Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea

WHAT MAKES THE MEDICINE BALL UNIQUE?

To completely decode the Medicine Ball from Starbucks means figuring out how to make steamed lemonade. Sounds pretty fancy right?

Actually, steamed lemonade is simply lemonade that has been heated up. So feel free to use a good quality pre-made lemonade. Heat it up as you would water for the tea. Put the tea bags into the hot lemonade. 

You are pretty close to figuring out the secret. Add some honey and voila! You just created a copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball at a fraction of the price.

HOW TO MAKE A STARBUCKS MEDICINE BALL AT HOME

Begin by combining water and lemonade and heating it, either on the stovetop or in the microwave, until it’s hot.

Next, steep the tea bags in the hot lemonade tea mixture for 2-3 minutes. Remove tea bags.

Finally, pour into a mug, and add in honey and peppermint extract. Stir to combine. Enjoy the warmth.

VARIATIONS ON THE COPYCAT STARBUCKS MEDICINE BALL

You can ask for an optional pump of peppermint syrup as well. I think that sounds great, but maybe you don’t want the added sugar. That is why I added peppermint extract as an optional ingredient to this recipe to give it that mint flavor without the sugar. Fresh mint leaves would also be nice in this hot drink.

DO YOU HAVE OTHER RECIPES FOR COLD AND FLU SEASON?

Chances are you want a medicine ball tea because the flu has come to town like an unwanted house guest. You know the type. Shows up at the worst time and stays too long. 

So now you don’t have to risk giving everyone else your cold by running out for a Medicine Ball at Starbucks. And wouldn’t you rather just stay home in bed getting better anyway?

Instructions

1. Combine water and lemonade and heat until hot, either on the stovetop or in the microwave.

2. Steep tea bags in the hot lemonade tea mixture for 2-3 minutes. Remove tea bags.

3. Pour into a mug, add in honey and peppermint extract. Stir to combine.

4. Enjoy the warmth.

Notes

• I used Simply Light Lemonade, it has fewer calories, and I like the pulp it has, too.

• Add more or less honey to taste. I felt the lemonade already made it sweet.

• I like the addition of the peppermint extract. It works to decongest. Leave it out if you don't like that extra bit of mint.

• Makes one 12-ounce serving.

• TO MAKE WITHOUT TEAVANA TEA: Follow the same instructions but in place of the Teavana Tea in the recipe use one of each of these teabags; Bigalow Mint Medley, Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion, and Celestial Seasonings Vitamin C Shine. I still add the peppermint extract to mine, but it's optional.