Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe: A Soothing, Healing Drink to Warm Your Soul
Table of Contents
Summary:
The Starbucks Medicine Ball, also known as the “Cold Buster,” is a comforting, soothing drink that combines the best of hot tea with honey, lemonade, and a splash of warmth. This homemade version of the popular Starbucks drink will provide the same relaxing comfort, perfect for those feeling under the weather or anyone who simply craves a cozy, feel-good beverage. This recipe is packed with immune-boosting ingredients, designed to calm the throat, ease congestion, and provide a gentle relief with every sip. Whether you’re battling a cold or just need a warm drink to unwind, the Starbucks Medicine Ball is a go-to option that delivers on both taste and therapeutic benefits.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories per Serving: 150 (approximately)
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Equipment Needed:
- Kettle or pot to heat water
- Tea bags (Jasmine Green Tea and Peach Tranquility)
- Honey (preferably raw or organic)
- Lemon (freshly squeezed)
- Measuring spoons
- Mug or cup
- Stirrer
Ingredients: for Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe
- 1 bag Jasmine Green Tea (or a green tea of your preference)
- 1 bag Peach Tranquility Tea (a soothing, caffeine-free herbal tea)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup hot lemonade (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: additional honey or lemon for extra sweetness or tartness
- Optional: fresh mint or lemon slices for garnish
Instructions: for Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before starting the preparation, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Having everything within reach will ensure the process is quick and efficient. Squeeze the juice from one fresh lemon, measure the honey, and prepare the two tea bags (Jasmine Green Tea and Peach Tranquility).
Step 2: Heat Water and Lemonade
Start by heating 1 cup of water and 1 cup of lemonade in a kettle or a small pot on the stove. The key is to heat these ingredients to the point where they are hot but not boiling. You want to ensure the temperature is just right to infuse the tea properly and avoid scalding your throat. Once heated, remove the pot or kettle from the heat.
Step 3: Steep the Teas
Place both the Jasmine Green Tea bag and the Peach Tranquility Tea bag into your mug. Pour the hot water and hot lemonade mixture over the tea bags. Let them steep for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The Jasmine Green Tea will provide a fresh, earthy base, while the Peach Tranquility adds a light, fruity, and calming flavor. Together, these two teas make a soothing combination perfect for relieving a sore throat.
Step 4: Add Honey and Lemon Juice
Once the tea has steeped to your satisfaction, remove the tea bags from the cup. Add the tablespoon of honey to the warm tea mixture. Honey not only adds sweetness but also brings soothing properties that help coat the throat, making it especially beneficial if you’re feeling under the weather. Next, add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon adds a burst of freshness, while its vitamin C content provides a natural immune boost.
Step 5: Stir and Adjust Flavor
Stir the tea gently to ensure that the honey dissolves completely. Taste your StarbucksMedicine Ball and adjust the flavor according to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. If you prefer it more tangy, squeeze in a bit more lemon juice. You can also add a dash of fresh lemon zest for an additional burst of citrus flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish your Medicine Ball with a sprig of fresh mint or a lemon slice. The mint adds a refreshing note that complements the soothing properties of the drink, while the lemon slice provides a nice visual touch and a subtle flavor boost.
Step 7: Sip and Enjoy
Your homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball is now ready to enjoy! Sip slowly and let the warmth of the tea soothe your throat while the comforting blend of ingredients works its magic. This drink is perfect for any time you need a little pick-me-up or a cozy companion on a chilly day.
Notes:
- Tea Bag Substitutions: If you can’t find Peach Tranquility or Jasmine Green Tea, you can substitute them with similar teas. A mild green tea or a chamomile tea can work as an alternative to the Jasmine Green Tea. As for Peach Tranquility, any caffeine-free herbal tea with a fruity or floral flavor (such as hibiscus or peppermint) will complement the lemonade well.
- Lemonade Choices: You can use store-bought lemonade for convenience, but fresh homemade lemonade will elevate the drink’s flavor. To make homemade lemonade, simply combine fresh lemon juice with water and a little sugar or honey to taste.
- Honey Variations: While raw honey is preferred for its natural properties, you can also use other types of honey such as manuka honey or clover honey. Honey not only sweetens the drink but also helps soothe sore throats and offers mild antimicrobial benefits.
- Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer a non-honey sweetener, maple syrup or agave syrup can be substituted. Adjust the quantity to taste, as different sweeteners have varying levels of sweetness.
- Optional Add-ins: For an extra therapeutic boost, add a pinch of ground ginger or a splash of apple cider vinegar. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while apple cider vinegar may help with digestion and immune support.
- Serving Size Adjustments: This recipe makes one serving, but it can easily be doubled or multiplied to serve more people. Simply scale the ingredients accordingly and serve in a larger pot or pitcher for easy serving.
Conclusion:
The Starbucks Medicine Ball recipe offers more than just a warm drink; it provides comfort, relief, and healing properties that are perfect for any time you’re feeling under the weather. With its balanced mix of tea, honey, lemon, and lemonade, this beverage is both soothing and rejuvenating, a true self-care drink in a mug. Making your own Medicine Ball at home not only saves you a trip to Starbucks but allows you to enjoy a healthier, customizable version of this popular drink.
Whether you’re fighting off a cold, relaxing on a quiet afternoon, or simply enjoying a moment of calm, the Medicine Ball is your go-to drink for comfort and warmth. For more beverage inspiration or to explore other homemade versions of your favorite Starbucks drinks, be sure to check out more of our easy-to-follow recipes.
Outlink: Discover more soothing drinks for wellness
Starbucks Medicine Ball Recipe: A Soothing, Healing Drink to Warm Your Soul
Equipment
- Kettle or pot to heat water
- Tea bags (Jasmine Green Tea and Peach Tranquility)
- Honey (preferably raw or organic)
- Lemon (freshly squeezed)
- Measuring spoons
- Mug or cup
- Stirrer
Ingredients
- 1 bag Jasmine Green Tea or a green tea of your preference
- 1 bag Peach Tranquility Tea a soothing, caffeine-free herbal tea
- 1 tablespoon honey or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup hot lemonade store-bought or homemade
- Optional: additional honey or lemon for extra sweetness or tartness
- Optional: fresh mint or lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Before starting the preparation, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Having everything within reach will ensure the process is quick and efficient. Squeeze the juice from one fresh lemon, measure the honey, and prepare the two tea bags (Jasmine Green Tea and Peach Tranquility).
- Step 2: Heat Water and Lemonade
- Start by heating 1 cup of water and 1 cup of lemonade in a kettle or a small pot on the stove. The key is to heat these ingredients to the point where they are hot but not boiling. You want to ensure the temperature is just right to infuse the tea properly and avoid scalding your throat. Once heated, remove the pot or kettle from the heat.
- Step 3: Steep the Teas
- Place both the Jasmine Green Tea bag and the Peach Tranquility Tea bag into your mug. Pour the hot water and hot lemonade mixture over the tea bags. Let them steep for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The Jasmine Green Tea will provide a fresh, earthy base, while the Peach Tranquility adds a light, fruity, and calming flavor. Together, these two teas make a soothing combination perfect for relieving a sore throat.
- Step 4: Add Honey and Lemon Juice
- Once the tea has steeped to your satisfaction, remove the tea bags from the cup. Add the tablespoon of honey to the warm tea mixture. Honey not only adds sweetness but also brings soothing properties that help coat the throat, making it especially beneficial if you’re feeling under the weather. Next, add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon adds a burst of freshness, while its vitamin C content provides a natural immune boost.
- Step 5: Stir and Adjust Flavor
- Stir the tea gently to ensure that the honey dissolves completely. Taste your Medicine Ball and adjust the flavor according to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. If you prefer it more tangy, squeeze in a bit more lemon juice. You can also add a dash of fresh lemon zest for an additional burst of citrus flavor.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish your Medicine Ball with a sprig of fresh mint or a lemon slice. The mint adds a refreshing note that complements the soothing properties of the drink, while the lemon slice provides a nice visual touch and a subtle flavor boost.
- Step 7: Sip and Enjoy
- Your homemade Starbucks Medicine Ball is now ready to enjoy! Sip slowly and let the warmth of the tea soothe your throat while the comforting blend of ingredients works its magic. This drink is perfect for any time you need a little pick-me-up or a cozy companion on a chilly day.
