Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe (Without Teavana)

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You’re a little rundown. Your throat feels scratchy. You don’t want coffee, you don’t want water, you just want something warm, comforting, and mildly healing-coded.

You walk into Starbucks, order a Medicine Ball, cradle the cup like it’s emotional support, and suddenly things feel… manageable again.

Until you realize:

• It’s $4–$5 a cup
• Teavana teas are discontinued
• And you want this feeling at home, in pajamas, without speaking to anyone

Good news: you can make the exact same cozy drink at home, without Teavana, and honestly? Once you get the ratios right, it’s just as good—if not better.

What Is the Starbucks Medicine Ball (Really)?

Despite the name, the Medicine Ball is not medicinal—it’s just tea that feels like medicine.

Starbucks’ official name for it is Honey Citrus Mint Tea, and the flavor works because it hits four comforting notes at once:

• Warmth
• Gentle sweetness
• Light citrus brightness
• Cooling mint

It’s the balance that makes it addictive. Nothing is overpowering, yet nothing is missing.

Why Making It Without Teavana Actually Makes Sense

Teavana used to be Starbucks’ tea brand, but:

• Many Teavana teas are discontinued
• Some are impossible to find in stores
• Online resellers mark them up like collectibles

And here’s the secret most people don’t realize:

There is nothing unique about Teavana that can’t be replicated with normal grocery store tea.
Starbucks isn’t using magic tea leaves—they’re layering flavors.

Once you understand that, the homemade version becomes stupidly easy.

Understanding the Flavor Profile (This Is the Key)

Before we jump into ingredients, let’s talk why this drink works.

The perfect Medicine Ball has:

• Mint that’s cooling, not sharp
• Peach that’s soft and round, not candy-sweet
• Lemon that’s bright but subtle
• Honey that smooths everything out

If you’ve ever made a version that tasted “off,” it usually means:

• Too much mint → toothpaste territory
• Too much lemon → hot lemonade
• Too much honey → flat and overly sweet

The goal is balance, not intensity.

The Best Teavana Substitutes (Tried & Reliable)

Mint Tea Options

You want refreshing, not aggressive.

Good choices:

• Bigelow Mint Medley
• Tazo Refresh Mint
• Twinings Peppermint
• Any mild spearmint or peppermint blend

Avoid anything labeled “extra strong” or “cool blast”—those overpower everything.

Peach Tea Options

This is where the comfort comes from.

Best picks:

• Celestial Seasonings Peach Herbal
• Twinings Peach Tea
• Lipton Peach Herbal
• Any caffeine-free peach blend with minimal added flavors

Pro tip: Herbal peach teas taste closest to Starbucks.

Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe (Without Teavana)

Ingredients

• 1 mint tea bag
• 1 peach tea bag
• 12–14 oz hot water
• 1–2 teaspoons honey (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Optional but nice:

• Lemon slice for garnish
• Ginger slice for extra soothing vibes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat your water until it’s very hot, but not violently boiling
   Boiling water can make herbal teas bitter.
2. Place both tea bags in a large mug
   A bigger mug matters—you want space for flavor balance.
3. Pour hot water over the teas
   Fully submerge them.
4. Steep for 3–5 minutes
   • Less time = lighter flavor
   • More time = deeper, cozier brew
5. Remove tea bags
   Don’t squeeze them—it releases bitterness.
6. Add honey and lemon
   Stir well so the honey dissolves fully.
7. Sip slowly
   This is not a “chug” beverage. This is a feel-better ritual.

The Ratios That Make It Taste Like Starbucks

This is where most copycat recipes go wrong.

Use:

• Slightly more peach than mint
• Less lemon than you think
• Honey added gradually

If your tea tastes:

• Too minty: Add hot water or more peach tea
• Too sour: Add honey
• Too sweet: Add hot water or a squeeze of lemon

Starbucks flavors are subtle—that’s why people love this drink.

Customizations You’ll Actually Use

Low-Sugar Version

• Use ½–1 teaspoon honey
• Or substitute a splash of apple juice

Caffeine-Free Nighttime Version

• Use fully herbal peach and mint teas
• Perfect before bed or when sick

Extra-Soothing Version

• Add fresh ginger slices while steeping
• Optional pinch of turmeric
• Cozy, gentle heat without spice

Iced Medicine Ball (Underrated)

• Brew with less water
• Let cool
• Pour over ice with lemon slices
• So refreshing when your throat is irritated but it’s warm outside

Does the Medicine Ball Actually Help With a Cold?

Let’s be realistic.

This drink:

• Won’t cure an illness
• Won’t replace actual medicine

But it does:

• Soothe throat irritation
• Keep you hydrated
• Feel comforting when you’re run-down
• Encourage rest (which actually helps recovery)

Sometimes feeling better is half the battle.

Calories & Nutrition (Why Homemade Is Better)

Starbucks version:

• ~130 calories
• Mostly from honey

Homemade version:

• 40–70 calories depending on honey
• Fully adjustable
• No added syrups or concentrates

Same comfort, more control.

FAQs About Starbucks Medicine Ball (Without Teavana)

What is the Starbucks Medicine Ball?

The Starbucks Medicine Ball is a popular hot tea drink made with a mint tea, a peach tea, honey, and lemon. Its official name at Starbucks is Honey Citrus Mint Tea, and it’s known for being warm, soothing, and comforting—especially when you’re feeling under the weather.

What is the Medicine Ball really called at Starbucks?

The Medicine Ball is officially called the Honey Citrus Mint Tea on the Starbucks menu. “Medicine Ball” is a customer nickname that became popular because the drink feels soothing, even though it does not contain any actual medicine.

Can you make a Starbucks Medicine Ball without Teavana?

Yes, you can easily make a Starbucks Medicine Ball without Teavana teas. The drink only requires a mint tea and a peach tea, both of which can be substituted with common grocery store brands like Twinings, Bigelow, or Celestial Seasonings.

What teas can replace Teavana Jade Citrus Mint?

Teavana Jade Citrus Mint can be replaced with mild mint teas such as Bigelow Mint Medley, Tazo Refresh Mint, Twinings Peppermint, or any gentle spearmint or peppermint tea that isn’t overly strong.

What can I use instead of Teavana Peach Tranquility?

Teavana Peach Tranquility can be substituted with herbal peach teas like Celestial Seasonings Peach Herbal Tea, Twinings Peach Tea, or Lipton Peach Herbal. Herbal peach teas closely match the soft, calming flavor used in the Starbucks version.

What ingredients are in a Medicine Ball?

A homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball without Teavana includes mint tea, peach tea, hot water, honey, and lemon juice. Optional additions like ginger can be added for extra warmth and soothing flavor.

Does the Medicine Ball actually help with colds?

The Medicine Ball does not cure colds or illness, but it can help soothe symptoms. Warm tea, honey, and lemon can ease throat irritation and help you stay hydrated, which may make you feel more comfortable while recovering.

Is the Starbucks Medicine Ball caffeine-free?

The Medicine Ball can be caffeine-free depending on the teas used. If you choose herbal peach and mint teas, the drink contains no caffeine, making it suitable for evenings or when you’re sick.

How many calories are in a homemade Medicine Ball?

A homemade Medicine Ball typically contains between 40 and 70 calories, depending on how much honey is used. This is significantly fewer calories than the Starbucks version, which averages about 130 calories.

Can I make the Medicine Ball taste exactly like Starbucks?

You can get very close to the Starbucks flavor by using mild mint and peach teas, keeping lemon subtle, and sweetening gradually with honey. Avoid over-steeping the mint tea to prevent an overpowering flavor.

Can I drink a Medicine Ball every day?

Yes, you can drink a Medicine Ball daily, especially if you use herbal teas. Since it contains simple ingredients like tea, honey, and lemon, it’s a gentle beverage when enjoyed in moderation.

Is the Medicine Ball the same as Honey Citrus Mint Tea?

Yes, the Medicine Ball and Honey Citrus Mint Tea are the same drink. “Medicine Ball” is the informal name, while Honey Citrus Mint Tea is the official Starbucks menu name.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa, Slow Living Enthusiast

Hi, I’m Lisa. I write about slow living, nervous system care, and creating calm, intentional routines for everyday life. After spending 10 years living in Europe, I learned firsthand the art of savoring moments, embracing simplicity, and letting life unfold at a more human pace. My mission is to help you soften the edges of modern life and create space for a more intentional way of living.