Homemade Medicine Ball Tea (Honey Citrus Mint Tea)

ByAmy
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This homemade Medicine Ball Tea—also known as Honey Citrus Mint Tea—is a cozy, soothing drink you can easily make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Made famous as a Starbucks drink, once they took it off the menu, I scrambled to find a copy cat. What I found was a lot of recipes that got it close, but none that got it QUITE right. After lots of tinkering and experimenting, I landed on this recipe. It has the same staples as what I’ve found on other recipes, but adds in cinnamon, which gives it a bit more of that warming, cozy flavor and tones down a bit of the bright citrus. It’s warm, lightly sweet, and perfect for chilly days, scratchy throats, or anytime you want a comforting mug of tea that makes you feel better instantly.

What Is Medicine Ball Tea?

Medicine Ball Tea became popular as a Starbucks drink made with a blend of green tea, herbal tea, steamed lemonade, and honey. While it’s not actual medicine, it’s loved for its calming citrus flavor and soothing warmth. I remember traveling pretty extensively for a work project one winter and also battling a nasty sinus infection/reoccurring cold that came with being in an airport every 3 days. When I stumbled upon a Starbucks in the Boston airport that was able to make this tea, I thought I died and went to heaven. The way it provides just a bit of instant relief is magical.

This at home version uses:

  • Tazo Zen Green Tea
  • A peach herbal tea
  • Lemonade
  • Honey
  • Cinnamon

It tastes just like the coffee shop version – maybe even better.

How to Make Medicine Ball Tea at Home

Ingredients

Step By Step Instructions

1. Heat the Liquids

Heat the water and lemonade until hot but not boiling. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave.

2. Steep the Tea

Place both tea bags in a large mug. Pour the hot water and lemonade over the tea bags.

3. Let It Steep

Allow the tea to steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.

4. Sweeten with Honey

Remove the tea bags and stir in honey and cinnamon to taste.

5. Serve Warm

Sip and enjoy while warm for the best flavor and comfort.

Tips for the Best Flavor

  • Use equal parts water and lemonade for that signature citrus balance.
  • Adjust the honey based on how sweet your lemonade already is.
  • Don’t boil the lemonade, as it can turn bitter—gentle heat is best.
  • For a stronger tea flavor, steep closer to 5 minutes.

Variations to Try

  • Extra soothing: Add a slice of fresh lemon or a bit of grated ginger
  • Caffeine free: Use two herbal tea bags instead of green tea or a decaf green tea
  • Iced version: Let the tea cool, then pour over ice for a refreshing twist

When to Enjoy Medicine Ball Tea

  • Cold winter mornings
  • Cozy afternoons at home
  • When you want something warm but not coffee
  • As a calming evening drink
  • At home sick watching Price Is Right

This homemade Medicine Ball Tea is quick, affordable, and perfect for keeping on repeat all season long. It’s the perfect blend of a warm cozy tea and the hot lemon and honey that my Grandma would have me drink any time I had a sore throat (Really it was a rotation of Honey and Lemon and Russian Tea). This is one of those simple recipes that feels special every time you make it—and once you try it at home, you won’t even be THAT bitter that Starbucks doesn’t make Medicine Balls anymore.

Print Recipe

Medicine Ball Tea (Honey Citrus Mint Tea)

This homemade Medicine Ball Tea is a warm, soothing drink made with green tea, peach herbal tea, lemonade, and honey. It’s easy to make at home and perfect for cozy days or when you want something comforting instead of coffee.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Keyword: honey citrus mint tea, medicine ball tea, starbucks tea
Servings: 1 large mug

Ingredients

  • 1 tea bag Tazo Zen Green Tea
  • 1 tea bag peach herbal tea
  • ¾ cup hot water
  • ¾ cup lemonade
  • 1 tablespoon honey to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Heat the water and lemonade until hot but not boiling.
  • Place both tea bags in a large mug.
  • Pour the hot water and lemonade over the tea bags.
  • Steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on desired strength.
  • Remove tea bags and stir in honey and cinnamon to taste.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

For best flavor, use equal parts water and lemonade.
Avoid boiling the lemonade to prevent bitterness.
Adjust honey depending on how sweet your lemonade is.
For a caffeine-free version, use two herbal tea bags instead of green tea or a decaf green tea.

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