With cold and flu season upon us again, a warming elixir is my drink of choice for the next few months. This healing mug of tea is inspired by a Starbucks customer favorite, and made with brewed peach and citrus mint teas, lemonade, and honey. It’s a cozy drink that tastes even better when you can skip the drive-thru and make it at home.

What is Starbucks ‘Medicine Ball Tea’?

Medicine Ball Tea or “The Coldbuster” started as a secret menu item, but the beverage Starbucks HQ must be paying attention. Now it’s available to order off the menu as Honey “Citrus Mint Tea,” but it’s a relief (and more affordable) to know how to make this mug of tea at home — especially when you are feeling less than your best.

Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea

Serves 2

3/4 cup water

3/4 cup lemonade

1 bag citrus mint tea, such as Tazo Zen

1 bag peach-flavored tea, such as Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion

1 tablespoon honey

1 drop peppermint extract (optional)

Lemon slices, for serving

1. Bring 3/4 cup water and 3/4 cup lemonade to a simmer in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and add 1 citrus mint tea bag and 1 peach-flavored tea bag. Cover and steep for 3 minutes.

2. Discard the tea bags, add 1 tablespoon honey, and stir until dissolved. Add 1 drop peppermint extract if desired. Divide the tea between 2 mugs and serve immediately with a thin slice of lemon.

(Patty Catalano is a contributor to TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

©2024 Apartment Therapy. Distributed by Tribune Content AGency, LLC.