Medicine Ball Tea: Ultimate Sore Throat & Cold Relief Remedy

If you have ever felt that tell-tale tingle in your throat or a slight sniffle starting to creep in, you know the immediate need for comfort and relief. For many, the ultimate warm hug in a mug during cold and flu season is the medicine ball tea. This beloved drink, initially a secret menu item at Starbucks, is now officially known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea.

The soothing blend of citrus, mint, and honey has gained a devoted following for its comforting taste and reputed ability to help alleviate cold and allergy symptoms. Whether you are battling a full-blown cold or just seeking a cozy pick-me-up on a chilly day, learning how to make this tea at home is a simple way to save money, control the ingredients, and ensure you always have a comforting remedy on hand.

Are you ready to discover the magic blend that can help you feel better faster? Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for recreating the perfect medicine ball tea at home.

Understanding the Medicine Ball Tea

What Is a Medicine Ball Drink?

The medicine ball tea originated not as an official Starbucks product but as a customer-concocted beverage that quickly gained viral popularity through social media. Because of its immense demand, Starbucks eventually added it to its regular menu under the formal name: Honey Citrus Mint Tea.

This drink is cherished for its ability to soothe sore throats, clear nasal passages, and provide gentle relief from cold symptoms. It is sometimes also referred to as the “Cold Buster Tea”. It is important to remember that while the drink offers comfort and can help alleviate symptoms, it is not an actual cure for illness.

The classic medicine ball blend generally contains five simple components:

1. Peach herbal tea.
2. Citrus mint green tea.
3. Hot water.
4. Steamed lemonade.
5. Honey.

The Role of Steamed Lemonade

One unique element that defines the classic Starbucks Medicine Ball is the inclusion of steamed lemonade. Steamed lemonade is simply lemonade that has been heated up. The heat enhances the fusion of flavors and helps keep the drink warm longer, which is ideal for soothing a sore throat.

For those creating a copycat recipe, you can easily heat store-bought lemonade, such as Simply Lemonade or Simply Lite Lemonade, on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is hot and simmering.

The Teas Used in the Original Recipe

The distinctive flavor profile of the medicine ball tea relies on two specific Teavana tea blends:

• Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea: This is a green tea infused with spearmint, lemon verbena, lemongrass, and citrus notes. It is known for its refreshing and sinus-clearing properties. It contains about 20 mg of caffeine.
• Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea: This is a caffeine-free herbal tea featuring peach, chamomile flowers, apple pieces, and rose hips, adding a fruity, calming, and soothing depth to the beverage.

Because Teavana storefronts have closed, these specific tea bags can sometimes be hard to find, although they may still be purchased at some Starbucks locations or online. Many homemade recipes successfully substitute these specific teas with other readily available mint green teas and peach herbal teas.

Key Health Benefits

While the medicine ball tea is primarily a comforting beverage, its ingredients are loaded with properties traditionally associated with promoting wellness, especially during illness.

Soothing the Throat and Calming Coughs

The soothing warmth of the tea and the addition of honey are critical for throat relief.

• Honey as a Natural Suppressant: Honey acts as a natural demulcent, coating the throat to reduce irritation, which helps alleviate soreness and coughing. Honey has well-established natural cough suppressant qualities. Raw honey, in particular, contains natural enzymes and antioxidants and boasts anti-bacterial properties that may help fight infections.
• Warmth and Steam: The heat from the hot beverage, coupled with mint’s menthol properties, helps to loosen chest congestion, clear nasal passages, and ease a stuffy nose. The steam alone can help open sinuses.

Immune System Support

Several ingredients in the medicine ball tea work to support the immune system, primarily through high levels of antioxidants and Vitamin C.

• Vitamin C Power: Lemon, or lemonade, is packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant essential for immune function and tissue repair. Getting enough Vitamin C can help stimulate white blood cell activity and may help shorten the length of a cold.
• Antioxidant Boost from Teas: Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants, specifically EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), which has been studied for its potential to prevent cell damage and help treat diseases. Peach tea also provides various antioxidants and vitamins (A, C, E, K, and B).

Hydration and Digestive Aid

Staying hydrated is crucial for recovery when you are sick, and this tea is highly hydrating.

• Hydrating Elements: The combination of hot water, honey, and lemon provides electrolytes, which can help keep you hydrated better than plain water.
• Mint for Digestion: Mint is renowned for its digestive benefits, which can help ease upset stomachs and promote better digestion. Peppermint contains menthol, which can help relieve congestion and soothe a sore throat.
• Ginger’s Benefits: For variations that include ginger, this root adds anti-inflammatory properties, can help soothe upset tummies, and may provide relief for sore throats and muscle aches.

Medicine Ball Tea Ingredients

To make a cozy cup of this comforting beverage at home, you will need a few simple, high-quality ingredients.

The Core Ingredients for the Classic Recipe

• Water: Essential for steeping the tea and maintaining hydration. Filtered water is recommended for purity.
• Lemonade: Provides the citrus base and a Vitamin C boost. Many recipes recommend using “light” versions, like Simply Lite Lemonade, to reduce the high sugar content found in the original Starbucks version (which contains 30g of sugar in a grande size).
• Peach Tea: Provides fruity notes and antioxidant benefits. If Teavana Peach Tranquility is unavailable, substitutes include Bigelow Peach Tea, Celestial Seasonings Peach Tea, or Yogi Peach DeTox Tea.
• Mint Green Tea: Provides the refreshing mint and green tea’s antioxidant power. If Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea is unavailable, alternatives include Tazo Zen Tea, Bigelow Mint Green Tea, Traditional Medicinals Peppermint Green Tea, or Tazo RefreshMint (caffeine-free option).
• Honey: Used for natural sweetness and its soothing properties. Raw, unfiltered, local honey is often recommended for maximum immune-boosting benefits.

Optional Enhancements and Flavor Boosters

For customization, various additions can intensify the flavor or health benefits:

• Peppermint Extract: Adding 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract provides an extra kick of mint flavor, which helps with decongestion, without adding unnecessary sugar.
• Fresh Mint or Lemon Slices: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon slices for added aroma and visual appeal.
• Fresh Ginger: Adding a slice of fresh ginger or blending it into a tea cube alternative can provide significant anti-inflammatory and stomach-soothing benefits.

Step-by-Step Recipe (DIY)

Making this comforting medicine ball tea at home is incredibly simple and takes less than 15 minutes.

Classic Copycat Medicine Ball Tea Recipe

This recipe is designed to recreate the classic Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea using readily available ingredients.

Yield: 1 serving Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5–10 minutes

Ingredients (Classic with Lemonade)

• 1 cup (8 ounces) water
• 1 cup (8 ounces) lemonade (light or regular)
• 1 bag of mint green tea (such as Teavana Jade Citrus Mint or Tazo Zen)
• 1 bag of peach herbal tea (such as Teavana Peach Tranquility or Celestial Seasonings Peach)
• 1 tablespoon pure honey (adjust to taste)
• Optional: 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Optional: Lemon slices or mint sprig for garnish

Instructions (With Lemonade)

1. Heat the Liquids: Combine the water and lemonade in a small saucepan over the stovetop, or in a large mug in the microwave. Heat until the mixture reaches a barely-there simmer or is steaming hot.
2. Steep the Tea: Place one bag of mint green tea and one bag of peach herbal tea into your mug. Pour the hot water and lemonade mixture over the tea bags.
3. Timing the Steep: Let the tea steep for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength. Note that green tea can become bitter if brewed too long, so monitor the time, especially for the mint green tea.
4. Finish the Drink: Promptly remove the tea bags, squeezing them to extract all the beneficial liquid. Stir in the honey until it is completely dissolved. Add peppermint extract if desired.
5. Serve: Pour the hot tea into your favorite mug and enjoy the warm, soothing drink immediately.

Healthier Alternative: Using Fresh Lemon Juice

To significantly cut down on the sugar found in prepared lemonade, you can swap it entirely for fresh lemon juice and more water.

Ingredients (With Fresh Lemon Juice)

• 2 cups (16 ounces) water
• 1 bag of mint citrus green tea
• 1 bag of peach chamomile tea
• 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice of about 1 small lemon)
• 1 tablespoon honey (increase if needed to balance tartness)

Instructions (With Fresh Lemon Juice)

1. Heat Water: Bring the 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Steep Tea: Place both tea bags in a large mug and pour the boiling water over them. Allow to steep for 3 minutes.
3. Finish: Remove the tea bags. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and honey. Serve warm.

This lower-sugar version typically contains around 72 calories and 16g of sugar, compared to the classic version’s 130–179 calories and 30g+ of sugar, depending on the lemonade used.

Homemade Variations and Tips

One of the great advantages of making this tea at home is the ability to customize it to your taste and health needs.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cup

• Optimal Steeping: If you are using green tea (like Jade Citrus Mint or Tazo Zen), be cautious not to over-steep it, as it can quickly become bitter.
• Preventing Heat Loss: Place a small plate or saucer over your cup while the tea is steeping to trap the heat and help the process.
• Blending Order: Some experts recommend steeping the tea first in hot water and then adding the hot lemonade, as this method prevents the tea from cooling down too quickly.
• Quality Ingredients: When substituting Teavana teas, opt for high-quality loose-leaf teas or organic tea bags, as these often contain cleaner ingredients and richer flavors, avoiding potentially harmful chemicals or microplastics found in some inexpensive bags.

Creative Substitutions

You don’t have to stick strictly to the classic mint and peach combination. Many ingredients can be swapped to tailor the flavor:

• Tea Alternatives: Instead of Teavana, try Bigelow peach tea and mint green tea. Tazo Zen is often recommended as a good mint green tea substitute. For a purely herbal, caffeine-free mint, use Tazo RefreshMint or Traditional Medicinals Triple Mint.
• Sweetener Swaps: Although honey is preferred for its throat-soothing properties, vegans can substitute raw honey with agave syrup or pure maple syrup.
• Alcohol Addiction (Adults Only): For a relaxing, all-natural nightcap—often referred to as an “all-natural Nyquil”—some suggest adding a shot of whiskey or brandy to the hot tea.

The Convenience of Medicine Ball Cubes

For the ultimate prep-ahead solution, turn your key ingredients into frozen flavor-packed cubes or “tea bombs”. These cubes can be frozen overnight and stored in the freezer, ready to be dropped into a cup of hot tea whenever a cold hits.

Medicine Ball Cube Recipe (Refined Sugar-Free)

This alternative recipe ditches lemonade entirely, using fresh lemons, ginger, and coconut water to create the base.

Yield: Approximately 16 cubes. Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 5 minutes (plus overnight freezing)

Ingredients (For the Cubes)

• 5 whole lemons, scrubbed, washed, and chopped (skin and all, depending on blender strength)
• 1 piece of fresh ginger (about 3 inches), scrubbed and washed well (or peeled, depending on preference)
• ⅓ cup raw honey
• ½ cup coconut water
• Mint Tea, steeped (for serving)

Instructions (Making and Using the Cubes)

1. Blend the Base: Add the chopped lemons, ginger, raw honey, and coconut water to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
   • Tip: Using a high-speed blender is key to getting a smooth mixture and avoiding pulpy bits of ginger. If your blender isn’t strong, you may need to peel the ginger and perhaps the lemons, or strain the mixture later.
2. Freeze: Transfer the blended mixture into an ice cube tray. Fill them halfway if you want smaller, less potent cubes. Freeze overnight. Silicone trays are recommended for easy removal.
3. Prepare the Drink: When ready, prepare a cup of mint tea (steep a mint tea bag in boiling water for 5 minutes).
4. Dissolve and Serve: Drop two frozen medicine ball cubes into the hot tea. Stir until they are melted into the tea and serve immediately. You can add more raw honey or a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.

This healthier version provides fiber and antioxidants and is a great way to warm up on a cool day while staying refined sugar-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

The medicine ball tea, or Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a powerful blend of comfort and flavor that has become a staple home remedy for cold symptoms. By harnessing the soothing properties of honey, the antioxidant boost from green tea, and the cleansing power of citrus, you can create a customized drink that truly supports your well-being.

Making this beverage at home offers significant benefits—you save money compared to purchasing it at a café, you eliminate refined sugars and unwanted additives, and you can tailor the flavor profile to your exact preferences. Whether you opt for the classic copycat with light lemonade, the healthier version with fresh lemon juice, or the convenient, make-ahead medicine ball cubes, you are giving yourself a warm, nourishing boost when you need it most.

Don’t wait for the next cold to hit. Gather your teas, stock up on honey, and prepare this soothing elixir now. Embrace the warmth and healing power of your homemade medicine ball tea and enjoy a comforting moment of self-care!

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