How to Make the Honey Citrus Mint Tea From Starbucks?
Creating your own Starbucks Honey Citrus Mint Tea at home is easier than you think! The recipe involves combining a citrusy blend of hot water, lemonade, and honey with tea bags of jade citrus mint tea and peach tranquility tea. You’ll have a delicious and soothing beverage in minutes.
A Soothing Sip: The Honey Citrus Mint Tea’s Story
The Honey Citrus Mint Tea, affectionately nicknamed the “Medicine Ball” by some, rose to fame as a comforting and restorative drink, particularly during cold and flu season. While Starbucks doesn’t officially market it as a remedy, its blend of soothing ingredients like lemon, honey, and mint has resonated with customers seeking a warm and gentle pick-me-up. Its popularity has led many to seek a way to recreate it at home.
Benefits Beyond the Buzz
Beyond its delicious taste, the Honey Citrus Mint Tea offers potential benefits:
- Hydration: Essential for overall health, especially when feeling under the weather.
- Soothing Properties: The combination of honey and lemon can ease sore throats.
- Antioxidants: Tea, particularly green tea like jade citrus mint, is packed with antioxidants.
- Vitamin C: Lemonade provides a boost of vitamin C.
However, it’s important to note that this tea is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
The Recipe: Crafting Your Own Comfort
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own Honey Citrus Mint Tea at home:
Ingredients:
- Hot Water (12 oz)
- Lemonade (6 oz)
- Honey (1-2 tablespoons, to taste)
- Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea bag (or similar green tea with mint and lemon)
- Teavana Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea bag (or similar peach herbal tea)
- Optional: Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat water to near boiling (around 200°F/93°C).
- Combine hot water and lemonade in a mug.
- Add honey and stir until dissolved.
- Steep both tea bags in the mixture for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove tea bags.
- Garnish with lemon slices, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Variations & Customizations
The beauty of making this tea at home is the ability to customize it to your preferences. Consider these variations:
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. You can also use other sweeteners like agave or maple syrup.
- Tea Strength: Adjust the steeping time of the tea bags to control the strength of the tea.
- Citrus Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice for an extra citrusy kick.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of ginger or a dash of cinnamon can add warmth and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While the recipe is simple, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Over-Steeping: Steeping the tea bags for too long can result in a bitter taste.
- Using Boiling Water: Boiling water can scorch the tea leaves, affecting the flavor. Use near-boiling water instead.
- Ignoring Tea Quality: Investing in high-quality tea bags will significantly improve the taste of your tea.
- Skipping the Lemonade: The lemonade adds a crucial element of sweetness and tartness that complements the other flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t have the exact ingredients? Here are some substitutes you can use:
| Original Ingredient | Possible Substitute |
|---|---|
| Teavana Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea | Green tea with mint and lemon flavoring |
| Teavana Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea | Peach herbal tea (caffeine-free) |
| Lemonade | Lemon juice with sugar or simple syrup (to taste) |
Equipment Needed
The equipment required is minimal:
- Mug
- Kettle or pot for heating water
- Spoon for stirring
- Optional: Tea infuser (if using loose leaf tea)
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
This information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80-120 |
| Carbohydrates | 20-30g |
| Sugar | 15-25g |
| Vitamin C | Varies depending on lemonade |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this tea ahead of time?
Yes, you can brew the tea and lemonade mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to add the honey and tea bags just before serving for optimal flavor.
Is this tea good for a sore throat?
While not a medical cure, the combination of honey, lemon, and warm liquid can provide temporary relief from a sore throat. Honey is known for its soothing properties, and lemon can help to thin mucus.
Can I use loose leaf tea instead of tea bags?
Absolutely! If you prefer loose leaf tea, use approximately 1-2 teaspoons of each tea per serving. Use a tea infuser or strainer to prevent the leaves from ending up in your drink.
What if I don’t have Teavana teas?
No problem! Look for similar green tea with mint and lemon flavoring and a peach herbal tea. Many brands offer comparable options. Experiment to find your favorite blend.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Feel free to add other herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, or cinnamon for added flavor and potential health benefits.
Is this tea caffeinated?
The Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea contains caffeine. If you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, choose a caffeine-free green tea or omit it altogether.
Can I use sugar instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute sugar for honey. However, honey adds a unique flavor and potential health benefits. Use approximately the same amount of sugar as you would honey, adjusting to your taste.
How can I make a larger batch of this tea?
Simply scale the recipe accordingly. For example, to make a batch for four people, multiply all the ingredients by four.
Can I use iced lemonade instead of hot lemonade?
While the original recipe calls for hot lemonade, you can experiment with iced lemonade for a chilled version. However, the warmth of the tea is part of its comforting appeal.
What’s the best type of honey to use?
The best type of honey to use is whichever one you enjoy the most! Raw honey is often preferred for its potential health benefits.
Can I add fresh ginger to the tea?
Yes! Adding a small piece of fresh ginger while steeping the tea bags can add a wonderful spicy kick and potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
How long will the tea stay hot?
The tea will typically stay hot for around 15-20 minutes, depending on the temperature of your mug and the ambient temperature. Using a thermos or insulated mug will help to keep it warm for longer.