10 Facts You Never Knew About Starbucks Medicine Ball
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, you’ve probably heard of the infamous Starbucks Medicine Ball, also known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea. This herbal tea concoction has gained widespread popularity due to its supposed cold-fighting properties and unique taste. However, there are several fascinating facts about this drink that you probably never knew. Here are ten little-known facts about Starbucks’ popular Medicine Ball.
1. It Wasn’t Created By Starbucks
Although Starbucks is widely credited for inventing the Medicine Ball, the drink wasn’t actually created by the coffee giant. The drink’s origins trace back to a barista named Brandon Wells, who concocted the recipe in 2016 while working at a Dallas-based Teavana store. Starbucks later bought the Teavana chain in 2017 and added the Medicine Ball to its menu under the current name.
2. It’s Off-Menu
Despite its popularity, you won’t find the Medicine Ball listed on Starbucks’ official menu. The drink is considered a secret menu item, meaning it’s not advertised but can be requested from the barista. Since it’s not an official menu item, some Starbucks locations may not know how to prepare the drink.
3. It’s Not a Miracle Cure
Many people believe that the Medicine Ball can cure cold and flu symptoms almost instantly. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. While the drink’s ingredients, such as honey and ginger, are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s unlikely that drinking the Medicine Ball alone will cure a cold.
4. It’s a Tea Latte
The Medicine Ball is technically a tea latte, which means it’s made with steamed milk. The original recipe calls for the tea to be steeped in half water and half steamed lemonade, which creates a creamy and frothy texture. Since the drink has gained popularity, many baristas have added their own twists, including using coconut milk or almond milk as a substitute.
5. It Has Four Ingredients
The Medicine Ball may seem complex, but it only has four ingredients: Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea, Teavana Peach Tranquility tea, honey, and lemonade. The tea bags are steeped in hot water, and then the honey and lemonade are added to the mix. The drink can be served hot or iced, depending on your preference.
6. It’s Not Vegan
Despite its all-natural ingredients, the Medicine Ball is not suitable for vegans due to the honey in the recipe. Honey is considered an animal byproduct, and many vegans avoid it for ethical reasons. However, some Starbucks locations offer a vegan-friendly version of the Medicine Ball, made with agave nectar instead of honey.
7. It’s Named After a Basketball Movement
The Medicine Ball gets its name from the popular basketball drill of the same name. The drill involves a player holding a heavy medicine ball and performing various exercises to improve strength, coordination, and agility. Starbucks named the drink after the drill due to its supposed immune-boosting properties.
8. It’s Not Available Worldwide
Despite its popularity in the United States, the Medicine Ball is not available in all countries. Starbucks locations in the UK and Australia, for example, do not offer the drink. However, the recipe has been shared widely on social media and can be replicated at home using Teavana tea bags and other ingredients.
9. It’s a Best-Seller in the Winter
Although the Medicine Ball is available year-round, it’s especially popular during the winter months when cold and flu season is in full swing. In fact, the drink is one of Starbucks’ best-selling items during this time of year, along with the classic hot chocolate and peppermint mocha.
10. It’s Easy to Customize
One of the best things about the Medicine Ball is that it’s easy to customize according to your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of honey or lemonade to make the drink sweeter or more tart. You can also experiment with different tea blends or add extra ingredients like ginger or cinnamon to enhance the flavor.
In conclusion, the Starbucks Medicine Ball is a unique and tasty herbal tea that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. While there is little scientific evidence to support its supposed health benefits, many people swear by its soothing properties during cold and flu season. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, the Medicine Ball is a delicious and customizable drink that’s worth trying at least once.
