If you’re a fan of cozy, soothing drinks that brighten your day with every sip, then this Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea Recipe) Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This delightful beverage perfectly balances sweet honey, zesty citrus, and refreshing mint, making it a delicious remedy for when you need a little pick-me-up. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something comforting and vibrant, this drink delivers all the warmth and flavor without the caffeine overload. It’s incredibly simple to make at home, which means you don’t have to wait in line to enjoy this iconic cup of comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea Recipe) Recipe comes down to a handful of staple ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, from the bright citrus notes to the sweet honey and soothing mint.
- 4 ounces water: The base for steeping your teas, ensuring the flavors infuse just right without being overpowering.
- 1 bag Peach Herbal Tea: Adds a subtle fruitiness and natural sweetness that sets the tone for the drink.
- 1 bag Citrus Mint Green Tea: Brings in the fresh mint and citrus notes for that refreshing zing.
- 2 teaspoons honey: Acts as a natural sweetener that smooths out the blend and adds a touch of floral depth.
- 1 cup lemonade: Introduces a tart and tangy element that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 lemon slice (optional): A pretty garnish that enhances the citrus aroma and gives your drink an inviting look.
How to Make Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Tea Bags
Begin by heating 4 ounces of water until it’s just boiling, then steep both the Peach Herbal Tea and the Citrus Mint Green Tea bags together for about 5 minutes. This step is vital to extract the full range of flavors from each tea, creating a balanced and aromatic base for the drink.
Step 2: Sweeten with Honey
Once your tea has brewed, remove the bags and immediately stir in 2 teaspoons of honey. Honey dissolves best in warm liquids, so mixing it now ensures the sweetness is evenly distributed throughout your brew, adding a soothing, gentle richness.
Step 3: Add Warmed Lemonade
Next, gently warm 1 cup of lemonade—steaming it gently on the stove or in the microwave works perfectly. Pour this warm lemonade into your tea mixture for that perfect balance of tang and sweetness. Finish with a slice of lemon for a touch of fresh citrus aroma, and you’re ready to enjoy your homemade remedy tea!
How to Serve Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a lemon slice not only looks charming but brings a subtle extra boost of citrus scent with every sip. You can also sprinkle a few fresh mint leaves on top to amplify the refreshing aroma and add a pop of green that makes your drink feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This tea pairs wonderfully with light snacks that complement its bright flavor. Try serving with buttery shortbread cookies, a fresh fruit bowl, or even simple almond biscotti. These mild accompaniments won’t overpower the delicate flavors of your tea but will enhance the overall cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra touch of flair, serve your Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea Recipe) Recipe in a clear glass mug to showcase the beautiful golden hues. A cinnamon stick stirred in can add a gentle spice twist, or you could float edible flowers on top for a fancy occasion. Presentation lends itself perfectly to making this drink feel like a special moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to make more than one serving, you can store the leftover tea in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent the honey’s flavor from fermenting.
Freezing
While technically possible, freezing the Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea Recipe) Recipe isn’t recommended as the lemonade and honey may separate, altering the taste and texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated briefly.
Reheating
To reheat, pour your chilled tea into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat. Avoid boiling because it can degrade the delicate teas and honey flavor. A gentle warm-up will revive the flavors without any bitterness or loss of that soothing honeyed sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tea instead of Peach Herbal and Citrus Mint Green Tea?
Absolutely! While these teas create the signature flavor of this Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea Recipe) Recipe, you can experiment with other fruity or minty blends to suit your taste.
Is this recipe good for sipping while sick?
Yes, it’s actually inspired by a popular “medicine ball” drink that many people reach for when feeling under the weather because of its soothing honey, citrus, and mint components that can help calm the throat and clear sinuses.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Just substitute honey with a plant-based sweetener like agave nectar or maple syrup, which still add sweetness without compromising the cozy vibe.
How long do I steep the teas for the best flavor?
Steeping for around 5 minutes allows the flavors to fully develop without becoming bitter. Adjust slightly if you prefer a stronger or lighter taste, but avoid oversteeping the green tea.
Can I serve this iced?
Yes, make the tea and lemonade as directed, then chill and serve over ice for a refreshing cold twist that still highlights the wonderful interplay of honey, citrus, and mint flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about wrapping your hands around a warm cup of Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea Recipe) Recipe. It’s easy to make, bursting with bright and soothing flavors, and wonderfully adaptable for any time you need a little sunshine in your drink. So go ahead, brew yourself a cup, relax, and savor every delicious sip of this delightful homemade treasure.
Print
Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Copycat Medicine Ball Tea Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea, also known as the Medicine Ball Tea, is a soothing and refreshing beverage combining peach herbal tea, citrus mint green tea, honey, and lemonade. It’s perfect for a comforting drink that balances sweet, citrus, and minty flavors, ideal for chilly days or when you need a gentle pick-me-up.
Ingredients
Tea Base
- 4 ounces water
- 1 bag Peach Herbal Tea
- 1 bag Citrus Mint Green Tea
Sweetener and Citrus
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 cup lemonade
- 1 lemon slice (optional)
Instructions
- Steep the Teas: Heat 4 ounces of water until hot but not boiling, then steep the peach herbal tea bag and the citrus mint green tea bag together for 5 minutes to extract the vibrant flavors.
- Add Honey: Remove the tea bags and stir in 2 teaspoons of honey until fully dissolved, adding a natural sweet touch to the tea blend.
- Combine with Lemonade: Warm up 1 cup of lemonade by steaming it or heating gently on the stovetop. Pour the heated lemonade into the honey-sweetened tea mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, add a lemon slice for a fresh citrus aroma and serve immediately while warm for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of honey to taste depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- For a cold version, allow the tea to cool and then add chilled lemonade and ice cubes instead of warming the lemonade.
- The lemon slice is optional but enhances the citrus notes and makes for a pretty garnish.
- This recipe serves one, but it can be easily scaled up for multiple servings.
