus Mint tea for a Mint Majesty herbal tea.
Conclusion
While no drink can magically cure a cold, the right beverage can provide significant comfort and help your body feel better while it does the work. The Honey Citrus Mint Tea remains a top choice, but don't overlook other caffeine-free and vitamin-rich options like the Mint Majesty tea or the Evolution Fresh Organic Defense Up. Ultimately, staying hydrated and choosing soothing ingredients are the keys to finding relief at Starbucks when you're sick. For more information on the health benefits of honey and lemon, consider visiting Healthline.
