The Official Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe
The original Medicine Ball, or Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a warm and comforting beverage made with a simple list of ingredients that work together to create a soothing flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what makes up this popular drink:
- Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea: A green tea that provides a refreshing, citrusy kick, balanced with hints of spearmint and lemongrass. It contains some caffeine, though significantly less than a standard cup of coffee.
- Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea: A caffeine-free herbal tea that infuses sweet peach and candied pineapple notes, complemented by chamomile blossoms and lemon verbena.
- Steamed Lemonade: The inclusion of steamed lemonade provides a sweet and tangy citrus base that is known to soothe a sore throat.
- Hot Water: Used to brew the tea bags and balance the sweetness of the lemonade.
- Honey: A natural sweetener with well-known soothing properties, particularly for coughs and sore throats.
How to Order and Customize a Medicine Ball
While the original recipe is the most popular, there are several ways to customize your drink to your liking. When ordering at the counter or through the app, simply ask for the "Honey Citrus Mint Tea". Your barista will likely also recognize the “Medicine Ball” or “Cold Buster” names due to its internet fame.
Common customizations include:
- Peppermint Syrup: Add a pump of peppermint syrup for an extra menthol kick, enhancing the cooling mint sensation.
- Less Sugar: To reduce the sugar content from the lemonade, you can ask for a splash of lemonade instead of the standard half-lemonade, half-hot water blend.
- Sugar-Free Alternative: Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey, although honey's natural properties are part of the drink's appeal.
- Extra Honey: If you prefer more sweetness and soothing properties, you can request an additional pump or two of honey.
The Medicine Ball vs. a DIY Copycat
Recreating a Medicine Ball at home is a popular and cost-effective alternative. Many find that their homemade version tastes even better, as they can control the sweetness and ingredient quality.
Comparison Table: Starbucks vs. DIY
| Feature | Starbucks Medicine Ball (Official) | DIY Copycat Version |
|---|---|---|
| Teas | Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea and Teavana Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea. | Easily substituted with widely available Tazo Zen and Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion, or other similar mint green and peach herbal teas. |
| Lemonade | Steamed Starbucks-brand lemonade, high in sugar. | Use your favorite store-bought lemonade, or make your own from fresh lemon juice and water for better sugar control. |
| Honey | Starbucks honey blend. | Use high-quality or local raw honey for potentially more immune-boosting benefits. |
| Cost | More expensive per cup, especially for larger sizes. | Significantly more affordable, especially when buying ingredients in bulk. |
| Convenience | Order instantly at any Starbucks store or via the mobile app. | Requires preparation time, but can be made in larger batches for convenience. |
| Taste | Can sometimes have a more artificial or metallic taste depending on the lemonade used. | Customizable taste; often reported to be fresher and less sugary. |
Does the Medicine Ball Have Actual Health Benefits?
While not a substitute for actual medicine, the Medicine Ball's ingredients can provide some therapeutic benefits. The simple act of drinking a hot beverage can soothe a sore throat and help with hydration, which is crucial when you are sick. Green tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Lemonade provides a dose of vitamin C, an important antioxidant. Finally, honey is a natural cough suppressant and can soothe a scratchy throat.
However, it's important to note the sugar content. A Grande size can contain around 30 grams of sugar, so it's a treat rather than a health tonic. For a truly healthy option, consider a DIY version with less sweetened lemonade or more honey alternatives.
The Story Behind the Starbucks Secret
The Medicine Ball's journey from a fan-created 'secret menu' item to a full-fledged menu option is a testament to its popularity. Starting around 2016, customers would share the off-menu recipe on social media. Its fame grew so large that Starbucks baristas were making dozens of them daily, leading the company to officially add it to the menu in 2017 under the name Honey Citrus Mint Tea. This made it easier for both customers and staff, standardizing the preparation and ensuring consistency. The beverage's official ingredients can be found on Starbucks' nutritional information page.
Conclusion
The Starbucks Medicine Ball, known officially as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a comforting hot beverage that blends Jade Citrus Mint green tea, Peach Tranquility herbal tea, steamed lemonade, and honey. While it offers soothing warmth and ingredients with beneficial properties like antioxidants and vitamin C, it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar content. Whether you prefer the convenience of ordering it at Starbucks or the customizability of a homemade copycat, this popular drink remains a cozy and flavorful choice for a sore throat or a cold day.
