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Medicine Ball (Honey Citrus Mint Tea)

This homemade Medicine Ball delivers soothing honey-citrus comfort just like the Starbucks version, right in your own kitchen. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and throat-soothing honey, this cozy drink is perfect for cold and flu season or any time you need a warm pick-me-up.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 1 large serving (16 ounces)
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 8 ounces hot water
  • 1 bag Jade Citrus Mint green tea or similar mint green tea
  • 1 bag Peach Tranquility herbal tea or similar peach herbal tea
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey
  • 4 ounces store-bought lemonade

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or electric kettle
  • Large mug (16 ounce capacity minimum)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small spoon for stirring
  • Citrus juicer or reamer
  • Fine mesh strainer (if using loose leaf tea)

Method
 

  1. Bring 8 ounces of water to just below boiling, around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Water that is too hot will make the green tea bitter and destroy some of the honey's beneficial properties.
  2. Pour 4 ounces of lemonade into a microwave-safe container and heat for about 30 seconds until warm. Alternatively, heat it gently in a small saucepan on the stovetop.
  3. Place both the mint green tea bag and the peach herbal tea bag into your large mug.
  4. Carefully pour the hot water over both tea bags in the mug. Make sure the bags are fully submerged so they can release their full flavor.
  5. Let the tea bags steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Steeping longer will intensify the flavor, but going past 4 minutes risks making the green tea taste bitter.
  6. Gently squeeze the tea bags against the side of the mug to extract remaining flavor, then discard them. Pour in the warmed lemonade and give it a quick stir.
  7. Squeeze in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey depending on your sweetness preference. Stir thoroughly until the honey completely dissolves into the warm liquid.
  8. Take a small sip and adjust the flavors to your liking. Add more honey for sweetness, more lemon for tartness, or a splash of hot water if the flavor feels too intense.
  9. Drink your Medicine Ball while it is still hot to enjoy the steam and full throat-soothing benefits.

Notes

For maximum sore throat relief, add a small slice of fresh ginger to steep with the tea bags for extra anti-inflammatory benefits. Use filtered water for the cleanest taste and warm your mug with hot water first to keep your drink hotter longer. Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference compared to bottled.