Medicine Ball Tea Recipe: If you’ve ever found yourself sniffling, coughing, or just feeling a little under the weather, chances are someone has recommended you try a “Medicine Ball Tea.” Originally made famous by Starbucks and affectionately called the “Cold Buster” or “Honey Citrus Mint Tea,” this warm, comforting drink has grown into a wellness favorite for its soothing ingredients and simple preparation.
But here’s the kicker—you don’t need to pay café prices every time you crave this magical tea. In fact, making your own Medicine Ball Tea at home is incredibly easy, affordable, and you can tweak it just the way you like it. Whether you’re sick, tired, or just in the mood for a warm cup of goodness, this recipe is your new best friend.
Let’s break down everything you need to make your own delicious and healing Medicine Ball Tea right in your own kitchen.
Benefits of Medicine Ball Tea
You know how grandma always had a magical potion for every ailment? Well, Medicine Ball Tea is kind of like that, except it tastes amazing and has the backing of some seriously beneficial ingredients.
Here’s why people are obsessed:
- Soothes Sore Throats & Congestion: The combination of hot water, honey, mint, and citrus helps calm inflamed throats and opens up congested sinuses. It’s like a spa day for your respiratory system.
- Boosts Immunity: Thanks to vitamin C-rich lemonade and the antimicrobial properties of honey, this tea gives your immune system a gentle push in the right direction.
- Calms the Mind: Mint tea is known for its calming properties, while peach tea brings warmth and gentle flavor. Together, they help you unwind.
- Keeps You Hydrated: Sometimes when you’re sick, you forget to drink water. Medicine Ball Tea helps you stay hydrated while actually enjoying what you’re sipping.
In short, it’s not just a tea—it’s a hug in a cup.
When Should You Drink Medicine Ball Tea?
This tea isn’t just for cold and flu season. Think of it as your personal pick-me-up any time you need a little TLC. Here’s when Medicine Ball Tea really shines:
- During Cold or Flu Season: Feeling a tickle in your throat? Drink this before it turns into a full-blown cold.
- When You’re Stressed or Tired: The calming herbs and warm flavors make it perfect for winding down after a hectic day.
- After a Workout: Rehydrate and soothe tired muscles with something more flavorful than plain water.
- Daily Wellness Routine: Many people drink this tea daily to keep their immune systems in check.
Pro tip? Start your morning with it on cold days—it’s better than any alarm clock.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to brew your own? Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 bag Peach Herbal Tea (Teavana Peach Tranquility is the Starbucks classic)
- 1 bag Mint Tea (Spearmint or green mint—Tazo Mint Majesty is ideal)
- ¾ cup hot water
- ¾ cup steamed lemonade (homemade or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh lemon slices (optional but recommended)
- Ginger slices or powder (optional for added zing)
Everything here is easily found in most kitchens or your local grocery store. Let’s be honest—you probably already have half of these in your pantry.
Recommended Tea Brands for the Perfect Flavor
Not all teas are created equal. For the most authentic Medicine Ball flavor, here are some brand recommendations:
| Type | Brand | Why We Recommend It |
|---|---|---|
| Peach Tea | Teavana Peach Tranquility | Closest to Starbucks original |
| Mint Tea | Tazo Mint Majesty | Smooth, bold mint flavor |
| Lemonade | Simply Lemonade | Natural taste, no weird aftertaste |
Of course, feel free to mix and match. Just avoid overly sweet or artificial teas—they’ll mess with the balance of flavors.
Tools and Equipment Needed
You don’t need a barista’s toolkit for this. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Kettle or saucepan to boil water
- Mug or heatproof cup
- Measuring spoons for honey and lemonade
- Tea infuser (if you’re using loose leaf tea)
- Small pot (if you want to steam lemonade)
Simple tools. Big flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Medicine Ball Tea
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to make your own Medicine Ball Tea, step-by-step:
Step 1: Boil Your Water
Start by boiling ¾ cup of water. Use filtered water for the cleanest taste. Let it cool slightly after boiling—about 190°F is perfect for herbal teas.
Step 2: Steep Your Teas
Place the peach and mint tea bags in your mug. Pour the hot water over them and let steep for 5–7 minutes. Longer steep = stronger flavor. Cover your mug while steeping to trap the heat and oils.
Step 3: Steam the Lemonade
In a small saucepan, warm up ¾ cup of lemonade until it’s steaming but not boiling. This gives it a smooth, gentle sweetness. You can also microwave it for 45–60 seconds if you’re in a rush.
Step 4: Combine & Stir
Remove the tea bags. Pour the warm lemonade into the mug with the brewed tea. Stir in a tablespoon of honey. Add lemon slices if you like. Give it a gentle swirl.
Step 5: Customize
Add a slice of fresh ginger, a dash of turmeric, or even a cinnamon stick for extra flair. Want more kick? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of cayenne does wonders.
Now sip, breathe, and enjoy. That’s self-care in a cup.
Homemade Lemonade vs. Store-Bought
When it comes to the lemonade portion of your Medicine Ball Tea, you have two options: make it yourself or grab a bottle from the store. Both have their perks, but your choice can impact the flavor, sweetness, and even health benefits of the drink.
Homemade Lemonade
If you have fresh lemons at home, making your own lemonade is super easy and lets you control the sugar level.
Here’s a basic recipe:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- ½ cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 cups cold water
Mix it all together, and boom—you’ve got lemonade that’s as fresh as it gets. This is ideal if you’re watching your sugar intake or just prefer a more tart flavor.
Store-Bought Lemonade
Not in the mood to squeeze lemons? No worries. There are great store-bought options.
Look for:
- Simply Lemonade – widely loved for its pure lemon flavor.
- Newman’s Own Virgin Lemonade – no artificial preservatives.
- Organic options – often less sugary and more citrus-forward.
Just steer clear of overly sweet, artificially flavored lemonades. They’ll throw off the balance of your tea and could turn a healthy drink into a sugar bomb.
In short: go homemade for control and freshness, but quality store-bought lemonade is a time-saver that still delivers.
Honey Selection Tips
Honey is a crucial part of the Medicine Ball Tea—it’s not just for sweetness, it also brings health benefits. But not all honey is created equal. Here’s what to look for:
Raw vs. Pasteurized
- Raw honey is unfiltered and unpasteurized, meaning it retains all the natural enzymes, antioxidants, and antimicrobial properties. Perfect for a tea meant to heal.
- Pasteurized honey is heated to kill bacteria, but that process also strips away a lot of the good stuff. It’s smoother and clearer, but not as nutrient-rich.
Local Honey for Allergies
If you’re dealing with seasonal allergies, go for local honey. It can help build immunity to local pollen—kind of like a natural allergy shot.
Flavored Honey
Want to experiment? Infused honeys like lavender, ginger, or lemon can add a subtle twist to your tea. Just be mindful of the strength—they can easily overpower the delicate tea flavors.
Rule of thumb: always taste your honey before adding. It should be smooth, floral, and comforting—not overly sugary or sharp.
Add-Ins and Variations
One of the best things about making Medicine Ball Tea at home? You can tweak it until it’s perfectly you. Whether you want a little spice or more health benefits, here are some tasty add-ins:
1. Fresh Ginger
Add a few thin slices while the tea is steeping. It brings warmth and a little zing that kicks colds to the curb.
2. Turmeric
Just a pinch of ground turmeric can boost the anti-inflammatory power of your tea. Add a crack of black pepper to help your body absorb it.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
One teaspoon gives your tea a detoxifying edge. It’s a bold flavor, so use sparingly.
4. Vitamin C Powder
If you’re really feeling under the weather, a scoop of powdered vitamin C (like Emergen-C) can turn your tea into a super immune booster.
5. Essential Oils (Food Grade Only!)
A drop of food-grade lemon or peppermint essential oil can intensify the flavor—but be cautious. Oils are potent and not always necessary.
Feel free to experiment. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s your wellness ritual.
Can You Make It Iced?
Absolutely! Iced Medicine Ball Tea is a refreshing twist that still packs all the benefits. Great for summer days, post-workout refreshers, or when you’re craving something soothing but cold.
Here’s how to do it:
- Brew your teas as normal using hot water.
- Stir in your honey until it dissolves completely.
- Add lemonade and mix well.
- Let it cool, then pour over ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or fresh mint leaves.
You can even make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for a few days. It’s like cold comfort in a glass—and yes, it still tastes amazing.
Calorie Count and Nutrition Info
Wondering if this tea fits your wellness goals? Let’s break it down:
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| Peach tea (0 cal) | 0 |
| Mint tea (0 cal) | 0 |
| Lemonade (¾ cup) | ~60–90 (depends on brand or recipe) |
| Honey (1 tbsp) | ~64 |
| Lemon slice | ~1 |
Total: Approximately 125–155 calories per cup
Not bad for a drink that tastes like dessert, right?
It’s also:
- Caffeine-free (unless you use green tea)
- Full of antioxidants
- Low in fat
- Hydrating
For a lower-calorie version, use less honey and go light on the lemonade. You’ll still get the soothing benefits without the sugar spike.
How It Compares to Starbucks’ Medicine Ball
Let’s be real—Starbucks Medicine Ball is what put this drink on the map. But how does the homemade version stack up?
Flavor
Homemade wins for freshness and balance. Starbucks can be overly sweet or inconsistent depending on who’s making it.
Cost
One cup at Starbucks? Around $4–$5.
At home? Less than $1 per cup. You do the math.
Customization
At home, you can:
- Adjust the honey
- Use your favorite teas
- Add herbs and spices
- Go iced or hot
With Starbucks, you get what they give you (and pray they don’t mess it up).
In short: making it at home gives you flavor, freedom, and saves money.
Tips for Making in Bulk
Want to prep this tea for the week or serve it to guests? Here’s how to make a batch:
Bulk Medicine Ball Tea Recipe (6 servings)
Ingredients:
- 6 peach tea bags
- 6 mint tea bags
- 4½ cups water
- 4½ cups lemonade
- 6 tbsp honey
- Lemon slices, optional
Instructions:
- Boil water and steep all tea bags in a large pot or pitcher.
- Warm lemonade separately, then add to tea.
- Stir in honey until dissolved.
- Store in the fridge and reheat as needed.
You can also pour it into mason jars or thermoses for grab-and-go tea throughout the week. Pro-level self-care.
FAQs about Medicine Ball Tea Recipe
1. Is it okay to drink Medicine Ball Tea daily?
Yes! It’s gentle on your system and packed with natural ingredients. Just be mindful of the honey and lemonade if you’re watching sugar intake.
2. Can I use green tea instead of mint or peach tea?
You can! Green tea adds a subtle caffeine kick and additional antioxidants. Just pair it wisely—try green + mint or green + peach, not both.
3. Is this tea safe for kids?
Definitely. It’s caffeine-free (unless you add green tea), and kids love the sweet, fruity taste. Go easy on the honey for little ones under age 1.
4. How long does it stay fresh?
If refrigerated in an airtight container, your tea will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. Just reheat gently before drinking.
5. What’s the best time of day to drink it?
Anytime! Morning for a gentle wake-up, afternoon for a pick-me-up, or evening to wind down. It’s caffeine-free, so it won’t mess with your sleep.
Conclusion
So there you have it—your complete, step-by-step guide to making the famous Medicine Ball Tea at home. It’s not just about sipping a warm drink; it’s about taking a moment for yourself, nourishing your body, and creating a comforting ritual you can turn to any time you need a little boost.
Whether you’re battling a cold, unwinding after a long day, or simply craving something warm and sweet, this tea has your back. And now that you know how to make it yourself, you never have to wait in line or pay café prices again.
Give it a try—you might just make it part of your daily routine.
