Order Medicine Ball: How to Get This Soothing Drink at Starbucks

If youve heard about the cozy, minty Starbucks tea known as the Medicine Ball, you may wonder how to order Medicine Ball easily, especially through the Starbucks app. This popular drink has a loyal fan base thanks to its sweet, refreshing, and soothing flavor. Its considered a perfect comfort beverage for cold days or sore throats. But because its not a permanent menu item, finding and ordering it can sometimes be tricky.

Here, we explain what exactly a Medicine Ball tea is, how to order it both in-store and via the app, and discuss its benefits and tips for customization. Whether you want to try it for the first time or grab your regular cup, this guide gives you all you need to know.

What is Medicine Ball?

What exactly is the Starbucks Medicine Ball?

The Medicine Ball is a warm tea concoction made by Starbucks that has achieved viral fame. Essentially, its a custom blend of two Starbucks teas, Jade Citrus Mint (a green tea with citrus and mint notes) and Peach Tranquility (an herbal tea featuring peach and tropical flavors). This combo is sweetened with honey and finished with steamed lemonade, creating a soothing, citrusy, sweet, and minty drink.

This drink first gained massive popularity thanks to social media users praising its comforting qualities, especially during cold and flu season. Starbucks sometimes calls it the Honey Citrus Mint Tea on its official menu, but Medicine Ball stuck as a popular nickname.

What makes Medicine Ball special compared to other tea drinks?

Unlike traditional tea served plain, the Medicine Ball combines multiple flavors and textures. The blend of herbal and green teas with the bright lemonade adds both sweetness and a refreshing tang. The honey imparts gentle sweetness and throat-soothing properties, making it ideal for calming sore throats.

This unique flavor profile sets the Medicine Ball apartbalancing sweet, minty freshness with fruity citrus notes. Fans also recommend it for its warming and hydrating effects when under the weather. The appeal is both in taste and the beverages comforting nature.

How to Order Medicine Ball

Can you order Medicine Ball directly on the Starbucks app?

Ordering the Medicine Ball through the Starbucks app is not straightforward. The Medicine Ball is not a permanent menu item, so it doesnt appear as a standard option. However, you can create a similar customized beverage using the apps Customize feature. This involves selecting specific teas and adding honey and lemonade manually.

To mimic the Medicine Ball on the app, start by choosing a hot tea option such as Jade Citrus Mint or Peach Tranquility, then customize the order by requesting a half-and-half blend of both teas if the app supports it. Add steamed lemonade and honey through the add-ins or modifiers section. This approach replicates the drinks flavor pretty well.

Keep in mind that some Starbucks locations may not support all customizations available on the app. Its helpful to save the customized drink once created, so you can reorder it easily in the future.

Tips for ordering this drink in-store or drive-thru

Ordering the Medicine Ball in-store or at the drive-thru is often simpler than through the app. Just ask for the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, which Starbucks officially recognizes. Baristas understand if you specify the ingredients: a half-and-half blend of Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility teas, steamed lemonade, and honey.

If you want to sound like a pro, you can say: Can I please get a tall Honey Citrus Mint Tea with half Peach Tranquility and half Jade Citrus Mint, steamed lemonade instead of water, and one or two pumps of honey? You can adjust the sweetness by asking for more or less honey.

Sizes from tall to venti work well, but many fans prefer the grande for a balanced flavor and volume. Adding a slice of lemon for garnish is optional but recommended for extra zest.

Alternatives if you cant find it on the app or in-store

If the Medicine Ball isnt available or you face difficulties ordering, you can try similar drinks. For a refreshing twist, ask for a hot Peach Tranquility tea with steamed lemonade and honey added separately. Or enjoy Jade Citrus Mint tea with honey and a shot of lemonade on the side.

You might also consider other Starbucks teas with similar profiles: the Emperors Cloud and Mist Green Tea or the Peach Green Tea can come close when customized. Saving your preferred custom order in the app makes reordering simple once you finalize your recipe.

For those interested in exploring a wider range of beverages, Cutwater canned cocktails offer refreshing taste profiles with convenient packaging.

Benefits and Considerations

What are the health benefits of the Medicine Ball?

The Medicine Ball is cherished for its soothing effects, especially on scratchy throats or mild colds. The honey acts as a natural throat soother, while the mint in Jade Citrus Mint tea provides a cooling sensation. The citrus from the lemonade and Peach Tranquility adds vitamin C and a refreshing boost.

Many people find that drinking warm fluids like the Medicine Ball helps ease congestion and provides comforting hydration. Its a caffeine-free or low-caffeine option depending on your tea choice, suitable for sensitive individuals or evening consumption.

Are there any downsides or things to watch out for?

Though cozy and tasty, the Medicine Ball contains added sugars from honey and lemonade. Depending on portion sizes and modifications, a grande (16 oz) can have around 2025 grams of sugar, which may be high for some diets.

Those with citrus allergies or sensitivities to mint should avoid or tweak the recipe. Its wise for diabetics or sugar-conscious individuals to request fewer pumps of honey or substitute with a sugar-free sweetener.

How to customize for dietary preferences or restrictions

Many Starbucks locations accommodate dietary needs. To lower sugar, ask for no or reduced honey, or swap honey for a sugar-free syrup. For vegan preferences, confirm the lemonade is made without honey and request it without milk or dairy additives.

Since some teas contain natural caffeine, request decaffeinated options if sensitive to caffeine. Customizations like non-dairy milk or no sweeteners keep the drink lighter and Halal-friendly, provided the teas and ingredients carry proper certification, such as from JAKIM or IFANCA.

Real Experiences: What Fans Say

Customer testimonials and anecdotes

Fans often share stories about their first Medicine Ball experience. Many mention discovering it during cold seasons or as a remedy for a sore throat. I ordered it once on a whim during winter and now its my go-to comfort drink, writes one regular. Others rave about how baristas sometimes offer to help make it when they recognize the order.

Users report that while the app sometimes makes customization tricky, saving the custom order prevents long waits or miscommunication. Some customers even tweak the recipe by adding a shot of matcha or reducing lemonade for a less tart profile.

Expert insights: What baristas recommend

Starbucks employees advise customers to specify each ingredient clearly, especially requesting the half-and-half tea blend and choice of sweetener. Baristas suggest ordering Honey Citrus Mint Tea for quicker service and recommend trying it with steamed lemonade for optimal flavor.

Behind the counter, baristas can adjust steep times or tea bag amounts for a stronger or milder drink. Their insider tip: Ask us to hand-stir the drink well so the honey melts evenly and the flavors blend perfectly.

If you‘re a fan of warm, flavorful beverages, exploring other robust options such as Stout beer inspired recipes or enjoying a mellow cup of herbal tea can expand your tastes.

Certification Table for Halal-Conscious Buyers

Certification	Price Range	Common Formats	Shelf Life	Key Allergens
JAKIM, HMC, IFANCA (Varies by location)	Approx. $3 - $5 per serving	Hot tea, pre-packaged tea bags, custom beverage	Tea bags: up to 24 months unopened	Honey (bee product), citrus (lemon), possible traces of mint

Is Medicine Ball actually Halal what should I check?

Most Starbucks ingredients, including the teas and honey, are Halal-certified or meet general Halal standards. However, certification can vary by country and branch. Look for local Halal certification bodies like JAKIM (Malaysia), HMC (UK), or IFANCA (US) logos. Confirm that additives like honey and lemonade do not contain non-Halal additives. When in doubt, ask the store directly, especially if you require strict Halal compliance.

Why did the Medicine Ball disappear from some Starbucks menus?

The Medicine Ball is a seasonal or off-menu beverage. Starbucks rotates its standard tea offerings based on supply and popularity, so its never been a guaranteed permanent item. This sometimes makes it harder to find in the app or on menus. Customer demand often influences its occasional return.

Can the Medicine Ball be ordered in other countries through Starbucks apps?

Availability varies globally. Some Starbucks apps outside the US may not support the customizations needed to replicate the Medicine Ball. In countries where the featured teas or steamed lemonade arent on the menu, ask local stores about similar drinks. Recipes can be adapted with available ingredients.

Is the Medicine Ball a healthy daily drink?

It provides hydration and some antioxidant benefits from tea, but the added honey and lemonade increase sugar content. For daily consumption, consider limiting sweeteners or selecting lower-sugar options. Its a pleasant treat rather than a health tonic.

How long does it take to prepare?

Baristas typically prepare a Medicine Ball in 35 minutes. Custom tea blends and adding steamed lemonade require a few extra steps compared to standard orders. Ordering ahead on the app or saving your custom drink can speed up service.

Can you order the Medicine Ball through third-party delivery apps?

Yes, but delivery apps reflect the Starbucks menu status in your region. If the Medicine Ball isnt a standard item on the app, you may need to add special instructions or order a custom tea blend separately. Delivery preparation times may be longer due to customizations.

Pro Tips for Ordering Medicine Ball

• Dont skip specifying the half-and-half tea blend. Some baristas default to only one tea if you dont clarify.
• Ask for steamed lemonade. This hot lemonade is key to the drinks warmth and balance.
• Adjust honey to taste. One to two pumps is standard, but you can reduce it for less sweetness or allergies.
• Save your custom order on the app. It prevents errors and saves time on repeat visits.
• Check local Halal certifications. Verify teas and additives comply if thats important to you.

More You Might Like

If you enjoy exploring unique beverages, check out our detailed guide on Cutwater canned cocktailsperfect for easy, flavorful drinks at home.

For a rich and hearty alcoholic option, our article on Stout beer covers the best brands and Halal-certified choices.

Conclusion

Knowing how to order Medicine Ball unlocks a warm, minty, and sweet drink perfect for soothing moments. While the drink isnt always listed on the Starbucks app, customizing your order with the right teas, honey, and steamed lemonade makes it easy to enjoy this comforting beverage anytime. Next time you crave something bright and calming, give the Medicine Ball a tryand feel free to adjust sweetness or ingredients to fit your health needs and Halal preferences.