Learn how to make a Medicine Ball Tea at home. That way you can make your own cold buster tea anytime you’re feeling under the weather!
Ahhhh… cold season! It’s enough to strike fear into the hearts of moms and working people everywhere! It starts out with a little tickle in your throat, or maybe a stuffy nose. Before you know it, you’re sniffling, sneezing, coughing, and feeling achy and shaky all over. In my house, we call it the “Yuck.”
When I get hit with the yuck, I tend to steer away from coffee and gravitate toward a comforting hot tea drink that just tastes so good when you’re feeling under the weather. The Medicine Ball was originally on the secret menu at Starbucks, but it became so popular they put it on the regular menu. It’s called “Honey Citrus Mint Tea” now.
Although the Starbuck version of this cold buster is really tasty, it’s full of sugar. And, they use pre-squeezed and pre-sweetened lemonade instead of real lemon juice. And those little honey packets they give you… they’re not even pure honey! That’s not what you need when you’re under the weather! Oh, and did I mention it will cost you $4 a pop?
When I’m sick, I sip on this stuff all day, so I want it to be good for me and affordable, thank you very much! And let’s face it, when I’m sick, the last thing I want to do is get dressed and drive over to Starbucks.
Here’s my DIY recipe for a healthier, more affordable, Cold Buster Starbucks Tea (aka Medicine Ball Tea) you can make at home and take on the go. I think it tastes even better than the Starbucks version!
What’s in My Medicine Ball Tea | Homemade Cold Buster Starbucks Tea Ingredients
I like to keep the cold buster ingredients for Medicine Ball Tea on hand so I’m ready when the yuck inevitably strikes. The Starbucks cold buster version calls for Teavana Peach Tranquility and Jade Citrus Mint tea bags, which you can order from Amazon right here.
(Read about the health benefits of green tea here.)
Instead of bottled lemonade, I go for freshly squeezed lemon juice. I keep fresh lemons on hand for cooking anyway, but in a pinch, you could get by with bottled lemon juice. Steer clear of store-bought, pre-made lemonade that’s full of sugar! I also use pure organic honey because it is so good for you when you’re sick and it never goes bad, so it’s easy to keep on hand.
 The Wayfarer All-Purpose Beverage Insulated Glass Flask 15 oz / 450 ml – $27.95 |
Taking Your Homemade Medicine Ball Cold Buster Tea on the Go
Unfortunately, life must go on even when you’re sick. If I have to be out and about when I have a cold, I take my Medicine Ball Starbucks Cold Buster Tea with me in an insulated beverage flask. The one I have also includes an infuser, so I make my tea right in the flask before I head out the door.
I love this particular flask because it has a removable sleeve that keeps the tea hot, it’s BPA-free, double-walled, and it has a gorgeous rose gold finish. I use it for everything from water at the gym to coffee and tea on the go. It holds 15-ounces, so it’s the perfect size for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you’ll want to find a similar-sized travel mug if you want to take your cold buster on the go.
Ingredients for Medicine Ball Tea
- 1 Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea Bag
- 1 Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea Bag
- 2 cups of filtered water
- 1 tablespoon pure organic honey
- Fresh squeezed or bottled lemon juice to taste (I use about 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.)
How to Make a Medicine Ball Tea at Home Just Like Starbucks:
To make your own Starbucks Cold Buster tea at home, heat the water on the stove or in the microwave until boiling. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 30 seconds before adding your tea. Add the tea bags and allow the tea to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the honey and lemon juice.
Enjoy your homemade Starbucks cold buster copycat tea throughout the day and feel better soon!
Conclusion
I have to admit, I often leave the tea right in my drink and allow it to continue to steep while I’m sipping, but it does get pretty strong, so use your discretion. This homemade Starbucks cold buster is super comforting when I’m sick, and it really does make me feel better. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
