If you’re craving a soothing, refreshing drink that feels like a warm hug in a cup, the Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea) Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful blend balances the bright zest of citrus, the gentle sweetness of honey, and the calming notes of two perfect teas, all culminating in a comforting sip that instantly lifts your spirits. Whether you’re battling a cold or simply want a cozy, flavorful beverage, this recipe brings that beloved Starbucks drink right to your kitchen with just a few simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential in creating that perfect harmony of flavors. Each component adds its own magic—whether it’s the refreshing citrus zing, the soothing mint, or the natural sweetness from honey—making this drink a pure joy for your taste buds and your soul.
- 4 ounces water: The base that unlocks the tea’s vibrant flavors through steeping.
- 1 bag Peach Herbal Tea: Adds a fruity, gentle sweetness that rounds out the citrus and mint notes.
- 1 bag Citrus Mint Green Tea: Brings a lively and refreshing blend of citrus and cooling mint.
- 2 teaspoons honey: A natural sweetener that balances tartness and adds depth.
- 1 cup lemonade: Gives the drink its signature zesty and tangy character.
- 1 lemon slice (optional): Perfect for garnish and an extra burst of bright citrus aroma.
How to Make Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea) Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Teas
Begin by heating 4 ounces of water until almost boiling. Place both the Peach Herbal Tea bag and the Citrus Mint Green Tea bag into the hot water, allowing them to steep together for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it extracts the flavors that make this tea so wonderfully complex yet soothing.
Step 2: Sweeten with Honey
Once your teas have steeped and the aromas have mingled beautifully, remove the bags and stir in 2 teaspoons of honey while the tea is still warm. Honey glides in smoothly, adding a comforting, natural sweetness that mellows out the citrus tang.
Step 3: Combine with Warm Lemonade
Next, gently steam or heat 1 cup of lemonade until warm but not boiling. Pour this lovely warm lemonade into your honey-sweetened tea. The warmth melds the layers of flavor, creating that signature Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea) Recipe experience. Garnish with a lemon slice if you like—your cozy, homemade medicine ball tea is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a thin lemon slice or a small sprig of fresh mint on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts the fresh citrus and mint notes every time you take a sip. These simple touches make your cup feel extra special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This tea pairs beautifully with light, subtly flavored snacks. Think fresh fruit slices, buttery shortbread cookies, or a simple almond biscotti. These mild accompaniments won’t overpower the delicate balance in your drink but will offer a lovely complementary texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve this tea in a clear glass mug so the warm golden hues shine through. You could also rim the glass with a bit of honey and sugar before pouring in the tea for a sweet surprise. If you want a cold version, chill the tea and lemonade mixture, then pour over ice with a lemon wedge garnish for a refreshing summertime treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to make extra, store the tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to keep the flavors fresh. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent absorption of other fridge odors and preserve that distinctive honey-citrus aroma.
Freezing
Freezing this tea isn’t ideal because the delicate flavors and textures can become muted upon thawing. However, if you want to try, pour the tea into ice cube trays to add flavorful cubes to iced drinks later.
Reheating
When reheating your stored tea, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at medium power. Avoid boiling, as excessive heat can alter the honey’s texture and the tea’s nuance. A gentle warm-up keeps the comforting characteristics intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of tea bags for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the Peach Herbal and Citrus Mint Green teas are key to replicating the Starbucks Medicine Ball, you can experiment with similar fruit or mint teas to suit your taste. Just remember to balance flavors so the honey and citrus can shine through.
Is honey necessary, or can I use another sweetener?
Honey is preferred because of its soothing properties and natural sweetness, but you can substitute with agave syrup, maple syrup, or sugar if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the amount to your desired sweetness level.
Can I make this tea iced?
Definitely! After steeping and sweetening, allow the tea and lemonade to cool, then pour over a glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon and mint for a refreshing iced version, perfect for warmer days.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea) Recipe yields one generous cup, perfect for a single serving of that soothing comfort you’re craving.
Is this tea good for soothing a sore throat?
Yes, it’s wonderful for that! The combination of warm herbal teas, honey, and citrus is known to help soothe sore throats and provide relief from cold symptoms, making it a favorite “medicine ball” when feeling under the weather.
Final Thoughts
Making this Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea) Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—you get that perfect blend of comforting warmth and bright citrus freshness with every cup. It’s quick, easy, and utterly delightful, so don’t wait to try it yourself. Cozy up, sip slowly, and enjoy a little moment of wellness and joy in your day.
Print
Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing copycat recipe of Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea, also known as Medicine Ball Tea. This soothing herbal blend combines peach and citrus mint green teas with honey and lemonade, creating a comforting drink that’s perfect for relaxation or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 4 ounces water
- 1 bag Peach Herbal Tea
- 1 bag Citrus Mint Green Tea
Sweetener and Add-ins
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 cup lemonade
- 1 lemon slice (optional)
Instructions
- Steep the Tea: Heat 4 ounces of water until just boiling. Place one bag each of Peach Herbal Tea and Citrus Mint Green Tea into the hot water and steep for 5 minutes to extract a flavorful and aromatic brew.
- Add Honey: Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and stir in 2 teaspoons of honey thoroughly to sweeten the tea naturally.
- Combine with Lemonade: Gently steam or warm 1 cup of lemonade until heated through without boiling, then pour it into the sweetened tea. Add an optional lemon slice for garnish and a hint of extra citrus aroma. Serve warm and enjoy the soothing flavors.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of honey and lemonade to suit your taste preference.
- For a cold version, use chilled lemonade and pour over ice after steeping the tea and adding honey.
- Steaming the lemonade is optional, but warming enhances the comforting effect of the drink.
- This recipe is caffeine-light due to the herbal and green tea blend, making it suitable for drinking any time of the day.
