I. Introduction
Starbucks offers a variety of tea options on their menu, but one drink, in particular, has gained enormous popularity over the years: the “medicine ball” tea. This sweet, tangy, and soothing beverage packs a lot of health benefits and is perfect for those looking to warm up or comfort themselves during cold or stressful days.
In this guide, we will show you how to order a medicine ball tea at Starbucks, customizing it to your preferences and explaining why it’s such a fantastic drink. Whether you’re a regular Starbucks customer or just looking for a new tea experience, this article is for you.
II. A Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering a Medicine Ball Tea at Starbucks
Ordering a medicine ball tea at Starbucks is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind to ensure you get the drink you want.
A. How to order the medicine ball tea
You can order a medicine ball tea at Starbucks in two ways:
1. Ordering at the counter
When you get to the counter, simply ask for a medicine ball tea. Some baristas might not be familiar with this name, so you can also ask for a Honey Citrus Mint Tea with a splash of Peach Tranquility Tea and a bit of steamed lemonade. That’s the official recipe for the medicine ball tea, and most baristas will know what you’re talking about.
2. Ordering through the Starbucks mobile app
If you prefer to order ahead, you can use the Starbucks mobile app to do so. Simply select the “Teavana Tea” option, then customize your tea by adding honey, steamed lemonade, and Peach Tranquility Tea.
B. Tips for ordering the medicine ball tea
While ordering a medicine ball tea isn’t too complicated, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the perfect drink:
1. Pronouncing the name of the tea
Some baristas might not recognize the name “medicine ball tea,” so be prepared to describe the official recipe or use its components (Honey Citrus Mint Tea, Peach Tranquility Tea, and steamed lemonade). If you’re unsure of how to pronounce “Tranquility,” you can ask the barista to help you out.
2. Being specific with your order
Since the medicine ball tea has specific components and ratios, you want to be clear about how you want it customized. For instance, if you don’t like your tea too sweet, you can ask for less honey or no honey at all. If you’re vegan or allergic to milk, you can ask for no steamed milk or for an alternative milk option. Being specific will ensure your drink is tailored to your taste and needs.
III. How to Customize Your Medicine Ball Tea at Starbucks
If you want to take your medicine ball tea to the next level, you can customize it further with various options that Starbucks offers. Here are some of the possibilities:
A. Available customization options at Starbucks
1. Choosing a tea base
While the medicine ball tea uses Honey Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility, you can experiment with other Teavana teas that Starbucks offers. For instance, adding Jade Citrus Mint or Royal English Breakfast can give your drink a different boost of flavor.
2. Adjusting the sweetness
If you want your tea to be less or more sweet, you can ask for extra or less honey or for other sweeteners like raw sugar, agave, or Stevia. Starbucks also offers sugar-free syrups that can add flavor without calories.
3. Adding extra ingredients
Finally, you can add various ingredients to your medicine ball tea, such as ginger, peppermint, cinnamon, or cream. You can also combine it with other drinks, like coffee or hot chocolate, to create a unique blend. However, keep in mind that additional ingredients may affect the health benefits or flavor profile of the drink.
B. Tips for customizing your tea
Customizing your medicine ball tea can be fun, but it’s essential to keep some things in mind:
1. Knowing your personal taste preferences
Before adding anything to your tea, think about what flavors you enjoy and what ingredients might complement or contrast them. For instance, if you like spicy food, you might enjoy adding ginger or cayenne pepper to your tea. On the other hand, if you prefer milder flavors, you might want to stick to the basic recipe.
2. Being aware of potential allergy or dietary concerns
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure to inform your barista of them so that they can provide alternatives or avoid certain ingredients. This is particularly crucial for nuts, dairy, soy, or gluten intolerances. You can also check Starbucks’ website for nutritional and allergen information.
IV. The Perfect Medicine Ball Tea Recipe to Order at Starbucks
While you can customize your medicine ball tea to your heart’s content, the original recipe is already pretty perfect. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and preparation:
A. Recipe breakdown
1. Ingredients
- Honey Citrus Mint Tea
- Peach Tranquility Tea
- Steamed lemonade
- Honey
2. Preparation
- Ask your barista for a Venti-sized cup with half hot water and half steamed lemonade.
- Add one bag of Peach Tranquility Tea and one bag of Jade Citrus Mint Tea.
- Add a packet of honey or more to taste.
- Enjoy!
B. Why this is the perfect medicine ball tea recipe
What makes the medicine ball tea recipe so special? Here are some reasons why:
1. Flavor profile
The combination of Honey Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility teas creates a sweet and juicy flavor that’s enhanced by the lemonade and honey. The mint in the tea also adds a refreshing and cooling sensation to the drink, making it perfect for hot weather or sore throats. The overall taste is soothing, comforting, and balanced, suitable for any time of the day.
2. Health benefits
Aside from being delicious, the medicine ball tea has several health benefits that justify its name:
- The Honey Citrus Mint tea contains real honey, which is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant ingredient that can boost the immune system, soothe coughs, and reduce allergies and cold symptoms.
- The Peach Tranquility tea contains peach pieces, which are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, can reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation and sleep.
- The steamed lemonade adds vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production, blood circulation, and a healthy skin, bones, and teeth. It can also help detoxify the body and enhance digestion.
V. All the Health Benefits of Drinking a Medicine Ball Tea from Starbucks
If you’re wondering why the medicine ball tea is called such, look no further than its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of tea and the specific ingredients in the medicine ball tea:
A. The benefits of tea
Tea, in general, is one of the healthiest beverages you can consume, rivaling water in terms of hydration and nutrients. Here are some benefits of tea:
- Tea contains antioxidants called catechins, which can reduce inflammation, fight cancer, and protect the heart and brain from damage.
- Tea can increase metabolism, burn fat, and improve mental alertness and concentration, thanks to its caffeine content.
- Tea can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, reducing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
B. The benefits of the specific ingredients in the medicine ball tea
Aside from tea, the medicine ball tea contains other ingredients that are beneficial for your health:
- Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the immune system, throat, and gut.
- Lemon is a citrus fruit that’s high in vitamin C, flavonoids, and alkaline compounds, detoxifying the body, nourishing the skin, and improving digestion.
- Peach is a stone fruit that’s a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols, reducing inflammation, promoting weight loss, and improving gut and heart health.
VI. Tips and Tricks for Enjoying Your Medicine Ball Tea from Starbucks
Drinking a medicine ball tea from Starbucks can be a delightful experience, especially if you’re savoring it with some other treats or in creative ways. Here are some tips and tricks:
A. Suggested times to drink the tea
The medicine ball tea is a versatile drink that you can enjoy throughout the day, depending on your preferences and mood. Here are some recommendations:
- In the morning: To wake up your senses, boost your metabolism, and set the tone for a productive day, you can drink your medicine ball tea with a breakfast sandwich or yogurt.
- In the afternoon: To recharge your batteries and fight the mid-afternoon slump, you can sip your medicine ball tea with a cookie, scone, or muffin.
- In the evening: To wind down, relax, and prep for sleep, you can have your medicine ball tea with a piece of chocolate, a book, or a movie.
B. Recommended food pairings
While the medicine ball tea is tasty on its own, it can also go well with some foods that complement or contrast its flavors. Here are some ideas:
- Sweet and savory pastry: Depending on how sweet or savory you want your tea to be, you can pair it with a croissant, a cinnamon roll, a bagel with cream cheese, or a quiche.
- Fruit and nuts: To add some texture and nutrients to your tea, you can serve it with a side of fresh fruit, like peach slices, raspberries, or citrus, or some nuts, like almonds, walnuts, or cashews.
- Hot or cold desserts: If you’re feeling more indulgent, you can have your tea with a warm brownie, a scoop of ice cream, or a fruit tart.
C. Creative ways to serve the tea
If you want to switch up the way you enjoy your medicine ball tea, here are some suggestions:
- Iced tea: If you’re in a warmer climate or want a refreshing twist on your tea, you can order your medicine ball tea over ice or make it at home by following the recipe and adding ice cubes.
- Bubble tea: For a trendy and playful take on your tea, you can add some tapioca balls, also known as boba, to your medicine ball tea, creating a chewy and whimsical beverage.
- Mocktail: If you want to impress your guests or have a fun party drink, you can mix your medicine ball tea with some sparkling water or lemonade, creating a fizzy and colorful mocktail.
VII. How to Make a Medicine Ball Tea from Starbucks at Home
If you can’t always go to Starbucks or want to try your skills at home, you can make a medicine ball tea recipe using the following instructions:
A. Recipe breakdown
1. Ingredients
- 1 bag of Honey Citrus Mint Green Tea
- 1 bag of Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea
- 2 tsps of honey
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of lemonade
2. Preparation
- Boil your water and pour it into a large cup.
- Steep your tea bags in the water for 5 minutes.
- While the tea is steeping, heat your lemonade in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.