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Medicine Ball Tea Recipe: The Starbucks "Sick Day" Copycat

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Originally a "Secret Menu" item created by customers to fight colds, the "Medicine Ball" became so popular that Starbucks officially added it to the menu as Honey Citrus Mint Tea.

The magic lies in the specific combination: soothing warm lemonade for Vitamin C, honey for the throat, mint to clear sinuses, and peach for comfort. Making it at home saves you £5 a cup and lets you control the sweetness.

A mug of steaming yellow tea with lemon slices and mint leaves.
Prep Time2 mins
Total Time7 mins
Servings1 Mug
BenefitSoothing

Ingredients

The "50/50" Base
  • 3/4 cup Water
  • 3/4 cup Lemonade (Store-bought or homemade)

The Tea Blend (Crucial)
  • 1 bag Jade Citrus Mint (or any Spearmint Green Tea)
  • 1 bag Peach Tranquility (or any Peach Herbal Tea)

The Soothers
  • 1 tbsp Honey (Manuka is best for sore throats)
  • Optional: Fresh Lemon Slice or Mint Sprig
Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 130
Fat: 0g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 0g

Instructions

1
Steam the Lemonade: This is the secret. Pour the lemonade into a saucepan and heat until steaming (or microwave for 60 seconds). Do not let it boil vigorously or the citrus flavor can turn bitter.
2
Boil the Water: In a kettle, boil your water separately.
3
Combine: Place BOTH tea bags (the green mint and the herbal peach) into your favorite large mug. Pour in the hot water (fill halfway) and then the hot lemonade (fill the rest).
4
Sweeten & Steep: Stir in the honey immediately so it dissolves. Let the bags steep for 3-5 minutes. Squeeze the bags gently before removing to get the strongest flavor.

Expert Tip: The Peppermint Boost

If your nose is completely blocked, add 1 drop of food-grade Peppermint Oil (or a crushed peppermint candy) to the mug. The menthol vapor combined with the steam works as a natural decongestant.

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