Authentic Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea recipe: Health Benefits
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Recently, I’ve seen a bunch of people on my social media raving about the Starbucks Medicine Ball tea drink. As a lover of warm drinks, my interest was peaked. After some research, I discovered that a customer actually concocted this tea drink, which was once on the Starbucks secret menu.
Due to its popularity, the company made it an official drink, now known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea. When I ordered, I opted for less sugars in the original drink (30g in a grande!), choosing “light lemonade” and using only half the honey from the original recipe.
Call me basic, but I liked the Starbucks Medicine Ball tea drink. However, paying $4 for unnecessary sugars wasn’t ideal. So, I decided to figure out the approximate original recipe: ½ steeped lemonade, ½ steeped water, a Teavana Peach Tranquility tea bag, a Teavana Jade Green Tea bag, and honey added. Before making the tea, let’s discuss what makes this a “Medicine Ball tea.”
Benefits of the “Medicine Ball” tea:
- Peach tea provides a number of vitamins including A, C, E, K, and B, as well as potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and mag. These antioxidants improve your immune system.
- Green tea contains EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), a major molecule that has been linked to cell damage prevention and illness treatment, making it a highly useful beverage.
- The honey includes antioxidants, vitamins, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral qualities that stimulate the immune system and promote overall health.
- Flavorful blend of lemon and honey
- Smooth and soothing hot tea
- Natural ingredients
- Ready in minutes
- Less sugar (and money!) than the Starbucks version
- Perfect for cold days
How to make a Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea at Home
Making a Starbucks Medicine Ball at home only takes a few steps!
Ingredients
This Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea recipe is perfect for colder days. It only takes a few ingredients to make a copycat Honey Citrus Mint Tea.
You’ll only need a few ingredients to make the Starbucks Medicine Ball at home:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup lemonade
- 1 Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea bag
- 1 Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea
- 1 tbsp honey
Directions
- Heat your water and lemonade together in whatever way you’re feeling up to. I usually add them to a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer, but you can also just microwave them in a large mug or Pyrex.
- Steep your tea bags for about 3-5 minutes. Remove the tea bags then add in honey and stir until it’s dissolved.
TIPS & TRICKS
- ADDITIONAL BOOST:
To improve the effectiveness of these ice cubes, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, turmeric powder, or apple cider vinegar.
- ICE CUBE MOLDS:
I used jumbo ball ice cube molds which come with 4 molds, but you can choose various sizes based on your preference. For smaller molds, adjust the number of tea bags so that each mold contains all THREE flavors of the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea. This method ensures a perfect blend of flavors, making your homemade version just as delightful as the original.
Sweetener Options? Vegan-friendly?
I prefer to add natural sweetener to most drinks, including these Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Ice Cubes. I use manuka honey or raw honey, however if you are vegan, you can replace it with maple syrup or agave. They are great alternatives since they contain antioxidants, similar to honey, which provides additional nutrients. However, you are free to experiment with any healthy sweetener substitutes you want.
How do you order a Medicine Ball from Starbucks?
Ordering a Medicine Ball from Starbucks is much easier now that it’s on the menu. Previously, it was more complicated when it was part of the Starbucks secret menu and not everyone knew.
Nowadays, the Medicine Ball is widely understood. To order in person or via the app, simply look for the Honey Citrus Mint Tea.
WHAT MAKES THE MEDICINE BALL UNIQUE?
To completely decode the Medicine Ball from Starbucks means figuring out how to make steamed lemonade. Though it sounds fancy, steamed lemonade is simply lemonade that has been heated up. Use a good quality pre-made lemonade. Heat it as you would water for the tea. Put the tea bags into the hot lemonade.
You are pretty close to figuring out the secret. Add some honey and voila! You just created a copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball at a fraction of the price.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, making the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea at home is a delightful and cost-effective way to enjoy this soothing drink. With simple ingredients like lemonade, water, tea bags, and honey, you can recreate this popular beverage easily. Whether you prefer peach tea, mint green tea, or a mix of both, customizing your tea to your taste is straightforward. Additionally, using jumbo ball ice cube molds allows for a refreshing twist. By following this recipe, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea anytime, while also benefiting from its health-boosting properties.
FAQs
- What is in Medicine Ball tea at Starbucks?
The Starbucks Medicine Ball tea, also known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea, includes a combination of steamed lemonade, hot water, Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea, and a touch of honey.
- Is Starbucks Medicine Ball good for you?
Yes, the Starbucks Medicine Ball is considered good for you as it contains ingredients like green tea, which has antioxidants, and honey, which offers soothing properties. It’s a comforting choice, especially when you’re feeling under the weather.
- How do you get a Medicine Ball from Starbucks?
To get a Medicine Ball from Starbucks, you can order it by asking for a Honey Citrus Mint Tea. You can request it in person at any Starbucks location or order it through the Starbucks app.
- What tea at Starbucks is similar to Medicine Ball?
A tea at Starbucks that is similar to the Medicine Ball would be the Jade Citrus Mint tea, as it shares the same green tea base used in the Honey Citrus Mint Tea.
