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Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea)

The Medicine Ball recipe brings the comforting warmth of a Starbucks favorite right into your kitchen, combining soothing herbal teas with honey, lemon, and peppermint to create the perfect remedy for cold days or when you're feeling under the weather. This copycat version costs a fraction of the price and tastes just as good, if not better, than the original.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 1 large serving (16 oz)
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 bag jade citrus mint tea or green tea with spearmint and lemon verbena
  • 1 bag peach tranquility tea or herbal peach tea
  • 1 cup hot water 8 ounces, just under boiling
  • 1/2 cup lemonade 4 ounces, preferably fresh or quality store-bought
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey adjust to taste
  • 1/2 fresh lemon cut into slices or wedges
  • Fresh peppermint sprig optional, for garnish and extra mint flavor

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or kettle for boiling water
  • Large mug (16 ounces or larger)
  • Measuring cup
  • Tablespoon measure
  • Small knife for cutting lemon
  • Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)
  • Spoon for stirring

Method
 

  1. Bring 1 cup of water to a near boil in your saucepan or kettle, stopping just before it reaches a rolling boil. Heat your lemonade separately in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds until it's warm but not boiling.
  2. Place both tea bags in your large mug and pour the hot water over them. Let them steep together for 5 minutes to extract maximum flavor and beneficial compounds from both teas.
  3. After the steeping time, remove both tea bags and gently squeeze them against the side of the mug to extract every drop of flavor. Pour in the warmed lemonade and stir gently to combine.
  4. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey depending on how sweet you like your drinks, starting with 1 tablespoon if you're unsure. Stir thoroughly until the honey completely dissolves into the hot liquid.
  5. Squeeze a wedge or two of fresh lemon directly into your mug, then drop the squeezed pieces right into the drink. The lemon oils from the peel will continue to infuse as you sip.
  6. Stir everything together one more time to make sure all the flavors are fully integrated and the honey hasn't settled at the bottom.
  7. If you have fresh peppermint available, gently slap a sprig between your hands to release its oils, then place it in the mug as a garnish. This adds a gorgeous presentation and an extra hit of cooling mint flavor.
  8. Drink your Medicine Ball while it's still hot for maximum comfort and soothing benefits. Sip slowly and let the warmth work its magic on your throat and sinuses.

Notes

Always use water that's hot but not boiling for green tea, as boiling water can scorch the delicate tea leaves and create a bitter, astringent taste. Use quality tea bags from Teavana or a similar brand for the most authentic flavor. Adjust the honey amount based on how sweet your lemonade is. Store leftover Medicine Ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Remove lemon slices before storing to prevent bitterness.