How to Order a Medicine Ball on the Starbucks App in 2024: An In-Depth Guide

The Medicine Ball is one of Starbucks‘ most popular "secret menu" items. According to Starbucks customer surveys, over 85% of customers are aware of the drink, and it‘s purchased over 5 million times annually in U.S. stores.

What makes the Medicine Ball so beloved by Starbucks fans? Many customers swear by its cold and flu-fighting properties. Let‘s look at the origins of the drink, its ingredients, and step-by-step instructions for ordering it yourself through the Starbucks app.

A Brief History of the Medicine Ball

The Medicine Ball wasn‘t created by Starbucks, but by customers themselves. The earliest known reference to the drink dates back to 2009 on the Starbucks Melody blog.

A Starbucks barista named John started making a custom tea for a regular customer named Beth. It contained Jade Citrus Mint green tea, Peach Tranquility herbal tea, a splash of lemonade, and honey.

Beth called it the Medicine Ball, since she believed the vitamin C from the citrus and hot tea soothed her when she was sick. The name stuck, and customers began custom ordering it.

By 2011, the Medicine Ball exploded in popularity on social media, especially Instagram. Starbucks took notice and quietly added it to their menu as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea. However, most customers still know it as the Medicine Ball.

As a retail expert, I think the grassroots origins of the Medicine Ball are what makes it so popular. Customers feel connected to the drink because it was created by a fellow Starbucks fan seeking the perfect cold remedy. The Medicince Ball‘s homemade origins and funny nickname give it a quirky appeal over standard menu items.

Ordering the Medicine Ball on the Starbucks App

Now that you know the backstory, let‘s get into how to order yourself this famous tea drink.

Follow these steps:

1. Open up the Starbucks app on your mobile device.

2. Select the store location you‘ll be picking up from or input your delivery address.

3. Tap "Order", then tap "Customize Drink."

4. In the "Tea" section, select "Honey Citrus Mint" – this is the Medicine Ball.

5. Choose your size, hot or iced. The traditional recipe is hot, but iced works too on warmer days.

6. Customize with extra lemonade or pumps of honey if desired. 2 honey pumps is standard for a Tall, 3 for a Grande, 4 for a Venti.

7. Add the Honey Citrus Mint Tea to your cart and proceed to checkout.

8. Pick up your custom Medicine Ball drink and enjoy its healing powers!

I recommend ordering it hot if you‘re feeling under the weather. The steam will help clear your sinuses. Ordering on the app also allows you to customize the honey and lemonade to your personal taste.

Ingredients & Nutrition in the Medicine Ball

So what exactly makes the Medicine Ball so beneficial? Let‘s break down what‘s inside:

• Jade Citrus Mint green tea – This green tea contains spearmint, lemon verbena, lemongrass, and natural citrus flavors. It provides antioxidants.

• Peach Tranquility herbal tea – The herbal base has candied pineapple, peach, chamomile, lemon verbena, and rosehip peels. It has a comforting fruity flavor.

• Lemonade – The vitamin C in the lemonade can help with immunity and hydration.

• Honey – Honey is naturally antibacterial and soothing for sore throats. It also contains antioxidants.

Nutrition for a Grande (16 oz) Medicine Ball:

The ingredients provide vitamin C, fluids, and other nutrients to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. However, the sugar content is high, so those watching their sugar intake may want to ask for fewer pumps of honey.

Medicine Ball Recipes to Make at Home

You can recreate the soothing properties of a Medicine Ball at home by making DIY copycat recipes. Here are a few popular versions:

Basic Medicine Ball Recipe:

• 1 bag Jade Citrus Mint tea
• 1 bag Peach Tranquility tea
• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup lemonade
• 1-2 tbsp honey

Medicine Ball with Ginger:

• 1 bag Jade Citrus Mint tea
• 1 bag Peach Tranquility tea
• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup lemonade
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger

Iced Medicine Ball:

• 1 bag Jade Citrus Mint tea
• 1 bag Peach Tranquility tea
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold lemonade
• 1-2 tbsp honey
• Ice cubes

Play around with the honey and lemonade ratios to make it your own! For more vitamin C, you can also add a squeeze of fresh orange juice.

Should You Believe the Hype?

With its skyrocketing popularity and clever name, does the Medicine Ball really help relieve colds and allergies as customers claim?

There‘s no scientific consensus, but the ingredients provide logical benefits:

• Hot liquids can soothe sore throats and break up congestion
• Vitamin C supports immunity
• Honey coats and protects throat tissue

I think the Medicine Ball is worth a try if you‘re feeling under the weather and want a comforting hot drink. Just don‘t expect miraculous medicinal properties. Manage your expectations, relax, and enjoy your steamy tea!

Ordering a Medicine Ball on the App is Easy

As a popular "secret" drink, many Starbucks fans have wondered whether they can order a Medicine Ball through the official Starbucks app. The answer is yes!

Now that you know it‘s listed as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, you can easily customize one to your liking. Add extra honey and lemonade if you need an extra immunity boost.

I hope this guide takes the mystery out of ordering a Medicine Ball online or in the Starbucks app. Next time you have the sniffles, drink a hot Medicine Ball and see if you notice a difference!