COPYCATSStarbucks Medicine Ball (Copycat)
The quick answer
Steep 1 Jade Citrus Mint tea bag and 1 Peach Tranquility tea bag together in 8 oz near-boiling water for 4 minutes. Add 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Add a splash of lemonade if desired. Costs $0.65 per cup vs. $4.75 at Starbucks.
Starbucks' Medicine Ball went so viral during cold and flu season that baristas started calling it by name before it even hit the official menu. It costs $4.75 at the counter, but every ingredient is available at your grocery store for a fraction of that price.
The drink is officially called the Honey Citrus Mint Tea on the Starbucks menu, but customers still order it as the Medicine Ball. It contains two Teavana tea bags, hot water, steamed lemonade, and honey. The steamed lemonade is what makes the official version slightly creamy and warm, but it is entirely optional in a home version.
Both tea varieties are sold at most grocery stores and Target. Jade Citrus Mint (spearmint, lemon verbena, lemongrass) pairs with Peach Tranquility (peach, chamomile, rose hips) to create the layered floral-citrus flavor that makes this drink feel medicinal and comforting. Use one bag of each, never just one type.
The honey is not decoration. Use at least 1 tablespoon of real honey, not honey-flavored syrup. Raw honey adds a slightly richer, more complex sweetness. Manuka honey works but is expensive and its flavor is more dominant. Standard clover honey is perfect.
Cost per serving: two tea bags cost $0.30 to $0.40 depending on brand, honey adds $0.10, and lemon juice adds $0.05. Total: under $0.65. The Starbucks version runs $4.75 for a short. That's roughly a 725% markup. Making this at home 3 times a week saves about $650 per year.
Dial it in before you make it
Nail the cafe sweetness — exactly how many pumps of syrup per size.
| Measurement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pumps | 3 |
| Tablespoons | 1.5 tbsp |
| Volume | 22.5 mL |
| Approx. calories (regular syrup) | ~60 cal |
Sugar-free syrup ≈ 0 calories. 1 pump ≈ 0.25 fl oz / 7.5 mL / 0.5 tbsp / ~20 cal. Based on standard cafe pump chart.
Make it
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Steps
We've tested this during two cold seasons, adjusting the tea steep time, honey amount, and lemon ratio. The 4-minute steep with 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp lemon juice is the sweet spot. It's the recipe we now send to everyone who messages us asking what to drink when they feel a cold coming on.
Pro tips
- If you can't find Teavana brand tea bags, look for Bigelow Mint Medley plus any peach herbal tea as a substitute pairing.
- Don't overstep. Four minutes is the maximum. Beyond that, the mint becomes sharp and the peach note fades.
- Add a thin slice of fresh ginger while steeping for extra soothing warmth.
- Use a travel mug to keep it hot longer if you're making it to take with you.
- For a cold version, steep double-strength (2 bags in 4 oz water), cool, and pour over ice with lemonade.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Starbucks Medicine Ball cost vs. making it at home?
Starbucks charges $4.75 for a short Medicine Ball. The home version costs roughly $0.65 per cup, including two tea bags, honey, and lemon juice. Making it at home three times per week saves approximately $650 per year.
What tea bags are in the Medicine Ball?
The original uses one Jade Citrus Mint tea bag and one Peach Tranquility tea bag, both from the Teavana line sold at Starbucks and many grocery stores. At home, you can find both at Target, Walmart, or online. Both bags steep together in the same cup.
Does the Medicine Ball actually help when you have a cold?
There is no clinical evidence that the Medicine Ball cures illness. However, hot fluids help with hydration and throat comfort. Honey has mild antibacterial properties supported by some research. Lemon provides vitamin C. Most people find it genuinely soothing when they feel under the weather.
Can I make it iced?
Yes. Brew double-strength by steeping both tea bags in only 4 oz of hot water for 4 minutes. Add honey and lemon juice, stir to dissolve, then pour over a full glass of ice. Top with lemonade. It dilutes to the right strength as the ice melts.
Is there caffeine in the Medicine Ball?
Both Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility are herbal teas and contain no caffeine. The Starbucks version is entirely caffeine-free. This makes it a good choice for evenings or for people sensitive to caffeine.
