If you are feeling under the weather and need a soothing hot tea, Starbucks offers the perfect solution with its “Medicine Ball Tea,” also called the Honey Citrus Mint Tea or Cold Buster. This comforting blend is a go-to for many people who need a warm, rejuvenating drink to ease cold or sore throat symptoms. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea, how to make a copycat version at home, and why it has become such a popular remedy.
What Is Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea?
Starbucks Medicine Ball is a popular drink that combines green tea, herbal teas, lemonade, honey, and a touch of mint. Officially known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, it gained such a following that it became a regular menu item at Starbucks. The tea is famous for its soothing qualities, which make it perfect for cold weather, and it is often referred to as the “Cold Buster” due to its ability to help relieve cold symptoms.
This tea is refreshing, calming, and has just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a perfect choice when you are feeling under the weather.
Ingredients in Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
Before getting into the Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe, it is important to know the ingredients that make this tea so effective and delicious. Here is what you will need:
- Citrus Mint Tea: A green tea that provides a light, refreshing flavor with a hint of mint. This tea is a key component of the Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea.
- Peach Herbal Tea: A caffeine-free herbal tea with fruity undertones that pairs perfectly with green tea. Starbucks uses Peach Tranquility tea, however, any blend of peach tea should work.
- Lemonade: Adds a zesty, tart flavor to the tea while boosting your immune system with vitamin C.
- Honey : Sweetens the tea and offers soothing properties, helping to alleviate throat discomfort.
- Hot Water: Used to steep the teas and combine the flavors.
With these ingredients in mind, you are ready to make your own Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea at home.
Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe
Making Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea at home is easy and fast. Whether you are craving the comforting flavor or need relief from a cold, this copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe will satisfy your needs.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of Mint Tea
- 1 bag of Peach Herbal Tea
- ½ cup lemonade (store-bought or freshly made)
- 1-2 teaspoons raw or Manuka honey
- 1 cup hot water
- Optional: a slice of fresh ginger or lemon for an added boost
Directions:
- Heat the water and lemonade: In a small pot, heat the water and lemonade until it starts to steam, but do not let it boil. The warm lemonade adds a tart yet soothing element to the tea, similar to the Starbucks Cold Buster Tea Recipe.
- Steep the teas: Place both the Jade Citrus Mint Tea and Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea bags into the hot water-lemonade mixture. Let them steep for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavours to fully infuse.
- Add honey: Stir in honey to your taste. Honey sweetens the tea and offers natural soothing properties that make it a popular cold remedy.
- Serve: Pour the tea into a mug and enjoy immediately. If you want an extra boost of flavour and health benefits, you can add a slice of fresh ginger or lemon.
This simple copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe will bring the warmth and comfort of Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea to your home.
Why the Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Is So Effective
What makes this tea so special? Let us break down the components and their health benefits:
- Green tea: The Citrus Mint Tea contains green tea, which contains antioxidants to support your immune system. It is light, refreshing, and complements the other ingredients.
- Peach herbal tea: The Peach adds a fruity sweetness and provides a caffeine-free option that balances the minty green tea.
- Lemon: Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which boosts your immunity and helps alleviate cold symptoms.
- Honey: A natural remedy for sore throats, honey adds sweetness and acts as an antibacterial agent.
- Mint: The mint in the Jade Citrus Mint Tea offers a cooling effect that helps clear nasal congestion, making it a great choice for cold relief.
Variations of the Medicine Ball Recipe
While the original Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe is delightful, there are ways to customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations:
- Ginger honey lemon: Add a slice of fresh ginger and a squeeze of lemon juice for an additional immune boost. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, and lemon adds extra vitamin C.
- Decaf version: If you prefer to avoid caffeine, skip the green tea and opt for an all-herbal tea blend, such as only peach or another herbal tea.
- Sweeter version: If you enjoy your tea on the sweeter side, add more honey. You can also experiment with different types of honey, such as raw, Manuka, or even a honey blend similar to the one Starbucks uses.
Benefits of Drinking Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
The Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea, or Cold Buster, has become a popular remedy for a reason. Here are some of its main benefits:
- Soothes a sore throat: The warm liquid combined with honey provides immediate relief for a scratchy throat.
- Boosts immunity: The green tea and lemon provide antioxidants and vitamin C, helping to strengthen your immune system.
- Clears nasal congestion: The mint in the tea helps to open up nasal passages, making it easier to breathe when you have a cold.
- Relieves cold symptoms: The warm, comforting properties of this tea can help reduce the severity of symptoms such as a stuffy nose or sore throat.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea, also known as the Cold Buster, is more than just a delicious drink—it is a soothing remedy for those times when you are feeling under the weather. With simple ingredients like green tea, herbal tea, lemonade, and honey, you can easily recreate this Starbucks drink at home. Whether you need a hot tea to warm up or a remedy for a cold, this copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball is an excellent choice. So, the next time you are craving Starbucks Cold Remedy Tea, try making this comforting and healing beverage in the comfort of your own home.
