How to Make the Starbucks Medicine Ball at Home – A Cozy, Comforting Tea

If you love the soothing, citrusy warmth of the Starbucks Medicine Ball, you can absolutely make it at home no line, no app, and no mystery ingredients. This cozy tea is famous for helping you feel better when you’re under the weather, or just need something calming and warm. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and easy to customize.

You’ll only need a few pantry staples and about 10 minutes. Once you try this version, you might start making it on repeat.

Why This Recipe Works

This homemade Medicine Ball delivers the same comforting flavor as the coffee shop version with straightforward ingredients. The blend of citrus herbal tea and mint tea creates that signature bright, refreshing taste.

Warm lemonade adds sweetness and a gentle tang that feels soothing on the throat. A touch of honey rounds it out with natural sweetness and a silky finish. Best of all, you can control the sweetness, temperature, and strength—so it’s exactly how you like it.

Ingredients

• 1 bag peach or citrus herbal tea (Peach Tranquility is the classic, but any caffeine-free citrus or peach blend works)
• 1 bag mint tea (spearmint or peppermint)
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 3/4 cup lemonade (store-bought or homemade)
• 1–2 teaspoons honey, to taste
• Optional add-ins: a slice of fresh lemon, a small slice of ginger, or a splash of apple juice for extra sweetness

How to Make It

1. Heat the water. Bring 3/4 cup of water just to a simmer.You want it hot, not boiling, to avoid bitterness in the tea.
2. Warm the lemonade. Heat 3/4 cup of lemonade gently on the stove or in the microwave until steamy but not boiling.
3. Steep the teas. Add both tea bags to a large mug. Pour in the hot water and let steep for 2–3 minutes. If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, steep up to 4 minutes.
4. Add the warm lemonade. Remove the mint tea bag first if you’re sensitive to mint strength, then pour in the warmed lemonade.Leave the herbal tea bag in for another minute if you want more flavor.
5. Sweeten to taste. Stir in 1–2 teaspoons honey. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
6. Customize. Add a lemon slice for brightness. If you like a little heat, add a thin slice of fresh ginger and let it sit for 1–2 minutes.
7. Serve warm. Drink while it’s hot but sippable.This tea is all about comfort, so take your time.

Keeping It Fresh

• Make a batch. Brew a double or triple batch of the tea base (water + tea bags) and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add warmed lemonade and honey right before serving.
• Store leftover lemonade separately. Keep lemonade in a sealed container in the fridge for a week or so, or freeze in small portions for quick use.
• Reheat gently. Warm the tea on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Avoid boiling to keep the flavors smooth.

Why This is Good for You

• Hydration: Warm liquids can feel soothing and help you stay hydrated, especially when you’re not up for plain water.
• Caffeine control: This version uses herbal and mint teas, so it’s naturally low in caffeine (or caffeine-free, depending on your mint tea).
• Comforting ingredients: Lemon and mint can feel refreshing and gentle on the throat, while honey adds a smooth sweetness.
• Customizable sweetness: You decide how much honey and lemonade to use.Keep it light or make it dessert-level cozy—your call.

What Not to Do

• Don’t boil the lemonade. Overheating can dull the bright citrus flavor and make it taste syrupy.
• Don’t oversteep the mint. More than 4 minutes can turn it bitter and overpower the peach or citrus notes.
• Don’t skip tasting as you go. The balance of sweet, minty, and citrusy is personal. Adjust honey and steep time to your taste.
• Don’t mix with boiling water. Super-hot water can scorch delicate herbal teas and make them taste harsh.

Alternatives

• No lemonade? Use half water and half fresh lemon juice + a little extra honey or a splash of apple juice. You can also try lime juice for a twist.
• No peach tea? Swap in a caffeine-free citrus blend, chamomile with a slice of lemon, or a berry herbal tea for a fruity spin.
• Want it extra cozy? Add a cinnamon stick while steeping, or a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon when serving.
• Need it sugar-light? Use unsweetened lemonade and skip or reduce the honey.If you prefer, use a sweetener you like in small amounts.
• Prefer caffeine? Add a bag of green tea in place of the mint or along with it, and shorten the steep time to 2 minutes to avoid bitterness.

FAQ

What is in a Starbucks Medicine Ball?

The classic version is a mix of peach herbal tea, mint tea, hot water, steamed lemonade, and honey. This recipe recreates that combination with simple pantry ingredients.

Is it actually called “Medicine Ball” at Starbucks?

It started as a customer-created drink and got popular under the nickname “Medicine Ball.” Starbucks now lists a version called Honey Citrus Mint Tea. Same idea, slightly different naming.

Can I make it without honey?

Yes.

You can leave out the honey or use a sweetener you prefer. Taste as you go so it doesn’t become too tart from the lemonade.

Can I serve it iced?

Absolutely. Brew the tea stronger (steep a minute longer), let it cool, then pour over ice with chilled lemonade.

Sweeten to taste.

What kind of lemonade works best?

Regular store-bought lemonade is great. If using fresh lemon juice, balance it with water and a little sweetener so it’s not too sharp.

How do I avoid a bitter taste?

Use hot, not boiling, water and keep the mint steep time to 2–4 minutes max. If it still tastes strong, remove the mint bag earlier and let the herbal tea continue steeping.

Can I make it in a kettle or electric tea maker?

Yes.

Heat water to about 175–185°F if you can control the temperature. Warm the lemonade separately, then combine everything in your mug.

Is this safe when I’m sick?

It’s a soothing beverage and can be comforting, but it’s not a medical treatment. If you’re unwell, check with a healthcare professional, especially if you have dietary restrictions or concerns.

How much honey should I use?

Start with 1 teaspoon and add up to 2 teaspoons if you want more sweetness.

The right amount depends on how sweet your lemonade is.

Can I make a big batch for guests?

Yes. Scale the recipe and brew the tea in a pot. Keep the lemonade separate and mix per mug to control sweetness and temperature for each person.

Final Thoughts

Making a Starbucks-style Medicine Ball at home is simple, cozy, and customizable.

With mint tea, a fruity herbal tea, warm lemonade, and a touch of honey, you get that soothing, bright flavor for a fraction of the price. Adjust the sweetness, steep time, and lemon level until it’s perfect for you. Keep the basics on hand and you’ll always have a comforting cup ready when you need it.

It’s the kind of small ritual that turns a regular day into a calmer one.