Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball

The Starbucks Medicine Ball is my go-to whenever I am sick, and this homemade version is even better! This warm drink with lemonade, honey, and tea is soothing and delicious, perfect for cold and flu season!

Overhead shot of copycat Starbucks medicine ball tea in a mug.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Better than Starbucks: I did a blind taste test with the Starbucks Medicine Ball and our recipe, and everyone wanted this one!
  • Soothing and comforting: Perfect for cold or flu season with warm, calming flavors. If you’re suffering from a cold, you’ll want to try my classic chicken noodle soup, too!
  • Budget-friendly: Save some money! Making this at home is much more affordable than getting it at the drive-thru!

What’s in a Medicine Ball?

With this copycat Starbucks medicine ball recipe, you can make this warm drink in under 10 minutes! It will help boost your immune system and get you better in no time! Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

  • Lemonade: Adds a bright, tart flavor and provides a dose of Vitamin C.
  • Honey: Provides a natural sweetness and hint of honey flavor. Honey is also good for soothing sore throats and alleviating coughs.
  • Peppermint Tea: This tea has a refreshing taste and is great for clearing out your sinuses.
  • Peach Tea: Gives the drink a delicious fruity taste.
  • Lemon Slices: An extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice will add freshness and a boost of Vitamin C.
Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.

Recipe Instructions

This homemade medicine ball tastes almost just like the one from Starbucks. Theirs has a bit more herbal flavor from chamomile, while mine is slightly fruitier with peach. Here’s how to make this cozy drink in a few easy steps!

  1. Heat the Lemonade: Add the lemonade to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat for about 4 minutes.
  2. Add Honey: Add the honey to a mug. 
  3. Combine: Add the steaming lemonade to the mug and stir to dissolve the honey. 
  4. Steep the Tea Bags: Add the tea bags and steep according to the directions on the tea boxes or until the tea is as strong as you prefer. I steeped mine for about 4 minutes. Add fresh lemon slices, if desired.
Overhead shot of lemonade in a pot on the stovetop.
Overhead shot of someone putting honey in the bottom of a mug.
Overhead shot of someone pouring the hot lemonade into the mug with the honey.
Angle shot of the tea bags in the hot lemonade and honey mixture.

Medicine Ball Tips and Variations

At my house, this is a flu-season staple! Whenever I feel any cold symptoms coming on, I bust this out. Here are a few helpful tips to make your homemade copycat Starbucks medicine ball tea just the way you like it!

  • Use the Microwave: If you don’t want to get a pot dirty, use the microwave. Heat your individual serving in the microwave for 1-1 ½ minutes or until steaming.
  • Use High-Quality Lemonade: I recommend using the best quality lemonade for the best, most accurate flavor.
  • Alternative to Lemonade: Instead of lemonade, you can opt for water and ¼-⅓ cup of fresh lemon juice. This will be a good option for those looking for less sugar.
  • Use Peppermint Tea: Stick with peppermint tea. Mint tea usually has a blend of peppermint, spearmint, and wintergreen. Peppermint by itself will be the most accurate in flavor.
Angle shot of the copycat Starbucks medicine ball tea in a mug.

Make it Fresh!

This copycat Starbucks medicine ball tea doesn’t store well, so I suggest making this tea and enjoying it fresh! Plus, this is a single-serving recipe, so you don’t have to worry about making a lot and not using up all of the tea!

Close up shot of a mug of copycat Starbucks medicine ball in a mug.

More Copycat Starbucks Recipes to Try!

Print

Starbucks Medicine Ball

Whenever I am sick, the Starbucks Medicine Ball is my go-to, and this homemade version is even better! Perfect for cold and flu season, this warm drink made of lemonade, honey, and tea is soothing and delicious!
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Keyword Honey Citrus Mint Tea, Medicine Ball, Starbucks Copycat, Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea, Starbucks Medicine Ball, Starbucks medicine ball recipe
Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 215kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces lemonade
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 tea bag peppermint tea
  • 1 tea bag peach tea
  • fresh lemon slices, for garnish, if desired

Instructions

  • Add the lemonade to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, for about 4 minutes.
  • Add the honey to a mug.
  • Add the steaming lemonade to the mug and stir to dissolve the honey.
  • Add the tea bags and steep according to the directions on the tea boxes, or until it is as strong as you prefer. I steeped mine for about 4 minutes. Add fresh lemon slices, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 0.04g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg


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