Key Takeaways:
- The Medicine Ball is a popular Starbucks nickname for the Honey Citrus Mint Tea—a comforting drink made with two teas, steamed lemonade, and honey.
- Many people order it when they feel under the weather because it’s warm, soothing, and easy to sip—but it’s not medicine.
- It typically includes Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea and Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea, plus steamed lemonade and honey.
- It may feel helpful for a sore throat or congestion because of warmth, honey, and citrus—think comfort and hydration, not a cure.
- You can order it by saying “Medicine Ball,” but the most consistent way is to ask for a Honey Citrus Mint Tea and customize from there.
If you’re asking what is a medicine ball from starbucks, it’s the popular nickname for Starbucks’ Honey Citrus Mint Tea—a warm drink made with two teas, steamed lemonade, and honey.
People order it when they want something soothing for a scratchy throat, but it’s not medicine.
Menu name cheat sheet (so you order the right thing fast):
| What people say | What to look for on the menu/app | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| “Medicine Ball” | Honey Citrus Mint Tea | Same drink (nickname vs menu name) |
| “Honey Citrus Mint Tea” | Honey Citrus Mint Tea | Official/menu wording |
| “Cold Buster” | Honey Citrus Mint Tea (or barista interpretation) | A common nickname; may vary by store |
If you’ve been Googling “what is a medicine ball from starbucks” because your throat feels scratchy, you want something warm (but not coffee), and you don’t want to gamble on a random “sick-day drink,” you’re in the right place.
For urban coffee enthusiasts—who value quality, convenience, and ethical sourcing—this unique beverage offers a comforting alternative when you need a boost.
If you’re overwhelmed by conflicting brewing advice yet crave a soothing, barista-level experience at home, read on to discover how this secret Starbucks recipe can be your new go-to drink.
Coffeenatics can have varying reasons for buying their caffeinated drinks at Starbucks. For one, what’s a more satisfying and convenient way to grab a cup of coffee than to pop in your local Starbucks?
Not only do they make some of the best cups of brewed coffee around, but they also have a large selection of specialty drinks that cater to different tastes.
If you’re looking for something more tantalizing than your everyday coffee, Starbucks gives a variety of syrups and milks to personalize your drink! From flavored syrups to sugar-free options, you can ensure that every cup of coffee is unique and tailored to your preferences.
But if you’re looking for something more indulgent but are feeling under the weather, why not go for a Medicine Ball? If you’re new to this Starbucks drink and don’t know where to start, then you’re at the right place.
Quick “order it like this” script (so you don’t overthink it):
- “Hi! Can I get a Honey Citrus Mint Tea (that’s the Medicine Ball) in a grande?”
- “Can you do half honey?” (optional—less sweet)
- “And light lemonade if possible?” (optional—less tart)
1. What is a Medicine Ball from Starbucks?
This is a Starbucks recipe (often ordered by nickname) that combines two of their teas with steamed lemonade.
If you’re asking what is a medicine ball from starbucks, the simplest answer is: it’s the drink Starbucks calls the Honey Citrus Mint Tea in many stores and in the app. It is made up of two different kinds of teas, steamed lemonade, and honey.
These ingredients make for a unique and comforting hot drink believed to help with sore throats, stuffy noses, and other cold-like symptoms.
Other names of the Medicine Ball Are Honey Citrus Mint Tea and Cold Buster. It got its name because when you drink it, it’s like you’re taking a warm and comforting medicinal ball.
The tea combo for this drink is Teavana’s Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea and Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea. Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea has green tea, lemongrass, and lemon verbena with hints of spearmint and peppermint. The Peach Tranquility Tea combines apple pieces and peach flavor with rooibos and honeybush teas.
These teas are combined with steamed lemonade and then finished with a sprinkle of honey. This combination gives this drink its unique flavor and is believed to have health benefits that make it a great immune booster.
Practical note (what it tastes like): expect a sweet-tart citrus base (from lemonade), mellow peach notes, and a minty finish. If you don’t like tart drinks, ask for light lemonade or extra hot water.
Also, don’t drink it piping hot—let it cool a bit first. This guide (with a quick calculator) can help you find a comfortable serving range: The Ideal Coffee Temperature: Evidence-Based Guide with Calculator.
Is the Medicine Ball Actually “Medicine”?
Despite the name, what is a medicine ball from starbucks does not refer to a medicinal product. It is a comfort beverage, not a medical treatment.
Disclaimer: The Medicine Ball does not cure colds or illnesses. While some ingredients may support comfort and hydration, it should not replace professional medical care (Harvard Health Publishing, 2023).
This clarification helps set realistic expectations and supports trustworthy, evidence-based content—something modern readers and search engines both value.
When to see a doctor (quick safety note):
This drink can feel comforting, but don’t rely on it if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, high fever that won’t go down, severe dehydration, or symptoms that worsen or don’t improve after a few days. If you’re unsure, check in with a licensed professional.
A quick reality check (without ruining the vibe): if you feel awful, the best “upgrade” is still rest, fluids, and proper care. The Medicine Ball can be a cozy add-on—not the plan.
2. What Are the Benefits of Drinking the Medicine Ball?
The combination of the two teas and steamed lemonade makes for a delicious, refreshing, and comforting drink.
But it’s not just its flavor that has made it so popular with Starbucks patrons. It’s also believed to be a natural remedy that can help with sore throats, stuffy noses, and other cold-like symptoms.
Lemongrass and lemon verbena are associated with anti-inflammatory properties, while peppermint and spearmint can create a cooling, calming sensation in the throat (McKay & Blumberg, 2006).
Honey has long been studied for its soothing effects on cough and throat irritation (Oduwole et al., 2018).
The two-tea combo can help in reducing inflammation in the throat. Lemongrass and lemon verbena are both known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Spearmint and peppermint can help calm the throat, while honey can help in soothing an irritated throat.
Steamed lemonade adds a modest amount of vitamin C, which plays a role in immune function and overall wellness (Carr & Maggini, 2017).
While some people report feeling better after drinking it, these benefits relate to comfort and hydration, not medical treatment—so if you’re here because you searched what is a medicine ball from starbucks hoping for a cure, think “soothing sip” instead.
Expert Insight: Baristas often describe this drink as one of the most commonly ordered “feel-better” teas because it’s warm, sweet, and easy to customize—especially the honey and lemonade levels.
Example customizations people actually use (and why):
- Less sweet: half honey (or 1 honey packet instead of the default).
- Less tart: light lemonade, extra hot water.
- More minty: ask if they can add an extra Jade Citrus Mint bag (store-dependent).
If honey is the main reason you’re ordering this drink, you’ll like Honey in Coffee: 7 Surprising Benefits of Adding Honey In Your Coffee—it breaks down what honey can (and can’t) do in warm drinks.
3. The Medicine Ball: Nutrition Facts
Did you know that what is a medicine ball from starbucks is often chosen instead of coffee because it feels gentler—especially when you’re not in the mood for espresso? It’s a comforting tea-based drink, but it can still contain caffeine (because one of the teas is green tea).
Here’s a look at the nutrition facts for Starbucks’ Medicine Ball (Starbucks, 2026):
| short (8 fl oz) | tall (12 fl oz) | grande (16 fl oz) | venti (20 fl oz) | |
| calories | 70 | 90 | 130 | 150 |
| sugar (g) | 15 | 20 | 30 | 35 |
| fat (g) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Reader-friendly takeaway: most of the sweetness comes from the lemonade + honey. If you want the comfort without the sugar hit, your best move is half honey and light lemonade.
4. How to Order a Medicine Ball
Though this drink may not always appear under the nickname, you can still order it easily. If you’re thinking what is a medicine ball from starbucks and you want the simplest ordering route, ask for a Honey Citrus Mint Tea.
Ask your barista for a Medicine Ball. If they don’t know what that is, you can also order a “Honey Citrus Mint Tea” or a “Cold Buster.”
If you are ordering in the Starbucks app or online, here’s a simple step.
- Choose Hot Tea
- Under Green Tea, pick “Honey Citrus Mint Tea” and your size.
App ordering tip (so you don’t get stuck): once you find Honey Citrus Mint Tea, check the customization screen for honey/lemonade adjustments. App options can vary by location, so if you don’t see a tweak you want, order in-store and ask politely.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of the Starbucks Medicine Ball may vary depending on the cup and your location. Here’s a sample of the cost:
Short (8 fl. oz.): $3.35
Tall (12 fl. oz.): $3.45
Grande (16 fl. oz.): $3.95
Venti (20 oz): $4.45
Cost note: if you heavily customize (extra tea bags, add-ons), some stores may charge a small upcharge.
5. Recreating Starbucks’ Medicine Ball At Home
There are many reasons to recreate the Starbucks Medicine Ball experience. For one, if you are not a sweet tea fan, you can make your own version at home.
All you need are two Teavana tea bags (Jade Citrus Mint Tea and Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea), honey, and steamed lemonade.
Simply steep the two tea bags in two cups of hot water to make the drink. Discard the tea bags and combine the two teas in a cup. Stir 1-2 teaspoons of honey and fill the cup with steamed lemonade. Stir and enjoy!
For those who love to experiment, try adjusting the honey amount or adding a twist of lemon to suit your taste. Experimentation can lead to a version that perfectly matches your personal palate.
If you’re recreating it because you searched what is a medicine ball from starbucks and thought, “I want that comfort—but cheaper and exactly the way I like it,” start with less honey than you think you need. You can always add more, but you can’t un-sweeten a cup.
If you’re sick, it would be best to stay at home. However, if you are craving a comforting drink loaded with health benefits, then the Starbucks Medicine Ball is definitely worth a try!
Home version shortcut (busy-day friendly): use a mint green tea + a peach herbal tea you already like, then warm lemonade on the stove (don’t boil—just heat). Add honey last so you can control sweetness.
You don’t need fancy tea bags to improve the at-home version—start with better water. This breakdown of minerals and taste is helpful for any hot drink: Best Water for Coffee Minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is the Medicine Ball suitable for those sensitive to caffeine?
It can contain caffeine because it includes green tea. If you’re very caffeine-sensitive, ask your barista about options or consider ordering only an herbal tea base (availability varies).
-
How does the Medicine Ball compare to traditional coffee drinks?
It offers a comforting, soothing alternative with added health benefits through its unique blend of ingredients.
-
What is the official name if I don’t want to say “Medicine Ball”?
If you want the most consistent order, ask for a Honey Citrus Mint Tea. This avoids confusion when the nickname isn’t recognized.
-
Is a medicine ball from Starbucks the same as Honey Citrus Mint Tea?
Yes—“Medicine Ball” is a common nickname people use for Honey Citrus Mint Tea, though store terminology can vary.
Final Words: What is a medicine ball from Starbucks?
- Includes 12 (12 fl oz) cans of Starbucks Iced Energy Sparkling Energy Drink, Blueberry Lemonade flavor
- Starbucks Blueberry Lemonade Iced Energy: Juicy flavors of blueberry and the taste of lemonade. It’s refreshing everyday energy
- Starbucks Iced Energy Sparkling Energy Drink contains Zero Sugar and 5 calories per can
- Hydrate & energize with a feel-good boost: Made with 160mg plant-based caffeine to help support mental clarity (>75mg caffeine helps support mental clarity)
- Refresh then recycle: Please recycle this can
- Pack of twelve 12 ounce aluminum cans
- Starbucks Refreshers sparkling juice blends, distinct and lightly bubbly fruit flavors that will lift you up when you’re on the go
- Made with a blend of feel good ingredients like real fruit juice, cool coconut water, B vitamins, and caffeine from green coffee extract
- Strawberry Lemonade flavor with sweet strawberry, tangy lemon and refreshing coconut water
- Contains 25% fruit juice. Zero trans fat
If you came here searching “what is a medicine ball from starbucks,” now you know exactly what it is and how to order it.
The Medicine Ball is a caffeine-free drink that combines two tea types, steamed lemonade, and honey. This natural remedy can help with colds and other illnesses by reducing inflammation, soothing an irritated throat, and supplying the body with Vitamin C. It can also help in regulating blood sugar and in reducing stress.
With this drink, you can enjoy health benefits without sacrificing taste. So, if you’re feeling unwell, why give this drink a try?
References:
Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Honey, lemon, and tea for colds. Harvard Medical School.
McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006). The role of tea in human health. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 25(1), 1–13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11838881/
Oduwole, O., et al. (2018). Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29633783/
Starbucks. (2025). Honey Citrus Mint Tea nutrition information.
