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Honey Citrus Mint Tea: The Famous “Medicine Ball”

ByMenu Updates
Honey Citrus Mint Tea

$3.65 – 70 Calories

$3.75 – 90 Calories

$4.25 – 130 Calories

$4.95 – 150 Calories

The Honey Citrus Mint Tea—better known to fans as the legendary “Medicine Ball” or “Coldbuster”—has gone from secret menu hack to official Starbucks permanent favorite, especially for anyone craving comfort and warmth.
This soothing hot tea blends green tea infused with herbal notes of chamomile, spearmint, lemon verbena, and subtle fruit flavors, then steeps it with steamed lemonade for that bright, tart citrus kick. It’s finished with a touch of honey blend for gentle sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced sweet-tart-minty profile that’s incredibly comforting—think cozy hug in a cup!
Originally a customer-invented remedy (popularized for its feel-better vibes during cold season), it became so beloved that Starbucks added it to the official menu years ago as Honey Citrus Mint Tea. (Pro tip: Order it by that name in the app or store to avoid any confusion—though many baristas still recognize “Medicine Ball”!)
Whether you’re under the weather, fighting off a chill, or just want a refreshing, revitalizing pick-me-up without coffee, this drink delivers warm, citrusy relief that’s especially magical in winter. Hot and steaming, it’s the ultimate feel-good sip!

What’s Included In It?

  • Short (8 fl oz): 1 bag Jade Citrus Mint, 1 bag Peach Tranquility, 1 Pump Honey Blend, Half Hot Water, Half Steamed Lemonade.
  • Tall (12 fl oz): 1 bag Jade Citrus Mint, 1 bag Peach Tranquility, 1 Pump Honey Blend, Half Hot Water, Half Steamed Lemonade.
  • Grande (16 fl oz): 1 bag Jade Citrus Mint, 1 bag Peach Tranquility, 2 Pumps Honey Blend, Half Hot Water, Half Steamed Lemonade.
  • Venti (20 fl oz): 1 bag Jade Citrus Mint, 1 bag Peach Tranquility, 2 Pumps Honey Blend, Half Hot Water, Half Steamed Lemonade.

Nutrition & Calories Insights Table

NutrientAmount per Short (8 oz)% Daily Value
Calories804%
Total Fat0g0%
Sodium5mg0%
Total Carbohydrates20g7%
Sugars19g38%
Protein0g0%
Caffeine8mg—
NutrientAmount per Tall (12 oz)% Daily Value
Calories1005%
Total Fat0g0%
Sodium10mg0%
Total Carbohydrates24g9%
Sugars22g44%
Protein0g0%
Caffeine8mg—
NutrientAmount per Grande (16 oz)% Daily Value
Calories1307%
Total Fat0g0%
Sodium15mg1%
Total Carbohydrates33g12%
Sugars30g60%
Protein0g0%
Caffeine16mg—
NutrientAmount per Venti (20 oz)% Daily Value
Calories1508%
Total Fat0g0%
Sodium20mg1%
Total Carbohydrates38g14%
Sugars35g70%
Protein0g0%
Caffeine16mg—

What Are The Customization options Available In Honey Citrus Mint Tea

  • 2% Milk
  • Almond
  • Coconut
  • Breve (Half & Half)
  • Heavy Cream
  • Nonfat Milk
  • Oatmilk
  • Protein-boosted Milk
  • Soy
  • Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream
  • Vanilla Sweet Cream
  • Whole Milk
  • Whipped Cream
  • Extra Whipped Cream
  • Light Whipped Cream
  • No Whipped Cream
  • Cinnamon Powder
  • Nutmeg Powder
  • Salted Brown–Buttery Topping
  • Extra Salted Brown Butter Topping
  • Light Salted Brown–Buttery Topping
  • No Salted Brown–Buttery Topping
  • Caramel Brulée Topping
  • Caramel Crunch Topping
  • Cinnamon Dolce Sprinkles
  • Cookie Crumble Topping
  • Chocolate Curls Topping
  • Pumpkin Spice Topping
  • Red & Green Sprinkle Topping
  • Caramel Drizzle
  • Mocha Drizzle
  • Nondairy Brown Sugar Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Gingerbread Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Matcha Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Strawberry Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Sugar Cookie Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam
  • Banana Protein Cold Foam
  • Brown Sugar Protein Cold Foam
  • Caramel Brulée Protein Cold Foam
  • Chocolate Protein Cold Foam
  • Gingerbread Protein Cold Foam
  • Matcha Protein Cold Foam
  • Peppermint Chocolate Protein Cold Foam
  • Pistachio Protein Cold Foam
  • Salted Caramel Protein Cold Foam
  • Sugar Cookie Protein Cold Foam
  • Vanilla Protein Cold Foam
  • Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Extra Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Light Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • No Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Banana Cream Cold Foam
  • Brown Sugar Cream Cold Foam
  • Caramel Brulée Cream Cold Foam
  • Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam
  • Gingerbread Cream Cold Foam
  • Matcha Cream Cold Foam
  • Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Pistachio Cream Cold Foam
  • Salted Caramel Cream Cold Foam
  • Strawberry Cream Cold Foam
  • Sugar Cookie Cream Cold Foam
  • None
  • No water – Prepared with 2% Milk
  • No water – Prepared with Almondmilk
  • No water – Prepared with Coconutmilk
  • No water – Prepared with Cream (Half & Half)
  • No water – Prepared with Heavy Cream
  • No water – Prepared with Nonfat Milk
  • No water – Prepared with Oatmilk
  • No water – Prepared with Soymilk
  • No water – Prepared with Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream
  • No water – Prepared with Vanilla Sweet Cream
  • No water – Prepared with Whole Milk
  • Pistachio Sauce
  • Caramel Brulée Sauce
  • Dark Caramel Sauce
  • Mocha Sauce
  • White Chocolate Mocha Sauce
  • Brown Sugar Syrup
  • Caramel Syrup
  • Sugar-Free Caramel Syrup
  • Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
  • Gingerbread Syrup
  • Hazelnut Syrup
  • Peppermint Syrup
  • Sugar Cookie Syrup
  • Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
  • Vanilla Syrup
  • Vanilla Bean Powder scoops
  • Add Shots
  • None
  • Blonde Espresso
  • Signature Espresso
  • 1/2 Decaf
  • Decaf Espresso Roast
  • 1/3 Decaf
  • 2/3 Decaf
  • None
  • Ristretto
  • Long Shot
  • None
  • Upside Down
  • None
  • Line the Cup with Caramel Sauce
  • Line the Cup with Mocha Sauce
  • Ice
  • Extra Ice
  • Light Ice
  • No Ice
  • Pistachio Sauce
  • Matcha Powder scoops
  • Classic Syrup
  • Honey Blend Syrup
  • Honey
  • Sugar In The Raw®
  • Splenda®
  • Stevia in the Raw®
  • Sugar
  • Personal Cup
  • None
  • Short Cup
  • Tall Cup
  • Grande Cup
  • Venti Cup

Frequently Asked Questions – Honey Citrus Mint Tea

The nickname “Medicine Ball” (or sometimes “Coldbuster”) started as a fan-created term on social media years ago. Customers loved how the combo of mint, citrus/lemon, and honey seemed to soothe sore throats, ease congestion, and provide comfort when feeling under the weather. The warm steam helps open sinuses, honey coats the throat, and the herbal notes feel naturally restorative. It’s not real medicine (no proven medical claims!), but it’s become a go-to cozy remedy for many—hence the enduring “medicine” vibe!

Yes, but just a tiny amount. It gets a light boost from the green tea base in the blend (now using Chamomile Mint Blossom tea bags). A Grande (16 oz) has about 16–25 mg of caffeine—way less than a standard cup of coffee (~150–300 mg) or even black tea (~95 mg). It’s gentle enough for most people, even late in the day!

It’s tricky to make it 100% sugar-free since both the steamed lemonade and Honey Blend contain sugar. For a much lower-sugar version, ask your barista for:

“No Honey Blend” (or minimal pumps)

“Light Lemonade” (if available) This cuts the sweetness significantly while keeping the soothing citrus-mint flavor intact.

Not strictly vegan—the Honey Blend includes real honey, which many vegans avoid (though some flexitarians include it). If honey is a no-go for you, skip the Honey Blend entirely and ask for an alternative sweetener like classic syrup (or none at all). The rest of the drink (tea, lemonade) is plant-based.

In recent years (around 2024–2025), Starbucks updated the official Honey Citrus Mint Tea recipe in many regions due to ingredient availability changes. The classic two-bag combo (Jade Citrus Mint + Peach Tranquility) was phased out in favor of a single Chamomile Mint Blossom tea blend (still with steamed lemonade and honey). Baristas might occasionally use substitutes if stock runs low, but the current official version aims for that same comforting mint-citrus profile. Fans still love recreating the “original” at home if they prefer the old Teavana teas!

Technically yes—you can request it iced—but it’s not the best idea for this drink. The warm steam is part of what makes it so soothing for throats and sinuses, and honey doesn’t dissolve as smoothly in cold liquid (it can get clumpy or sink). If you’re set on iced, ask for extra stirring or a different honey approach, but hot is where this one truly shines for maximum comfort!

Discover the full Starbucks USA menu right here — from classic hot & iced coffees, refreshing cold teas, protein-packed beverages, bakery treats, sandwiches, and seasonal specials, all with the latest 2026 prices, sizes, calories, and customization options. Whether you’re craving the bold 1971 Roast™ Americano, viral Dubai Chocolate Mocha, high-protein Iced Matcha, or a quick Egg Bites breakfast, find everything you need to plan your perfect Starbucks run. Tap below for the complete USA menu breakdown by category, current pricing, and fan-favorite picks

Starbucks Menu With Prices

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