If you're a fan of Starbucks' Honey Citrus Mint Tea (also known as "Medicine Ball"), you're probably familiar with its comforting, soothing qualities.
With its blend of citrusy, minty, and honey flavors, it’s a perfect remedy for a scratchy throat or just a cozy pick-me-up on a chilly day. But why spend $5 at Starbucks when you can easily make it at home?
In this blog post, I'll share a simple yet delightful copycat recipe for Honey Citrus Mint Tea. We'll explore the health benefits, tips for customizing it with fresh ingredients, and why it's worth trying this homemade version.
The Honey Citrus Mint Tea is a popular Starbucks drink known for its refreshing combination of citrus flavors, minty undertones, and the sweetness of honey.
It's often sought after when you’re feeling under the weather due to its soothing properties.
The Starbucks version features two specific Teavana tea blends: Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea and Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea.
They’re steeped in hot water and lemonade, with a touch of honey to tie everything together.
But with a few tweaks and some creative substitutes, you can recreate this tea in the comfort of your own home.
While it's a comforting drink to enjoy year-round, the Honey Citrus Mint Tea also offers a few health benefits:
Soothes a Sore Throat: The warmth of the tea, along with honey and mint, helps alleviate irritation and discomfort in your throat.
Rich in Antioxidants: The green tea in this drink is packed with antioxidants, which support your immune system and overall health.
Aids Digestion: Both mint and citrus have properties that can aid in digestion, making this a great post-meal drink.
Hydration: The combination of tea and lemonade provides hydration, which is essential when you're feeling unwell or just need a refreshing drink.
Now that you're familiar with the tea, let's dive into how to make it yourself. Below is a step-by-step recipe for creating this cozy drink at home.
In a small saucepan, combine the lemonade, water and mint spring. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a minute.
Remove the pot from heat and add the green tea bag and peach herbal tea bag to the mixture. Allow them to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea to be.
Once the tea is brewed to your liking, remove the tea bags and mint spring, stir in the honey. Taste the tea and add more honey if needed.
If you want an extra burst of minty freshness, add a drop of peppermint extract or a pump of peppermint syrup.
Pour your homemade Honey Citrus Mint Tea into a mug and enjoy! You can garnish it with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch.
Here are a few tips to ensure your tea turns out just right every time:
For those who prefer using fresh ingredients, you can elevate your homemade Honey Citrus Mint Tea by swapping out store-bought items for natural alternatives.
Fresh Lemonade: Instead of using pre-made lemonade, make your own with fresh lemon juice, water, and a touch of honey or sugar. Not only will this boost the citrus flavor, but it also gives you control over the sweetness.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Replace the peppermint syrup with fresh mint leaves. Add a mint string to the hot tea while steeping for a refreshing and aromatic twist.
Use Whole Spices: Instead of using spiced tea bags, you can use whole spices with your favorite flavored tea bags a richer, more robust flavor. (1 cinnamon stick,2 cloves,2 green cardamom,half star anas,and a small piece of fresh ginger )
While Starbucks is known for convenience, there are several great reasons to make this tea at home:
Cost Savings: Making it yourself can save you a considerable amount of money. The ingredients you buy can be used for multiple servings, costing much less than buying individual cups at Starbucks.
Customization: When making your tea at home, you have full control over the ingredients and ratios. Whether you want it sweeter, more minty, or less citrusy, you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences.
Healthier Ingredients: By using fresh lemonade, honey, and natural teas, you can avoid the preservatives and added sugars found in store-bought versions.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 10 minutes, making it a fast and convenient option for busy mornings or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
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In a small saucepan, combine the lemonade, water and mint spring. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a minute.
Remove the pot from heat and add the green tea bag and peach herbal tea bag to the mixture. Allow them to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea to be.
Once the tea is brewed to your liking, remove the tea bags and mint spring, stir in the honey. Taste the tea and add more honey if needed.
If you want an extra burst of minty freshness, add a drop of peppermint extract or a pump of peppermint syrup.
Pour your homemade Honey Citrus Mint Tea into a mug and enjoy! You can garnish it with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.