The Core Components of the Honey Citrus Mint Tea
The Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea, famously nicknamed the 'Medicine Ball,' is more than just a simple brew. It is a harmonious blend of several key ingredients that create a balance of citrus, mint, and soothing sweetness. The recipe was so beloved by customers that Starbucks eventually made it an official menu item, solidifying its place in the brand's lineup. However, the ingredients have evolved over time, causing some debate among long-time fans.
The Original Teavana Tea Blend
For many years, the drink's signature taste was derived from two specific Teavana tea bags. These were the core components that baristas originally used when a customer ordered this 'secret menu' item:
- Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea: This green tea blend provided the bright, crisp, and citrusy notes. Its ingredients included green tea, spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass. The spearmint offered a refreshing coolness, while the lemon verbena and lemongrass delivered the zesty citrus punch.
- Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea: This herbal tea contributed the soothing, fruity, and sweet peach flavor that balanced the tartness of the lemonade and the zest of the mint green tea. As an herbal tea, it was also caffeine-free, making the final drink a less-caffeinated option, depending on the number of bags used.
The Shift to a New Formulation
Around 2024–2025, Starbucks altered the recipe for the Honey Citrus Mint Tea. The change was likely influenced by the phasing out of the original Teavana tea sachets. The new blend is primarily made with a single tea bag containing a mix of different ingredients. According to customer reports and barista notes, the replacement tea now includes:
- Chamomile Mint Blossom Tea: This blend replaces the original Jade Citrus Mint. It includes green tea with notes of chamomile, spearmint, and fruit flavor, maintaining some of the minty and herbal character but altering the original citrus profile.
- New Combined Tea Bag: Starbucks has reportedly combined the elements of the green and peach teas into a single bag for consistency. This means customers no longer get the distinct two-tea-bag experience of the past.
Additional Ingredients
Beyond the tea, the Honey Citrus Mint Tea includes several other essential components:
- Steamed Lemonade: This is a critical ingredient that provides a warm, tangy foundation for the drink. The steamed preparation mellows the tartness and adds a comforting quality, especially for those feeling under the weather.
- Honey Blend Syrup: A pre-mixed syrup that sweetens the drink and adds a smooth, honeyed finish. Using a syrup ensures consistent sweetness in every cup. Some customers also opt for a pump of peppermint syrup for an extra minty kick.
Comparison: Original vs. New Honey Citrus Mint Tea
The ingredient changes have led to a noticeable difference in flavor for some customers. Here is a comparison of the two versions.
| Feature | Original "Medicine Ball" | New Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Post-2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Green Tea | Teavana Jade Citrus Mint (Green tea, spearmint, lemongrass, lemon verbena) | Chamomile Mint Blossom (Green tea, chamomile, spearmint, fruit flavor) |
| Herbal Tea | Teavana Peach Tranquility (Herbal, peach, chamomile) | Incorporated into the new chamomile mint blend |
| Tea Bags | Two separate tea bags (one of each kind) | One combined tea bag |
| Flavor Profile | Brighter, more distinct citrus and peach notes, with a noticeable green tea base | Milder citrus, more dominant chamomile and floral notes |
| Availability | Teavana teas mostly discontinued for public purchase | Officially on the Starbucks menu with the updated recipe |
Recreating the Classic at Home
Since the original Teavana teas are difficult to find, creating a copycat version of the classic "Medicine Ball" at home is a popular alternative. Many people use substitute teas to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Copycat Ingredients:
- Green Mint Tea: A minty green tea like Tazo Zen or another green tea with spearmint and lemon notes.
- Peach Herbal Tea: A peach-flavored herbal tea, possibly with chamomile, such as Bigelow Perfect Peach.
- Lemonade: Store-bought or homemade, preferably a less-sweet variety like Simply Light.
- Honey: Regular honey is perfect for sweetness.
Instructions:
- Heat equal parts lemonade and water until steaming. Do not boil.
- Steep one bag of mint green tea and one bag of peach herbal tea in the hot liquid for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove tea bags and stir in honey to taste.
- Optional: Add a drop of peppermint extract for an extra minty kick.
Conclusion
What's in Starbucks citrus mint tea has evolved, transitioning from the beloved original Teavana blend of Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility to a newer, single tea bag formulation. While some loyal fans lament the change in flavor, the core components of green tea, herbal tea, steamed lemonade, and honey remain. Whether you enjoy the current menu item or recreate the classic 'Medicine Ball' with a copycat recipe at home, the drink continues to offer a comforting and flavorful experience for tea lovers. For those seeking the original taste, experimenting with readily available tea substitutes is the best way to rediscover the iconic flavor combination.
Visit a resource like We are not Martha for a popular copycat recipe.
