Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball shows how to make this popular cold fighter super tea. A great soothing tea for cold and flu season.
Want to know how to make a copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball? Don’t tell anyone. I guess it was supposed to be a secret.
‘Tis the season for colds and flu. Starbucks Medicine Ball is a warm concoction made with lemonade, citrus mint and peach teas with honey. Skip the prices at Starbucks and make this medicinal tea at home.
The Starbucks Medicine Ball used to only be available on the Starbucks secret menu, but the word got out about how great it is, and they moved it to their regular menu. Just in time, I guess?
This winter has been epic for colds and flu! Our state of Nebraska has been on the news as the highest-ranking for flu diagnosis. Not really a record to set, am I right? I tell you, it makes me happy I work from home!
My oldest daughter was the first to tell me about this drink. She is a hairstylist, and she is around the public constantly. Her tendency for colds and scratchy sore throats is pretty common. Once she discovered the Medicine Ball – she was hooked!
She told my younger daughter about it, as she is in all of the school musicals and show choir and is constantly drinking tea to soothe her throat.
I can just picture needing to know some sort of special hand signal or using a code word to order one. That seemed like some sort of secret mission and special training was involved, so I just decided to decode it. I give you, the copy cat Starbucks Medicine Ball.
The Secret Starbucks Medicine Ball Decoded
The Medicine Ball is Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea, hot water, steamed lemonade, and a bit of honey. Call it a Medicine Ball and charge Starbucks prices for it…
Lemonade and tea? When did that become a secret?
The health benefits of tea and lemons are not so secret either. Tea has tons of antioxidants that help soothe even the worst colds. Lemons deliver the blast of vitamin C to boost the immune system. Mint works great for congestion and helps as an expectorant and decongestant. Honey has been used since ancient times to soothe sore throats and coughing.
In fact, the Medicine Ball is beginning to sound like the wisdom of the ancients just repackaged into a viral trending hashtag worthy beverage.. Kudos to Starbucks for making it into another home run for the shareholders.
But I guess it completely makes sense why people refer to it as a “Medicine Ball.” It certainly does have a lot of healthy components. Maybe it is “heavy” on colds and flu so it is like a medicine ball.
You just don’t want to toss a medicine ball around. That is how people catch colds.
In any event, I can see why people during cold and flu season seek them out enough to put them on the menu.
What Makes The Medicine Ball Unique?
To completely decode the Medicine Ball from Starbucks means figuring out how to make steamed lemonade. Sounds pretty fancy right?
Actually, steamed lemonade is simply lemonade that has been heated up. So feel free to use a good quality pre-made lemonade. Heat it up as you would water for the tea. Put the tea bags into the hot lemonade.
You are pretty close to figuring out the secret. Add some honey and voila! You just created a copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball at a fraction of the price. In fact, you save so much money making your own that you might think of going into business and beating Starbucks pricing.
What did you think you would need? A special lemonade steamer?
But if you feel up to it, then go ahead and make steamed lemonade. Starbucks probably has a few “lemonade steamers” leftover from the holiday season sales.
Variations On The Copy Cat Starbucks Medicine Ball
Some folks apparently like to add a bit of peppermint syrup as well. I think that sounds great, but some folks might find that it sweetens the drink too much. If you don’t want to add a ton of sugar, but you do want to kick up the mint a bit, then add some peppermint extract.
You probably have some leftover from the last time you made a mint frosting way back in the back of your cupboard.
Do You Have Other Recipes For Cold And Flu Season?
Chances are you want a medicine ball tea because the flu has come to town like an unwanted house guest. You know the type. Shows up at the worst time and stays too long.
Well, here are a few classic recipes known to help fight flu and colds.
- Chicken Noodle Soup with Sauerkraut
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Toddy
- Kapusniak
- Easy Fruit Salad
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Miracle Slushie Sore Throat Remedy
- Cinnamon Sore Throat Tea
^Love it? Pin it!^
You don’t want to go wondering where you saw this recipe the next time you need it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board before you go!
See ALL of my Restaurant Copy Cat Recipes
So now you don’t have to go risk giving everyone else your cold by running out for a Medicine Ball at Starbucks. And wouldn’t you rather just stay home in bed getting better anyway? 
Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe
Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball shows how to make this popular cold fighter super tea. A great soothing tea for cold and flu season.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup lemonade (I used Simply Light)
- 1 bag Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea
- 1 bag Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
Instructions
- Combine water and lemonade and heat until hot, either on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Steep tea bags in the hot lemonade tea mixture for 2-3 minutes. Remove tea bags.
- Pour into a mug, add in honey and peppermint extract. Stir to combine.
- Enjoy warm.
Notes
I used Simply Light Lemonade, it has fewer calories, and I like the pulp it has, too.
Add more or less honey to taste. I felt the lemonade already made it sweet.
I like the addition of the peppermint extract. It works to decongest. Leave it out of you don't like that extra bit of mint.
Makes one 12 ounce serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 191Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 17mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 3gSugar: 45gProtein: 2g
nutrition isn't guaranteed accurate.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to know! Snap a picture, share the photo on social media with the hashtag #AnAffairFromTheHeart – I’d love to see what you made! – Michaela
kim says
Love this recipe! This medicine ball was perfect and just like Starbuck’s. I’ll definitely be making again and again!
Lauren @ A Nerd Cooks says
You know, I don’t think that I’ve ever heard of the Starbucks Medicine Ball! But this looks and sounds really tasty and super soothing.
sherry brubaker says
This is my new favorite drink in the morning! I feel so refreshed and alive after drinking it!
Sally @ Savory With Soul says
I love a good cold and flu remedy, and this tea looks delicious! I could drink it as a comforting tea every day. I may use fresh lemon juice and just sweeten with more honey, as we usually have a good stash of lemons in the fridge. Thanks!
Vicky says
Oh what a great recipe to try during this flu season! Trying it out this weekend!
Anjali says
This recipe is amazing and was exactly what I needed today (I’m trying to get over a cold!!) Warming, delicious, and the peppermint really did help with my congestion!
Irina says
WOW! Your recipe is so useful and helpful during the flu season. Sharing the recipe with my family:) Thanks!
Sonal says
I had no idea that Starbucks have a drink by that name. This is a very good recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Tisha says
The sickness has been going around everywhere lately! This is something everyone needs!
Sherry says
Hi!! Just made this medicine ball.. yum! I’ve never heard of it.. will definitely keep all this on hand for when were not feeling good:)
Michaela Kenkel says
I am so happy that you liked it! I was the same way – until my daughter told me about it, I never knew!
Felicia Hatsuki Schneider says
Thank you Michaela! Your copycat recipe is perfect!!! You are so kind to share this! 🙂 Be well!
Michaela Kenkel says
Felicia – I am so happy you are enjoying it! Stay well!
Madison says
Best recipe I’ve found to copy Starbucks version!
Was skeptical of the peppermint extract and, if you want it to truly be like Starbucks’ Medicine Ball drink, I’d definitely omit it as it is a bit overpowering. Not bad, but it makes it a different beverage.
I also chose to increase to 8oz (vs. 6oz or 3/4c) of each for the lemonade and water as the tea calls for 8oz per tea bag.
Thank you for sharing!
Michaela Kenkel says
Happy that you liked it, Madison! There is nothing wrong with making it your own! 🙂
Erika says
I have learned huge knowledge from here. I am waiting for your updates
Thanks For Sharing Such beautiful information with us
ROBYN says
So Great! Perfect directions! my whole family loves it!
Thank you for sharing!
Michaela Kenkel says
So happy that you like it, Robyn!
Diya says
I’ve tried this. I accidentally forgot to drink it one day and set it in the fridge for later. I tried it cold……and oh my goodness!! I love it chilled! I chugged it, it was that good! I make mine iced now for summer. Delicious!!
Michaela Kenkel says
I haven’t tried it cold! Great idea!
angela says
I haven’t had made this or had the real thing yet, but I am wondering if one could just use all water and then maybe 2 tbs of lemon juice, plus the other ingredients? Using lemonade on top of honey sounds pretty sugary.
Michaela Kenkel says
it really isn’t super sweet. I am sure you could do that if you wanted to lessen what it has though rather easily!!
Mary Barrows says
Just what I needed – thank you
Mary B
Michaela Kenkel says
I hope that doesn’t mean you’re not feeling well. But if it does, I hope this warm medicine ball drink will help you feel better quick!
Sharon says
I’ll have to use a sugar free lemonade to reduce the carb level. (Diabetic here). Have you or anyone you know tried it this way?
Michaela Kenkel says
Not personally, no. But I can’t see why it wouldn’t have the same effect? I typically purchase the “light” version of the simply lemonade and it works fine.
Deanna says
I need to know where you found that sweater for your teacup!!!
Michaela Kenkel says
Ha!! I actually bought it like that at Target, but it was a while ago. I have purchased them for friends on Etsy though!!
Ashton says
I fell in love with the “Medicine Ball” drink from Starbucks last winter when I had strep throat as it was so soothing. I am so happy I found a perfect dupe recipe for it because this drink is so comforting when you’re not feeling well! If you love the Starbucks version as much as me, I highly recommend making this one at home. Every now and again you can find the Teavana tea bags needed for this recipe at stores like Marshalls or TJ-Maxx. 100% commend a try on this dupe! (:
Michaela Kenkel says
I am thrilled you enjoyed it as much as I do! 🙂 And great tip! I buy it at home goods whenever I see it, too!