Honey Citrus Mint Tea — Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe

Make this soothing honey citrus mint tea at home — the drink formerly known as the “Starbucks medicine ball.” This lower-sugar version from a registered dietitian uses fresh lemon juice, peppermint tea, peach (or fruity) tea, and honey to calm a sore throat.

Many people remember this as the “Starbucks medicine ball.” Once a secret-menu favorite, it now appears on the Starbucks menu as honey citrus mint tea. It’s comforting, fragrant, and easy to make at home.

As a Starbucks fan, I wanted a DIY version you can brew yourself. As a registered dietitian, I also pared back some of the sugar — omitting lemonade — so it’s a bit lighter while still flavorful and satisfying.

This homemade honey citrus mint tea is just as comforting as the cafe version — if not better.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Caffeine-free. Using herbal mint and fruity herbal tea makes this a cozy, caffeine-free option that’s perfect any time of day.

Lower in sugar. Skipping lemonade reduces added sugar while preserving the bright citrus and honey notes.

Soothes sore throats. Honey is a traditional remedy that may help suppress coughs and ease throat irritation, and the warm lemon adds comforting vitamin C and tang.

Fresh and delicious. Mint and citrus pair beautifully with peach or other fruity tea, and honey ties the flavors together into a fragrant, warming beverage.

Ingredients and substitutions

You only need a few ingredients for this copycat honey citrus mint tea.

• Mint tea — any mint or peppermint herbal tea will work. You can use the Teavana Jade Citrus Mint blend if you have it, but any peppermint or mint tea you enjoy is fine.
• Peach (or fruity) tea — use a peach or other fruit-forward herbal tea. A peach-mango or white-peach blend makes a lovely, slightly sweet base.
• Fresh lemon juice — freshly squeezed lemon gives the best bright flavor and vitamin C; bottled lemon juice can be used if needed, though the taste may differ slightly.
• Honey — use honey if you want throat-soothing benefits and natural sweetness. If you prefer, you can substitute another sweetener when not seeking the honey’s soothing properties.
• Fresh mint — optional garnish for color and extra aroma.

How to make honey citrus mint tea at home

This simple recipe takes about five minutes to prepare.

Step 1: Steep the tea.

Put one mint tea bag and one peach (or fruity) tea bag in a mug. Pour boiling water over them, leaving about ¾ inch of space at the top. Steep for 4–5 minutes, then remove and set the tea bags aside.

Step 2: Add lemon juice.

Stir in the juice of one small lemon (about 2 tablespoons) directly into the hot tea.

Step 3: Sweeten and serve.

Add honey to taste (about 1 tablespoon is typical) and stir until dissolved. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint if you like, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Is honey citrus mint tea the same as the Starbucks medicine ball?

Yes. The Starbucks medicine ball was added to the regular menu under the name honey citrus mint tea.

Is honey citrus mint tea good for a cold or sore throat?

It can help soothe symptoms. Lemon adds vitamin C and a refreshing tartness, while honey can ease cough and throat irritation. It’s supportive but not a cure-all.

Does this recipe contain caffeine?

No — as long as you use caffeine-free herbal teas, the drink will be caffeine-free.

Why didn’t you use lemonade?

This version skips lemonade to lower the sugar and to make the recipe easier to prepare at home without extra ingredients. The result is slightly less sweet but still very satisfying.

Is this drink sweet?

Yes, but it’s not overly sweet. Start with 1 teaspoon of honey if you prefer a milder sweetness, then add more to taste.

Can I make a larger batch or an iced version?

Yes. You can scale the recipe up as needed. For iced tea, brew the tea hot first (so the honey dissolves), then chill in the refrigerator before serving over ice.

Craving another refreshing drink recipe?

Try a pineapple banana smoothie for a tropical, nutrient-rich alternative.