Secret ‘Medicine Ball’ Tea Added to Starbucks Menu: Here’s the Recipe

A secret Starbucks menu item became such a hit with cold sufferers that the company has made it part of the official beverage lineup!

The drink goes by the name Medicine Ball on social media because it can apparently help relieve cold symptoms.

Starbucks Adds Cold-Busting Drink to Its Menu

A Starbucks spokesperson told Clark.com in an email that the coffee chain noticed the beverage was gaining popularity in October 2016, particularly on Instagram.

There were so many requests for the tea-based drink that it earned a permanent spot on the menu in 2017.

Although people on social media refer to the beverage as the Medicine Ball or Cold Buster, you can order a Honey Citrus Mint Tea and your barista will know what you mean.

Here’s the Recommended Recipe:

• 1 Venti cup with half hot water and half steamed lemonade
• 1 bag of Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Tea
• 1 bag of Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea
• Packet of honey
• Pump of peppermint (optional)

UPDATE: Starbucks has a new drink that’s inspired by the Medicine Ball. It’s called Citrus Defender and the Vitamin C-packed beverage is a combination of the Teavana Defense Wellness Tea, steamed lemonade, hot water and honey.

As of May 2021, the Citrus Defender and Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea) are both available at Starbucks.

A Venti beverage at Starbucks can set you back about $4 to $5, but the price may be worth it if you’re not feeling well — and now you have the recipe to make it at home.

Team Clark made a DIY version of the Medicine Ball using less expensive tea. Find our recipe here.