Honey Citrus Mint Tea: The Famous “Medicine Ball”

• Short 8 fl oz
• Tall 12 fl oz
• Grande 16 fl oz
• Venti 20 fl oz

$3.65 – 70 Calories

$3.75 – 90 Calories

$4.25 – 130 Calories

$4.95 – 150 Calories

The Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea — widely known as the “Medicine Ball” — is a soothing hot tea drink made with Jade Citrus Mint green tea, Peach Tranquility herbal tea, steamed lemonade, and honey. Available in Short through Venti sizes starting at just $3.65, the Honey Citrus Mint Tea is one of the most affordable and most comforting drinks on the Starbucks menu in 2026, beloved by customers seeking warmth and soothing relief.

Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea Quick Facts (2026)

What Is the Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea (Medicine Ball)?

The Honey Citrus Mint Tea started as a secret menu item that customers called the “Medicine Ball” or “Cold Buster” because of its soothing, warming qualities. It became so popular that Starbucks added it to the official menu in 2017. The drink combines two different tea bags — Jade Citrus Mint (a green tea with spearmint, lemon verbena, and lemongrass) and Peach Tranquility (a herbal tea with peach, chamomile, and citrus) — steeped in half hot water and half steamed lemonade, then sweetened with honey blend syrup.

The result is a warm, citrusy, honey-sweetened tea that feels genuinely comforting. While Starbucks cannot make medical claims, the combination of hot tea, lemon, honey, and mint has been a traditional home remedy for centuries. The drink is caffeine-light (only 16 mg from the green tea), dairy-free by default, and one of the most affordable items on the menu. It is especially popular during cold and flu season and on chilly winter days.

Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea Price 2026 (All Sizes)

Note: The Honey Citrus Mint Tea is one of the cheapest drinks at Starbucks — a Short at $3.65 is among the lowest prices on the menu. The Venti at $4.95 uses double the tea bags (2 of each) for a stronger flavor. This drink offers excellent value compared to espresso-based lattes that start at $4.25+.

What Affects Honey Citrus Mint Tea Prices?

The base price includes both tea bags, steamed lemonade, and honey blend syrup. There are very few add-on costs since this drink has no milk, no espresso, and no syrups beyond honey. Extra honey pumps are usually free. Location is the main price variable. This is one of the simplest and most affordable drinks to customize.

Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea Calories by Size

The calories come primarily from the lemonade (which contains sugar) and the honey blend syrup. Since there is no milk, the calorie count is significantly lower than any latte on the menu. A Grande at 130 calories is less than half the calories of a Grande Chai Latte (240 cal) or Caffè Latte (190 cal).

Honey Citrus Mint Tea Nutrition Facts (Grande)

Zero fat, zero cholesterol, and essentially zero protein — this drink is almost pure carbohydrates from the lemonade and honey. The 30 grams of sugar come from the lemonade’s cane sugar and the honey blend syrup. To reduce sugar, ask for less lemonade (more hot water) and fewer honey pumps.

Honey Citrus Mint Tea Caffeine Content

The caffeine is extremely low — only 16 mg from the Jade Citrus Mint green tea bag (the Peach Tranquility is caffeine-free herbal tea). This makes the Honey Citrus Mint Tea an excellent choice for evening drinking, pregnant women (under medical guidance), or anyone sensitive to caffeine. The Venti doubles to 32 mg because it uses 2 Jade Citrus Mint bags.

Honey Citrus Mint Tea Ingredients

Core Ingredients

• Jade Citrus Mint Tea Bag: A green tea with spearmint, lemon verbena, lemongrass, and lemon peel — provides the minty, citrusy character
• Peach Tranquility Tea Bag: A caffeine-free herbal tea with peach, chamomile, citrus, and lemon — provides fruity sweetness and calming chamomile
• Steamed Lemonade: Half the cup is filled with Starbucks lemonade (water, lemon juice, cane sugar), steamed to drinking temperature
• Honey Blend Syrup: Starbucks’ honey-flavored syrup — 1-2 pumps depending on size

The combination of two tea bags is what makes this drink special — each tea contributes different flavor notes that create a complex, layered taste. The steamed lemonade adds warmth and citrus acidity, while the honey provides natural sweetness and a soothing mouthfeel.

Honey Citrus Mint Tea Allergen Information

The Honey Citrus Mint Tea is dairy-free by default — it contains no milk. The only potential allergen concern is the honey blend syrup (not suitable for strict vegans). The tea bags and lemonade are free of all major allergens including milk, eggs, wheat, soy, tree nuts, and peanuts. This is one of the most allergen-friendly drinks at Starbucks.

Honey Citrus Mint Tea Flavor Profile and Taste Review

The Honey Citrus Mint Tea is a warm, comforting hug in a cup. The first thing you taste is the gentle honey sweetness and warm lemonade — tart, sweet, and instantly soothing. The mint from the Jade Citrus Mint tea bag comes through clearly but gently — refreshing without being overpowering. The Peach Tranquility adds a subtle fruity sweetness and a calming, chamomile-like quality. The overall flavor is like warm honey lemon water elevated with mint and peach notes. It is not intense or bold — it is gentle, soothing, and deeply comforting.

Who Will Love the Honey Citrus Mint Tea

• Anyone feeling under the weather or wanting soothing comfort
• Tea lovers who enjoy citrus and honey flavors
• People who want a nearly caffeine-free warm drink
• Customers avoiding dairy and coffee
• Budget-conscious drinkers (starts at $3.65)

Who Might Not Like It

• People who want a bold, strong tea flavor (this is gentle)
• Coffee drinkers looking for a caffeine boost
• Anyone who dislikes lemon or mint flavors

Is the Honey Citrus Mint Tea Worth It in 2026?

At $3.65 to $4.95, the Honey Citrus Mint Tea is one of the best values on the entire Starbucks menu. You get two different tea bags, steamed lemonade, and honey for less than a basic espresso latte. The drink is dairy-free, low in caffeine, and genuinely comforting. While it will not replace your morning coffee, it excels as a midday soother, an evening wind-down drink, or a warm pick-me-up when you are feeling off. It is arguably the most unique drink at Starbucks — nothing else on the menu combines two tea bags with lemonade and honey.

Honey Citrus Mint Tea vs Chai Latte vs Mint Majesty

How to Order the Honey Citrus Mint Tea (2026)

Standard In-Store Order

Say: “I’d like a [size] Honey Citrus Mint Tea.” Most baristas also recognize “Medicine Ball” or “Cold Buster,” though the official menu name is Honey Citrus Mint Tea. Some customers also simply say “the Medicine Ball tea.”

Mobile App Ordering

Search “Honey Citrus” or “Medicine Ball” in the Starbucks app. The drink appears under the hot tea category. You can customize honey pumps and request modifications like extra lemonade or extra honey.

Best Honey Citrus Mint Tea Customizations (2026)

Extra Honey (Maximum Soothing)

Ask for extra pumps of honey blend syrup for a sweeter, more honey-forward drink. Many customers request 2-3 extra pumps when they are feeling under the weather, as honey is traditionally associated with soothing throat comfort.

All Lemonade (No Water)

Ask for all steamed lemonade instead of half water, half lemonade. This makes the drink more tart and citrusy with a stronger lemon flavor. It adds about 40 extra calories from the additional lemonade.

Peppermint Syrup Addition (Stronger Mint)

Add 1 pump of peppermint syrup ($0.70) for a stronger mint kick. The combination of the Jade Citrus Mint tea and peppermint syrup creates an intensely refreshing, cooling sensation that many customers find especially soothing.

Is the Honey Citrus Mint Tea Healthy?

Pros

• Dairy-free by default
• Zero fat, zero cholesterol
• Very low caffeine (16 mg) — safe for evening drinking
• Contains soothing ingredients (honey, lemon, mint, chamomile)
• Lower calories than any latte (130 cal grande)

Cons

• 30 grams of sugar from lemonade and honey
• Low in protein (1g)
• Not a medicine — cannot cure or treat illness

Ways to Make It Healthier

• Ask for more hot water, less lemonade (reduces sugar significantly)
• Request fewer honey pumps
• Order a Short (70 calories)

Best Food Pairings with Honey Citrus Mint Tea

The Honey Citrus Mint Tea pairs best with light, gentle foods. A plain Butter Croissant offers a neutral, buttery complement without overpowering the tea’s delicate flavors. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal creates a warm, comforting breakfast combination. For an afternoon pairing, a Madeline cookie or shortbread adds light sweetness that echoes the honey notes.

How to Make the Honey Citrus Mint Tea at Home

DIY Medicine Ball Recipe

1. Steep 1 Jade Citrus Mint tea bag (or any green mint tea) and 1 Peach Tranquility tea bag (or any peach herbal tea) in 8 ounces of hot water for 3-5 minutes
2. Heat 8 ounces of lemonade until warm (not boiling)
3. Combine the steeped tea and warm lemonade in a large mug
4. Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey and stir until dissolved
5. Drink while warm for maximum comfort

You can buy Teavana Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility tea bags at many grocery stores or online — the same teas Starbucks uses. A homemade version costs about $0.50 per cup compared to $3.65 to $4.95 at Starbucks.

Customer Favorites and Popular Feedback

The Honey Citrus Mint Tea has achieved almost legendary status at Starbucks. Originally a secret menu creation shared on social media, it was so popular that Starbucks made it official. Customers swear by it during cold and flu season, and it regularly trends on social media during winter months. Baristas report it as one of the highest-volume orders during November through February. The most common praise is its soothing, comforting quality — even though it is not actually medicine, many customers describe feeling better after drinking it. The nickname “Medicine Ball” has stuck despite Starbucks’ official rename.

How to Save Money on Honey Citrus Mint Tea

• It is already cheap: Starting at $3.65, it is one of the most affordable menu items
• Join Starbucks Rewards: Redeem at 150 Stars for free
• Buy the tea bags: Teavana Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility are available at grocery stores
• Make it at home: About $0.50 per cup with store-bought tea and lemonade

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Citrus Mint Tea

How much is the Honey Citrus Mint Tea in 2026?

A Short costs $3.65, Tall costs $3.75, Grande costs $4.25, and Venti costs $4.95 at most U.S. locations.

Is the Medicine Ball the same as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea?

Yes, they are the same drink. “Medicine Ball” is the original customer nickname; “Honey Citrus Mint Tea” is the official Starbucks menu name.

Does the Honey Citrus Mint Tea contain caffeine?

Very little — a Grande has only 16 mg of caffeine from the green tea bag. The Peach Tranquility is caffeine-free.

Does it contain dairy?

No, the Honey Citrus Mint Tea is dairy-free by default. It is made with tea, lemonade, and honey — no milk.

Can it cure a cold?

No. The Honey Citrus Mint Tea is a beverage, not a medicine. However, warm liquids with honey and lemon are a time-honored comfort tradition. It may help soothe a sore throat and provide hydration.

How many calories are in the Honey Citrus Mint Tea?

A Grande has 130 calories, primarily from the lemonade and honey. It has zero fat and zero cholesterol.

Can I get it iced?

The Honey Citrus Mint Tea is not officially available iced. You could ask for an iced version as a custom order, but the drink was designed to be served hot for its soothing, warming qualities.

Final Verdict: Is the Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea Worth It?

The Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea is one of the most unique, affordable, and comforting drinks on the entire menu in 2026. At $3.65 to $4.95 with 130 calories, nearly zero caffeine, and zero dairy, it fills a niche that no other Starbucks drink can — a warm, soothing, citrusy tea blend perfect for cold days, evening relaxation, or anytime you need comfort. The “Medicine Ball” nickname may be unofficial, but the feeling of warmth and wellness it provides is very real. See the Chai Latte for a spicier tea option, or browse the full tea menu for more options.