DIY Starbucks Medicine Ball: A Natural Remedy for Colds and Flu

Sniffles got you down? The Starbucks Medicine Ball, a secret menu legend, is calling your name! This blog unveils its brewing secrets and shares a DIY recipe to conquer chills from the comfort of your kitchen. Think warm, citrusy tea infused with mint and peach, a touch of honey, and a cozy hug in a mug. ☕️

Isabella Ramirez

12/29/20234 min read

If you are feeling under the weather or just need a warm and comforting drink, you might want to try the Medicine Ball from Starbucks. This is a secret recipe that combines two of their teas with steamed lemonade and honey. It is a delicious and soothing drink that can help you with sore throats, stuffy noses, and other cold-like symptoms.

What is in a Medicine Ball Starbucks?

A Medicine Ball is made up of two different kinds of teas, steamed lemonade, and honey. These are the ingredients:

  • Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea: This tea has green tea, lemongrass, and lemon verbena with hints of spearmint and peppermint. It has a refreshing and calming flavor that can help reduce inflammation in the throat.

  • Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea: This tea combines apple pieces and peach flavor with rooibos and honeybush teas. It has a sweet and fruity flavor that can help you relax and feel cozy.

  • Steamed Lemonade: This adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to the drink, as well as some vitamin C that can boost your immunity.

  • Honey: This adds some sweetness and soothing effect to the drink, as well as some antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Why Do They Call a Medicine Ball Starbucks a Medicine Ball?

The term "medicine ball" refers to a weighted ball that is used for various exercises and physical therapy. The origin of the name is not clear, but some possible explanations are:

  • The ball was originally used by ancient Greek physicians as a form of medicine for their patients, who would toss it back and forth to improve their health and strength.

  • The ball was named after Robert J. Roberts, a physical education instructor at the Boston Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in the late 19th century, who was nicknamed "Medicine Ball" for his innovative training methods.

  • The ball was associated with the practice of "medicinal gymnastics", a system of exercises developed by Swedish physician Pehr Henrik Ling in the early 19th century, which aimed to prevent and cure diseases through physical movement.

  • The ball was simply called "medicine" because it was considered beneficial for the body and mind, similar to how herbal remedies or tonics were called "medicine" in the past.

How to Order a Medicine Ball Starbucks

The Medicine Ball is not on the official Starbucks menu, but most baristas know it by name. You can also ask for a Honey Citrus Mint Tea, which is the same thing. If your barista doesn't know what it is, you can list out the ingredients or show them this recipe:

  • 1 bag of Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea

  • 1 bag of Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea

  • Half hot water

  • Half steamed lemonade

  • 1 or 2 packets of honey

You can also customize your drink by adding more or less honey, lemonade, or water, depending on your preference. Some people also like to add a shot of peppermint syrup for more minty flavor.

How Much Sugar is in a Starbucks Medicine Ball?

According to the Starbucks nutrition information, a large, 16-ounce Starbucks Medicine Ball contains 130 calories. Furthermore, it has 32 grams of carbohydrates, 30 grams of sugar, and 32 grams of fiber.

That means that this drink has almost as much sugar as a can of soda, which has 39 grams of sugar per 12 ounces. The main sources of sugar in the Medicine Ball are the steamed lemonade and the honey, which are both added for flavor and sweetness. While these ingredients may have some health benefits, such as vitamin C and antioxidants, they also add a lot of calories and sugar to your drink. If you are concerned about your sugar intake, you might want to consider ordering a smaller size, asking for less lemonade or honey, or skipping this drink altogether. Alternatively, you can make your own version of the Medicine Ball at home with lower-sugar ingredients, such as fresh lemon juice, unsweetened tea, and a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

How to Make a Medicine Ball Starbucks at Home

If you don't want to go to Starbucks or want to save some money, you can also make a Medicine Ball at home. You will need:

Here are the steps:

  1. Boil some water in a kettle or heat it up in a microwave.

  2. Steep one bag of each tea in a mug with half hot water for about 3 minutes.

  3. Heat up some lemonade in a microwave or on a stove until it's hot but not boiling.

  4. Add half steamed lemonade to the mug with the tea bags.

  5. Stir in some honey to taste.

  6. Enjoy your homemade Medicine Ball!

Does Starbucks Medicine Ball Have Caffeine?

The Medicine Ball does have some caffeine, but not much. According to Starbucks nutrition data, a 16 ounce Medicine Ball has 16-25 mg of caffeine . The caffeine comes from the Jade Citrus Mint green tea bag, which is one of the two teas used in the drink. The other tea is Peach Tranquility herbal tea, which is caffeine-free .

Why You Should Try a Medicine Ball Starbucks

The Medicine Ball is not only a tasty and comforting drink, but also a natural remedy that can help you feel better when you have a cold or flu. Here are some of the benefits of drinking it:

  • It can soothe your throat and ease your cough by reducing inflammation and irritation.

  • It can clear your nasal passages and help you breathe easier by loosening mucus and opening up your sinuses.

  • It can boost your immune system and fight off infections by providing vitamin C, antioxidants, and antibacterial agents.

  • It can relax your mind and body by promoting calmness and coziness.

Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea Tips

  • You can customize the drink to your liking. For example, you can ask for more or less honey, lemonade, or mint. You can also choose a different type of tea, such as green tea or chamomile tea, instead of the default Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility teas.

  • You can also try other variations of the Medicine Ball Tea, such as adding ginger, turmeric, or cinnamon for extra flavor and health benefits. You can also use different types of lemonade, such as raspberry or strawberry lemonade, for a fruity twist.

The next time you are feeling sick or just need a warm hug in a mug, try ordering or making a Medicine Ball from Starbucks. It might just be the perfect drink for you!