DIY Starbucks’ Medicine Ball Recipe (Made Healthy)

Last Updated on March 25th, 2020

Many of us are on edge trying to maintain social distancing so we don’t pick up any germs and get sick. But if you do get sick (or you’re looking for ways to boost your immune system so that you don’t get sick), you may have thought about trying Starbucks’ medicine ball. Some people swear by the hot tea drink to get over a sickness. 

The drink, which some say has curative properties, can now be found on Starbucks’ regular menu as Honey Citrus Mint Tea.

But, the drink began on the “secret” menu after a customer ordered it. The hot tea concoction became very popular and was originally called the medicine ball.

The Real Starbucks “Medicine” Ball Is Loaded With Sugar

The only problem with Starbucks’ “medicine” ball is that it uses lemonade which is full of unnatural sugar. The Starbucks Medicine Ball drink contains 30 grams of sugar, nearly a full day’s worth in a single serving.

Healthline says, “Excess sugar consumption has been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, tooth decay, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” and more.

Not only is too much sugar unhealthy, but it is bad for your immune system. WebMd tells us why: “Eating or drinking too much sugar curbs immune system cells that attack bacteria. This effect lasts for at least a few hours after downing a couple of sugary drinks.

Also See: Best Immunity Boosting Food & Vitamins

Starbucks Medicine Ball Made Healthy

Our version of the Starbucks medicine ball reconstructs the recipe so it is free of unnatural sugars.

Processed sugars weaken your immune system, so we wanted to eliminate them and make a healthier version of the beloved medicine ball.

Here are the ingredients you need:

• Teavana Jade Citrus Mint (or cheaper generic green tea)
• Teavana Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea (or cheaper generic peach tea)
• Lemon
• Stevia (zero sugar) or Honey

Tips to Save Money with a DIY Starbucks Medicine Ball

1. Buy Your Tea Cheap on Amazon

While a lot of people rave about the efficacy of the Starbucks medicine ball, do you know it requires relatively few ingredients? The main ingredients, Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea and the Teavana Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea, can be purchased through Amazon at a savings?

You can save even more money if you buy generic green tea and generic peach tea. Remember to forego the sugary lemonade.

Check out the Tea Options on Amazon here:

Also See: 5 Amazon Hacks Every Prime Member Should Know

2. Buy Discounted Stevia or Honey on Thrive Market

You will also need honey or stevia to sweeten your drink. Stevia is a natural sugar-free sweetner. Honey is nature’s sweetener.

Honey does not raise your blood sugar levels as much as unnatural sugar. It has more nutrients and is packed with amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, minerals and vitamins. It acts as a cough suppressant and provides allergy relief. Thrive Market stocks a variety of stevias and honeys, and they’re dye-free, color-free, non-GMO and preservative-free.

Try Thrive Market free for 30 days. Thanks to Thrive Market’s wholesale pricing, the average member saves $30 per order.

3. Save More With the Ibotta App

Serious savers savor the savings with Ibotta. The free Ibotta app saved its users more than $186 million in grocery shopping rewards in 2019.

If you want to purchase the medicine ball ingredients at your local grocery store, download Ibotta.

Try the free Ibotta App here to claim your $20 Ibotta welcome bonus.