The Honey Citrus Mint Tea, famously known as the Starbucks Medicine Ball, is a cozy blend of mint, citrus, and honey.
Loved for its soothing qualities, it’s a go-to drink during cold seasons or when you need a little comfort.
What started as a secret menu item quickly gained popularity and earned a spot on Starbucks’ official menu.
Now, you can recreate this comforting tea at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Here’s how!
How To Make Honey Citrus Mint Tea: At A Glance
- Heat equal parts water and lemonade until just boiling.
- Steep mint green tea and peach herbal tea bags for 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey until dissolved.
- Serve hot, garnished with lemon or mint if desired.
What is Honey Citrus Mint Tea?
Honey Citrus Mint Tea is a warm, soothing drink made with a mix of mint green tea, peach herbal tea, steamed lemonade, and honey.
The mint tea brings a refreshing and calming flavor, while the peach tea adds a subtle fruity sweetness.
Steamed lemonade gives the drink a tangy citrus kick and a boost of vitamin C, and honey serves as a natural sweetener with comforting properties.
This combination creates a perfectly balanced beverage that’s both flavorful and comforting.
It’s especially popular during cold seasons, offering hydration and relief when you’re feeling under the weather.
Its warm, aromatic blend makes it a favorite choice for those seeking a comforting, immune-boosting drink.
Ingredients Overview
Teas Used
The base of Honey Citrus Mint Tea is a blend of two distinct teas.
Mint green tea provides a refreshing, minty flavor and contains a small amount of caffeine for a gentle energy boost.
It’s known for its calming properties and adds a cooling sensation to the drink.
Peach herbal tea complements the mint with its sweet and fruity notes.
This tea is caffeine-free, making it an excellent addition for a balanced and soothing cup.
Together, these teas create a flavorful foundation that’s both invigorating and comforting.
Lemonade
Steamed lemonade is a key ingredient that adds a tangy citrus flavor to the tea.
Its bright and tart taste balances the sweetness of the honey and enhances the fruity notes from the peach tea.
Lemonade is also a good source of vitamin C, which can help support your immune system.
Whether you use store-bought lemonade or freshly squeezed lemon juice, this ingredient is essential for the tea’s signature citrusy profile.
Honey
Honey acts as the natural sweetener in this drink, bringing a rich, smooth sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
It’s not just for taste—honey is known for its potential antibacterial and soothing properties, making it particularly beneficial during cold or flu season.
Honey also adds a velvety texture, ensuring the tea feels just as comforting as it tastes.
Health Benefits
Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, especially when you’re feeling unwell.
Honey Citrus Mint Tea combines water and lemonade to provide a hydrating base that’s both refreshing and flavorful.
Proper hydration helps your body function efficiently and supports recovery when you’re fighting a cold or flu.
This drink’s warm, liquid composition also makes it easier to consume when you might not feel like drinking plain water.
Soothing Qualities
The warmth of Honey Citrus Mint Tea is one of its most comforting features.
A hot beverage can help soothe a sore throat, ease nasal congestion, and provide a sense of relief during illness.
The mint in the tea enhances this effect by offering a cooling sensation that can help calm irritated throats and promote easier breathing.
Combined with honey’s natural ability to coat and soothe, this drink becomes an effective remedy for mild cold symptoms.
Nutritional Benefits
Honey Citrus Mint Tea also delivers valuable nutrients that support your immune system.
As we touched on earlier, the lemonade provides vitamin C, a key nutrient known for its role in immune health and combating colds.
Green tea contributes antioxidants, which help protect your body from free radicals and support overall wellness.
Homemade Honey Citrus Mint Tea Recipe
Making Honey Citrus Mint Tea at home is simple and quick, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort.
Follow this step-by-step recipe to enjoy a comforting cup of this soothing tea anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup lemonade
- 1 mint green tea bag
- 1 peach herbal tea bag
- 1-2 teaspoons honey (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Liquids
Combine the water and lemonade in a small saucepan or kettle.
Heat until the mixture is just boiling.
Step 2: Steep the Teas
Place the mint green tea bag and peach herbal tea bag in a large mug.
Pour the hot water and lemonade mixture over the tea bags, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Let steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your flavor preference.
Step 3: Sweeten the Tea
Remove the tea bags and stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey until fully dissolved.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Step 4: Optional Garnish
For added flair and flavor, garnish your tea with a slice of fresh lemon or a sprig of mint.
Customization Options
Sweetness Level
The sweetness of your Honey Citrus Mint Tea is easy to adjust based on your preference.
If you enjoy a more subtle sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or leave it out entirely.
For a sweeter version, add more honey or experiment with alternative sweeteners like agave syrup or stevia.
Caffeine Content
If you prefer a caffeine-free drink, opt for decaffeinated green tea or replace the mint green tea with an extra peach herbal tea bag.
This adjustment makes the tea suitable for children, evening consumption, or anyone avoiding caffeine.
Flavor Variations
For a mintier twist, consider adding a splash of peppermint extract to enhance the refreshing flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter and more citrus-forward drink, you can use entirely lemonade instead of mixing it with water.
This intensifies the tart and tangy profile, making it a more vibrant option.
Making It Healthier
Reduce Sugar
To make Honey Citrus Mint Tea a healthier option, consider replacing pre-made lemonade with a mixture of fresh lemon juice and water.
Pre-made lemonade often contains added sugars, which can increase the drink’s calorie content.
Fresh lemon juice provides the same tangy flavor but gives you full control over sweetness.
Choose Quality Honey
Using high-quality honey can enhance the health benefits of your tea.
Opt for raw or Manuka honey, which retains more of its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties.
These types of honey not only add sweetness but may also support immune health and provide additional soothing effects.
Serving Suggestions
Hot Version
A hot Honey Citrus Mint Tea is the classic way to enjoy this drink, especially when you’re feeling under the weather or on a chilly day.
The warm liquid can help ease a sore throat and provide relief from congestion.
It’s also perfect for cozying up with a blanket and unwinding after a long day.
Serve it immediately after preparing, and consider adding a garnish of lemon or mint for a comforting, aromatic touch.
Iced Version
For a refreshing twist, you can easily turn Honey Citrus Mint Tea into an iced beverage.
Follow the recipe as directed, but allow the tea to cool to room temperature before serving.
Fill a glass with ice and pour the cooled tea over it.
This version is perfect for warm weather or as a hydrating drink throughout the day.
Garnish with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover Honey Citrus Mint Tea, it’s easy to store and reheat for later use.
Pour any remaining tea into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
This keeps the flavors fresh and ensures it’s safe to consume.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the tea gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Avoid overheating, as excessive heat can diminish the beneficial properties of honey, such as its enzymes and antioxidants.
For an extra fresh taste, consider adding a new garnish of lemon or mint before serving.
Conclusion
Honey Citrus Mint Tea is a comforting and versatile drink that’s easy to customize to your taste.
Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, it’s a soothing option for any time of year.
With simple ingredients and a quick preparation process, making it at home is both convenient and rewarding.
Try this recipe today to enjoy its calming flavors and health benefits!
FAQs
Is Honey Citrus Mint Tea the same as Starbucks’ Medicine Ball?
Yes, it’s the same drink.
Often called the “Cold Buster,” this popular beverage blends mint, citrus, and honey for a comforting tea that Starbucks officially named Honey Citrus Mint Tea.
Can I use different teas?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other mint or fruit-infused teas to suit your taste.
For example, chamomile or berry teas can provide unique flavor variations while keeping the drink soothing and enjoyable.
Is this tea suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a great choice for kids when made with caffeine-free teas and a moderate amount of honey.
It’s a warm and comforting option, especially during cold seasons.
