Starbucks Copycat Medicine Ball Tea: The Comfort Drink You Can Make at Home

There’s a secret drink Starbucks fans whisper about, a golden elixir that seems to work magic when you’re under the weather. Maybe you’ve heard of it, maybe you’ve even ordered it off the “secret menu”—the Medicine Ball Tea.

But what if you could skip the Starbucks line and make your own perfect version at home? This Starbucks copycat Medicine Ball Tea recipe gives you everything you love about the original, with a little extra flexibility to make it exactly the way you like. No barista required.

If you’ve ever sipped on this tea when you were feeling stuffy, rundown, or just needed a little something soothing, you know why it has a cult following. But here’s the thing—this homemade version is even better. It’s not just about mimicking what Starbucks does.

This recipe lets you control the flavors, the sweetness, and even the strength of your tea. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you can always have everything on hand to whip one up whenever you need it.

What Makes This Starbucks Copycat Medicine Ball Tea Special?

You might be wondering—what’s so special about this drink? After all, it’s just tea, lemonade, and honey, right? Not quite. This recipe is all about balance. The right blend of green tea, herbal peach tea, tart lemonade, and soothing honey creates the perfect mix of flavors.

Starbucks’ version of the Medicine Ball (officially called the Honey Citrus Mint Tea) combines two Teavana teas: Jade Citrus Mint (a green tea with hints of lemongrass and spearmint) and Peach Tranquility (an herbal tea with chamomile, peach, and pineapple).

But not everyone has Teavana teas lying around, and they aren’t always the most budget-friendly option. That’s why this recipe gives you easy swaps so you can get the same great taste with whatever tea brands you have at home.

Another bonus? No waiting in line. No wondering if your barista will get your order right. No $5 price tag. Just a quick, homemade version that tastes just as good—if not better.

The Secret to the Best Homemade Medicine Ball Tea

The key to making this drink at home is getting the proportions just right. Too much lemonade, and it’s overpowering. Too little honey, and you lose that throat-soothing effect. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tea Selection Matters: You’ll need a green tea with mint and an herbal peach tea. If you can’t find the exact flavors, don’t stress—any minty green tea and a fruity herbal tea will work.
• Lemonade, Not Just Lemon Juice: Using actual lemonade instead of just lemon juice adds a subtle sweetness and mellows out the acidity.
• Honey Is Non-Negotiable: This isn’t the time for sugar or sweeteners—honey gives the tea a depth of flavor and that signature soothing quality.
• A Touch of Peppermint: This isn’t in Starbucks’ recipe, but trust me, a tiny bit of peppermint extract makes this tea even better.

Simple Swaps to Make It Your Own

One of the best parts about making this tea at home is that you can tweak it based on your mood or what you have in the kitchen. Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Tea: If you can’t find a minty green tea, just add a fresh mint leaf or a tiny drop of peppermint extract to regular green tea.
• Sweetness: Adjust the honey to your liking, or swap it out for agave syrup if that’s more your style.
• Caffeine-Free Option: Want to enjoy this in the evening? Use a decaf green tea, or skip the green tea entirely and double up on peach herbal tea.

Tips for Making the Perfect Starbucks Copycat Medicine Ball Tea

• Don’t boil the lemonade. Heating it too much can change the flavor and make it taste weirdly cooked. Just warm it up enough to blend nicely with the tea.
• Let the tea steep fully. Give it at least 5 minutes to make sure you get all those delicious flavors.
• Squeeze the tea bags. You don’t want to waste any of that concentrated goodness hiding in the leaves.

The Recipe: How to Make Your Own Medicine Ball Tea

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) lemonade
• 1 bag of citrus mint tea (or any minty green tea)
• 1 bag of peach herbal tea
• 1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)
• 1 drop peppermint extract (optional but highly recommended)
• Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the water and lemonade in a small pot over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat, add both tea bags, cover, and steep for 5 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags, squeezing out the excess liquid.
4. Stir in the honey and peppermint extract.
5. Pour into a mug, garnish with a lemon slice if desired, and enjoy!

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Beyond just being a delicious drink, this homemade Medicine Ball Tea is one of those recipes that makes life a little easier. It’s an easy, affordable way to make something special for yourself or for a loved one who’s feeling under the weather. And there’s just something satisfying about knowing you can make a spot-on copycat of a Starbucks favorite in your own kitchen.

So the next time you’re craving that soothing, sweet-tart, minty warmth, skip the drive-thru and make this instead. Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you.