Medicine Ball Starbucks: Ingredients, Benefits, and How to Order

Dubbed the “secret weapon” during cold and flu season by many Starbucks customers, the Medicine Ball has evolved from a customer-created drink hack to a staple on the Starbucks menu, officially called the Honey Citrus Mint Tea. Its rise to popularity caught the attention of both tea enthusiasts and those seeking a soothing remedy for scratchy throats and winter sniffles. What started as a homespun concoction shared on social media is now a mainstream choice for those craving comfort in a cup.

This in-depth exploration looks at what’s in the Medicine Ball Starbucks drink, its potential benefits, and how you can order it—with expert insights and practical tips to navigate this viral beverage phenomena.

What Is the Medicine Ball at Starbucks?

Born from consumer creativity, the Medicine Ball was first made popular on social platforms like Instagram and Reddit. Customers began ordering a custom combination of teas with steamed lemonade and honey, reporting that it helped soothe cold symptoms. Starbucks noticed the buzz and, recognizing its widespread appeal, added the drink to its official menu lineup as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea.

Starbucks describes the drink as a blend that’s “comforting, indulgent, and full of soothing flavors.” It quickly became one of the company’s most-requested remedies for times when customers are feeling under the weather, leading to a surge in sales during colder months.

Ingredients Breakdown: What’s Actually in a Medicine Ball?

The Starbucks Medicine Ball consists of a unique mix of teas, lemonade, and honey, resulting in a hot, slightly sweet, and fragrant beverage.

Core Ingredients

• Jade Citrus Mint Tea: A green tea blend infused with mint and lemongrass, providing a fresh and herbal base.
• Peach Tranquility Tea: An herbal infusion featuring peach, chamomile, and citrus notes, offering a floral and fruity dimension.
• Steamed Lemonade: Instead of traditional hot water, the teas are steeped in warm lemonade, adding vitamin C and tartness.
• Honey: A spoonful is added for sweetness and to help soothe the throat.

Together, these components create a bright, aromatic drink with well-balanced flavors. For those who prefer customization, the Medicine Ball can be made with extra honey, less lemonade, or even a splash of peppermint syrup for more cooling notes.

Nutritional Snapshot

While exact nutritional content varies by customization, a standard 16-ounce (Grande) size contains about 130 calories, mostly from honey and lemonade. The caffeine level is relatively low—significantly less than a standard coffee or even most black teas—suiting those seeking a gentler boost.

Health and Wellness Benefits: Soothing or Simply Satisfying?

The Medicine Ball’s reputation as a “remedy in a cup” is rooted in both its ingredients and the context in which it’s often consumed. Many fans turn to it for comfort during bouts of illness, sore throats, or chilly weather.

Ingredient-Focused Health Benefits

1. Green and Herbal Teas
2. Jade Citrus Mint provides antioxidants from green tea, which have been associated with immune system support in several studies.

3. Peach Tranquility’s chamomile content is often used to promote relaxation.

4. Honey

5. Used across cultures as a natural soothing agent, honey has some research supporting its role in suppressing coughing and easing sore throats, although its effect is moderate compared to clinical treatments.

6. Lemonade

7. Lemons supply vitamin C, though the concentration in this beverage may be less than a typical supplement. Still, the steam and citrus jointly offer temporary comfort from congestion or dryness.

8. Steam and Warmth

9. Like many hot drinks, the temperature and steam can momentarily relieve sinus pressure or throat discomfort.

“While the Medicine Ball isn’t a cure-all, its warm ingredients can provide genuine comfort and temporary relief, especially for those with mild cold symptoms,” says Dr. Melissa Santos, a registered dietitian. “It’s a modern update to the classic hot lemon and honey tea, cleverly tailored for the Starbucks menu.”

Limitations

It’s important to remember that, while comforting, the Medicine Ball is not a medical treatment. The drink’s popularity often surges during flu season, but for persistent or severe symptoms, professional medical advice is essential.

How to Order a Medicine Ball at Starbucks

Since it was added to the menu, ordering the Medicine Ball is now straightforward, whether you’re in-store, using the Starbucks app, or going through the drive-thru.

Ordering In-Store or at the Counter

Ask for the “Honey Citrus Mint Tea.” This ensures you receive the classic Medicine Ball combination. If the barista seems unfamiliar, specify:

• “A blend of Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility tea bags”
• “Steamed lemonade instead of water”
• “A pump of honey”

Ordering Via the Starbucks App

Navigate to the “Hot Teas” section and select Honey Citrus Mint Tea. The app typically allows for further customization, such as:

• Adjust honey quantity
• Substitute or reduce lemonade
• Add a splash of peppermint syrup for extra flavor

DIY Medicine Ball: Make It at Home

For those who want to recreate the Medicine Ball, the process is simple if you can source the right teas. Steep one bag each of Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility (or similar green and herbal teas) in half hot water, half steamed lemonade. Add honey to taste.

The Medicine Ball’s Place in Starbucks’ Beverage Lineup

The Medicine Ball stands out among Starbucks offerings as an example of user-driven menu innovation. As trends in wellness and immune support beverages continue to grow, Starbucks has shown a willingness to adapt—reflecting broader shifts in consumer preferences across the fast beverage industry.

Other big brands have taken note, introducing immunity-boosting options or functional teas. Starbucks’ success with the Medicine Ball is a testament to the power of social media in influencing menu decisions and the market’s appetite for functional, “better-for-you” drinks.

Conclusion: Comfort in a Cup That Resonates

The viral success of the Medicine Ball Starbucks drink reflects more than just a clever recipe; it represents a blend of customer creativity, taste, and the enduring appeal of comfort beverages. While it’s not a substitute for proper medical treatment, its warming ingredients and ease of access continue to make it a go-to option during cold seasons or whenever a soothing boost is needed. For those curious to try, it offers a flavorful, caffeine-light alternative to coffee and traditional teas—easily ordered, endlessly customizable, and deeply satisfying.

FAQs

What is the Starbucks Medicine Ball?

The Medicine Ball is a soothing hot tea drink made from a mix of green and herbal teas, steamed lemonade, and honey, officially named “Honey Citrus Mint Tea” on the Starbucks menu.

Is the Medicine Ball good for colds?

While not a medical cure, the Medicine Ball’s warm liquid, honey, and citrus can offer temporary relief for sore throats or mild cold symptoms due to their soothing and hydrating qualities.

How much caffeine is in a Medicine Ball Starbucks drink?

A Grande Medicine Ball contains a modest caffeine dose, typically less than most coffees or black teas, since it uses green tea and herbal tea blends.

Can you customize the Medicine Ball?

Yes, you can request adjustments such as extra honey, more or less lemonade, or even add peppermint syrup for a cooling effect.

Is the Medicine Ball available year-round?

Since its addition to the official menu as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, the Medicine Ball is available at most Starbucks locations throughout the year, though some ingredients may occasionally run low during peak cold and flu season.

How do you make a Medicine Ball at home?

You can recreate the Medicine Ball by steeping minty green and fruity herbal teas in a blend of hot water and steamed lemonade, then adding honey to taste for sweetness and soothing benefits.