Recipe: Starbucks-Style Medicine Ball Tea

The Polar Vortex may have loosened its grip, but with cold and flu season still upon us, a warming elixir is my drink of choice for at least the next few months. My favorite healing mug of tea is inspired by Starbucks’ Medicine Ball Tea — a customer favorite made with steamed lemonade, brewed peach and citrus mint teas, and honey. The fact that I can make it at home means I can sip it from the comfort of my couch instead of the drive-thru.

I have to think the beverage czars at Starbucks HQ are paying attention to the unofficial Starbucks secret menus, because the company has been known to add popular customer requests to their regular menu. That’s the origin of this Honey Citrus Mint Tea, also known as “The Medicine Ball” or “The Coldbuster.”

To make it at home, you’ll heat water and lemonade until steaming (but not boiling) and use it to brew both citrusy mint and peach tea bags. Sweeten the drink with a squeeze of local honey and you’re all set. In the store, you can opt to add a pump of peppermint syrup, but at home a drop of pure peppermint extract is plenty. This comforting dose of tea is just what you need to soothe you through the final weeks of winter.

• How To Make Starbucks-Style Sweet Cream at Home
• How To Make Starbucks-Style Cold Brew Coffee at Home
• Better-than-Starbucks Pumpkin Bread