Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Recipe -

If you've ever craved Starbucks' soothing Medicine Ball Tea but don't want to leave home or spend $4 per cup, you're in luck. You'll discover how to craft this comforting blend of green tea, peach tea, honey, and lemon right in your kitchen. While this drink gained popularity as a cold-season remedy, it's actually perfect year-round when you need a warm, therapeutic beverage that combines sweet and citrus notes.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Steep one green tea bag and one peach tea bag in hot water for 3-5 minutes.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of raw honey for sweetness and immune-boosting properties.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon) into the tea mixture.
Serve hot immediately, garnished with a lemon slice for optimal flavor and aroma.
Use filtered water and high-quality tea bags to replicate the authentic Starbucks taste.

Why you'll love this recipe

Comfort and convenience come together perfectly in this homemade Medicine Ball Tea recipe, which you'll find yourself making again and again.

You'll save money by crafting this soothing beverage at home, where you can adjust the sweetness and strength to match your preferences. Plus, you'll love having control over the quality of ingredients you're using, especially since infused water can enhance hydration and overall wellness.

When you're feeling under the weather or just need a moment of relaxation, you'll appreciate how quickly you can whip up this warming drink.

The simple combination of green tea, peach tea, honey, and lemon creates a perfect balance of flavors that'll rival your favorite coffee shop version. Best of all, you won't have to leave your house or wait in line to enjoy this comforting cup of tea.

Ingredient notes

When selecting ingredients for your homemade Medicine Ball Tea, you'll want to focus on quality components that work together harmoniously.

Choose a high-quality green tea that's fresh and fragrant, as it'll provide both antioxidants and a gentle energy boost. For the peach tea, you'll find that most herbal varieties work well, but those with real peach pieces offer the best flavor profile.

The honey you select makes a significant difference, too. Raw, unfiltered honey not only tastes better but also retains more beneficial properties than processed versions.

As for the lemon juice, always opt for fresh-squeezed rather than bottled – you'll notice the bright, authentic citrus notes that make this drink so invigorating and therapeutic. Additionally, consider incorporating carminative properties from ingredients like fennel, which can further enhance digestive comfort when enjoyed in beverages.

Origin of the recipe

The popular Medicine Ball Tea gained its fame through Starbucks customers who discovered its soothing properties during cold and flu season.

What started as a secret menu item quickly became an official beverage due to overwhelming customer demand, and you'll now find it listed as Honey Citrus Mint Tea.

Here's how this cozy drink became a sensation:

Customers started ordering the combination of teas and adding honey in 2016
Social media posts about its cold-fighting powers went viral
Baristas noticed a spike in requests for the unique tea blend
Starbucks officially added it to their menu in 2017
The drink earned its nickname "Medicine Ball" from customers who claimed it helped them feel better, as it incorporates immune-boosting properties from its herbal ingredients.

How to make the recipe

You'll want to start by boiling fresh, filtered water to create the perfect base for your Medicine Ball Tea.

Next, add both your green tea and peach tea bags to your mug, pour the hot water over them, and let them steep together for about 5 minutes before stirring in your honey and fresh lemon juice.

Once you've mixed everything well, garnish your mug with a bright lemon slice, and enjoy your soothing tea while it's still nice and hot.

Step 1. Boil Fresh Filtered Water

Starting with fresh filtered water guarantees your Medicine Ball Tea will have the cleanest, most authentic taste possible.

You'll want to bring your water to a proper boil, around 212°F (100°C), before adding it to your tea. For the best results, follow these essential water-boiling tips:

Use cold filtered water instead of hot tap water, as it contains more oxygen for better flavor
Fill your kettle with just enough water for your drink to avoid waste
Watch for those first big bubbles that indicate a rolling boil
Don't let the water continue boiling, as it can make your tea taste flat
If you're using an electric kettle, choose the "green tea" setting if available

Once your water reaches the right temperature, you're ready for the next exciting step!

Step 2. Add Tea Bags Together

Carefully place both tea bags – one green tea and one peach tea – into your favorite mug, positioning them so they can steep evenly in the hot water.

Make sure the tea bags aren't stacked on top of each other, as this could prevent proper steeping and affect the final flavor of your drink.

Once you've positioned your tea bags, gently pour the hot water over them until your mug is about three-quarters full.

You'll notice the water beginning to change color as the tea starts to release its flavors.

Let the string or tag of each tea bag hang over the side of your mug, making it easier to remove them later when they're done steeping.

Step 3. Add Honey and Lemon

While the tea bags are still steeping, it's time to add the sweet and citrusy elements that make this drink special.

You'll want to measure out your honey and lemon juice carefully to achieve that perfect balance of flavors.

Start with 1 tablespoon of honey, but you can adjust this amount if you prefer it sweeter
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for the best taste
Stir the mixture gently until the honey completely dissolves
If you're feeling under the weather, you can add an extra squeeze of lemon
Consider adding a lemon slice on the rim of your mug for an extra pop of citrus

Once you've added these ingredients, give everything a final stir to guarantee all the flavors blend together perfectly.

Step 4. Garnish With Lemon Slice

To complete your Medicine Ball Tea with an elegant flourish, add a fresh lemon slice to the rim of your mug, allowing the citrus oils to enhance both the aroma and presentation.

You can make a small cut in the lemon slice, from the center to the rind, which will help it sit securely on the mug's edge. If you'd like, you can also float the lemon slice directly in your tea, where it will continue to infuse subtle citrus notes into your drink.

For an extra special touch, try warming your lemon slice for a few seconds before adding it to your tea.

This will release more of the natural oils and create an even more inviting aroma that'll make your homemade Medicine Ball Tea look and smell just like the Starbucks version.

Step 5. Serve Immediately While Hot

Now that you've garnished your tea beautifully, serving it immediately will guarantee you experience the perfect balance of flavors at their peak.

The warmth of the drink helps release the aromatic properties of the tea, making each sip more enjoyable and therapeutic.

Sip your tea while it's still steaming hot to fully enjoy the mingling of green tea and peach flavors
Hold the warm mug with both hands to experience the comforting sensation
Take in the soothing aroma before each sip to enhance your drinking experience
Watch the steam rise and appreciate the golden-amber color of your creation
Start with small sips to test the temperature and savor the honey-lemon combination

If you need to step away, remember that the tea will stay pleasantly warm for about 15-20 minutes, though it's best enjoyed right away.

If you liked this you may also like

Since you've discovered the comforting magic of Medicine Ball Tea, there's a whole world of soothing home beverages you'll want to explore.

Try a warming Golden Milk Latte, made with turmeric, ginger, and coconut milk, or a calming Chamomile Lavender Tea that's perfect for bedtime.

For another immune-boosting option, you'll love a homemade Ginger-Lemon Tea with raw honey and a dash of cinnamon.

If you enjoy the fruity notes in Medicine Ball Tea, you might also appreciate a Berry-Mint Infusion or a soothing Apple-Cinnamon Tea.

During cold months, warm up with a comforting Elderberry Tea, which combines dried elderberries with cinnamon and honey for added immune support.

Each of these drinks offers unique benefits while maintaining that cozy, nurturing feeling you love. Additionally, a refreshing option like the Christmas Lively Pomegranate Citrus Water Infusion provides health benefits with its rich antioxidants and vitamin C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Different Tea Varieties as Substitutes?

You can definitely experiment with different tea combinations to create your own version!

Try using chamomile tea for a more calming effect, or swap in mint tea for added freshness.

If you enjoy fruity flavors, consider using berry or citrus teas instead of peach.

Just remember to keep one caffeinated tea (like green or black tea) paired with an herbal tea for the best results.

How Many Calories Are in One Serving?

You'll be pleased to know that a standard serving of Medicine Ball Tea contains approximately 30-40 calories, primarily from the honey.

If you're watching your calorie intake, you can adjust the amount of honey you use, as it contributes about 20 calories per tablespoon.

The tea bags and lemon juice add minimal calories, making this a relatively low-calorie beverage that's both comforting and mindful of your dietary needs.

Is This Drink Safe During Pregnancy?

While teas can be a great choice during pregnancy, you'll want to check with your healthcare provider about this specific combination.

Green tea contains caffeine, which doctors recommend limiting during pregnancy. The honey and lemon are generally safe, but it's important to verify the honey is pasteurized.

You can modify the recipe by using caffeine-free green tea or herbal alternatives your doctor approves.

Can I Make a Large Batch and Freeze Portions?

While you can freeze the tea, you'll notice some changes in taste and quality when thawed.

If you decide to freeze it, let the tea cool completely, pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers, and use within 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy, thaw your portion in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding fresh lemon and honey to restore the original flavors.

Will This Help Cure My Cold or Flu?

While this tea won't cure your cold or flu, it can help ease your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.

The honey soothes your sore throat, lemon provides immune-boosting vitamin C, and the warm liquid helps with congestion.

You'll find the combination of ingredients particularly soothing when you're feeling under the weather, but remember to see your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

Conclusion

You'll find this homemade medicine ball tea to be a comforting, cost-effective alternative to Starbucks' version. With simple ingredients you likely have at home, you can create this soothing drink whenever you need it. Whether you're feeling under the weather or just craving a warm, healing beverage, this recipe lets you adjust the flavors to your taste while enjoying the immune-boosting benefits of honey, lemon, and tea.