Starbucks Medicine Ball (Coldbuster Miracle Brew)

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Did you know there is a drink at Starbucks called the “Starbucks Medicine Ball,” also known as “The Coldbuster,” also known as “Honey Citrus Mint Tea”?

It is the ultimate cozy drink, especially when allergy season hits. Whether you’re trying to fight off a cold or just need something soothing, this steamy concoction is like a warm hug in a cup. It’s packed with honey, citrusy goodness, and a little peppermint to help calm your throat and give your immune system a boost.

This DIY version is just as good as the one from Starbucks, but way easier (and cheaper!) to make at home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be sipping on this miracle brew whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

Keep reading to see how you can make it yourself!

Starbucks Medicine Ball

But what if you’re not feeling like leaving the house in your pajamas? Or maybe you’re not down to spend $5 on a venti?

Wellllll, you can recreate it yourself in your pajamas at home — and healthier and cheaper!

Good news—you can totally recreate this at home, in your pajamas, and it’s healthier and way cheaper! I swap out regular lemonade for light lemonade (or just a squeeze of fresh lemon if I’m feeling fancy) and skip the peppermint syrup. But, if I’m in the mood, I’ll toss in a fresh spearmint leaf for that extra kick.

And if you want to see the magic in action, check out my Starbucks Medicine Ball tutorial video HERE!

Starbucks Medicine Ball Ingredients

For the longest time, finding the teas for a Starbucks Medicine Ball was nearly impossible. But now, thanks to Amazon, you can grab a whole Medicine Ball Cold Buster Kit that has everything you need! It includes both Ginger Peach and Harmonic Mint teas (perfectly paired for that Medicine Ball flavor) and comes with a 10-pack of 100% pure US Grade A honey sticks! It’s a total game-changer, making it super easy to recreate the famous drink at home without the hassle of searching for individual ingredients.

Jade Citrus Green Tea: Combines vibrant green tea with refreshing citrus to help soothe your throat and boost your immunity. Its light, citrusy flavor is not only comforting but also packs a punch of antioxidants, making it ideal for fighting off a cold or giving you a refreshing pick-me-up when you need it most.
Ginger Peach Tea: A perfect blend of soothing ginger and crisp peach flavors. The ginger helps warm you up and supports digestion, while the peach adds a natural sweetness that balances the boldness, making this tea a great option to comfort and support your body while fighting off a cold.
Honey: Honey gives the drink that perfect smooth sweetness. Local honey, in particular, can help combat seasonal allergies by exposing your body to small amounts of local pollen, building immunity over time. It also adds a comforting sweetness to the drink, helping to coat your throat and ease irritation—perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather.
Mint: Adds a refreshing, cooling effect to help open sinuses and ease congestion. Fresh mint is ideal, but a pump of peppermint extract also works great for a soothing, minty kick.
Lemonade: The base of this drink is sweet, tangy, and full of citrusy goodness. If you want to keep it lighter, swap in some low-sugar lemonade, or just squeeze in fresh lemon juice for that extra zesty punch.
Garnish: Lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint not only add a pop of color but also a burst of extra flavor. They make your drink look as good as it tastes, and you’ll feel extra fancy sipping from your mug!

Bonus Tip: Want this drink iced instead? Steep the tea, chill it, then pour over ice with cold lemonade. Boom, you’ve got an iced version for those warmer days!

Why We Love It

It’s the ultimate comfort drink! Warm and soothing, it works wonders on a sore throat and is perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather or battling those pesky allergies.
It’s super quick to make—whip it up in just a few minutes and enjoy all the cozy vibes.
It’s a thoughtful gift that always hits the mark! I love dropping one of these off on a friend’s porch when they’re feeling sick—it’s always appreciated and always a hit.
And the best part? It’s way cheaper than a Starbucks run! Stock up on the ingredients, and you’ll save big while still enjoying that cafe-quality taste from the comfort of home.

Yield: 1 drink

Starbucks Medicine Ball

A homemade version of the famous Starbucks Medicine Ball—with ginger, honey, and mint—this drink is perfect for soothing your throat and easing cold or allergy symptoms. Refreshing, comforting, and easy to make!

Ingredients

1 cup Water
1 cup Lemonade
1 bag Jasmine Citrus Mint Tea
1 bag Ginger Peach Tea
Pump of peppermint or a few mint leaves (optional)
Drizzle of honey (about 1 tablespoon)
Garnish: Lemon slices and sprig of mint

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, bring water and lemonade to a gentle simmer.

2. Remove from heat and add tea bags and mint leaves and honey. Cover and steep for 3 minutes.

3. Discard tea bags and mint leaves. Pour tea into your mug.

4. Garnish with lemon and mint (optional).

Notes

Bonus Tip: Want this drink iced instead? Steep the tea, chill it, then pour over ice with cold lemonade. Boom, you’ve got an iced version for those warmer days!

Ingredient Notes:

Honey: Local honey, in particular, can help combat seasonal allergies by exposing your body to small amounts of local pollen, building immunity over time. It also adds a comforting sweetness to the drink, helping to coat your throat and ease irritation—perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather.

Mint: Adds a refreshing, cooling effect to help open sinuses and ease congestion. Fresh mint is ideal, but a pump of peppermint extract also works great for a soothing, minty kick.

Lemonade: The base of this drink is sweet, tangy, and full of citrusy goodness. If you want to keep it lighter, swap in some low-sugar lemonade, or just squeeze in fresh lemon juice for that extra zesty punch.