The Medicine Ball, also known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, has been a popular drink at Starbucks for years. This soothing beverage is made with a combination of tea, honey, and citrus, and is often sought after for its potential health benefits. But one question remains: is the Starbucks Medicine Ball sweet?
What’s in a Medicine Ball?
To answer this question, let’s first take a look at the ingredients that make up a Medicine Ball. According to Starbucks’ website, a Medicine Ball is made with:
- Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea
- Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion
- Honey
- Lemonade
- Ice
The Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea is a refreshing and caffeine-free tea that is infused with citrus and mint flavors. The Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion adds a fruity and slightly sweet flavor to the drink. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the lemonade gives the drink a bit of tartness.
The Role of Honey in the Medicine Ball
Honey is a key ingredient in the Medicine Ball, and it plays a significant role in determining the drink’s sweetness level. Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. It’s also a humectant, which means it helps retain moisture in the body.
In the Medicine Ball, honey is used to add sweetness and flavor to the drink. However, the amount of honey used can vary depending on the barista and the customer’s preferences. Some baristas may use more honey than others, which can affect the overall sweetness of the drink.
How Much Honey is in a Medicine Ball?
According to Starbucks’ nutrition information, a Medicine Ball made with 2 tea bags and 2 pumps of honey contains 34 grams of sugar. However, this amount can vary depending on the number of tea bags and pumps of honey used.
To give you a better idea, here’s a breakdown of the approximate amount of honey in a Medicine Ball:
- 1 pump of honey: 5-6 grams of sugar
- 2 pumps of honey: 10-12 grams of sugar
- 3 pumps of honey: 15-18 grams of sugar
As you can see, the amount of honey in a Medicine Ball can vary significantly depending on the number of pumps used.
The Sweetness Level of the Medicine Ball
So, is the Starbucks Medicine Ball sweet? The answer is yes, but the level of sweetness can vary depending on the amount of honey used.
On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being not sweet at all and 10 being extremely sweet, I would rate the Medicine Ball a 6 or 7. The honey adds a noticeable sweetness to the drink, but it’s not overpowering. The citrus and mint flavors help balance out the sweetness, creating a refreshing and soothing drink.
Comparing the Medicine Ball to Other Starbucks Drinks
To put the sweetness level of the Medicine Ball into perspective, let’s compare it to other popular Starbucks drinks.
- Caramel Macchiato: 8/10 (very sweet)
- Chai Tea Latte: 7/10 (sweet, but spicy)
- Caffè Latte: 5/10 (mildly sweet)
- Iced Coffee: 2/10 (not sweet at all)
As you can see, the Medicine Ball falls somewhere in the middle in terms of sweetness level. It’s sweeter than some drinks, but not as sweet as others.
Customizing the Medicine Ball to Your Taste
If you’re concerned about the sweetness level of the Medicine Ball, you can always customize it to your taste. Here are a few options:
- Ask for less honey: If you prefer your drinks less sweet, you can ask the barista to use less honey or no honey at all.
- Add more citrus: Adding a squeeze of lemon or a slice of orange can help balance out the sweetness of the honey.
- Try a different tea: If you prefer a less sweet tea, you can try substituting the Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea with a different tea, such as the Peach Tranquility Tea.
The Health Benefits of the Medicine Ball
In addition to its unique flavor, the Medicine Ball also has several potential health benefits. Here are a few:
- Soothes a sore throat: The honey and citrus in the Medicine Ball can help soothe a sore throat and calm a cough.
- Boosts immunity: The antioxidants in the tea and honey can help boost your immune system and protect against illness.
- Aids in digestion: The citrus and mint in the Medicine Ball can help aid in digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
The Calorie Count of the Medicine Ball
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you’ll be happy to know that the Medicine Ball is a relatively low-calorie drink. According to Starbucks’ nutrition information, a Medicine Ball made with 2 tea bags and 2 pumps of honey contains:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 0g
However, keep in mind that the calorie count can vary depending on the number of tea bags and pumps of honey used.
A Comparison of the Medicine Ball to Other Starbucks Drinks
To put the calorie count of the Medicine Ball into perspective, let’s compare it to other popular Starbucks drinks.
| Drink | Calories |
| — | — |
| Medicine Ball | 130 |
| Caramel Macchiato | 240 |
| Chai Tea Latte | 200 |
| Caffè Latte | 130 |
| Iced Coffee | 0 |
As you can see, the Medicine Ball is one of the lower-calorie options at Starbucks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Starbucks Medicine Ball is a sweet and soothing drink that is perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing pick-me-up. While the level of sweetness can vary depending on the amount of honey used, the drink is generally sweet but not overpowering. With its potential health benefits and low calorie count, the Medicine Ball is a great option for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious drink.
What is the Medicine Ball at Starbucks?
The Medicine Ball is a popular drink at Starbucks that is not listed on the official menu. It is a custom-made drink that is made with a combination of ingredients, including steamed lemonade, honey, and a tea infusion. The drink is often referred to as the “Cold and Flu” drink due to its soothing and medicinal properties.
The Medicine Ball is typically made with a combination of Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion, steamed lemonade, and honey. The drink is then topped with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of honey. The ingredients in the Medicine Ball are designed to help soothe a sore throat and calm a cough, making it a popular choice for customers who are feeling under the weather.
How do I order a Medicine Ball at Starbucks?
To order a Medicine Ball at Starbucks, you will need to ask your barista for a custom-made drink. You can say something like, “I would like a Medicine Ball, please” or “Can I get a Cold and Flu drink?” If your barista is not familiar with the drink, you can also ask for a Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion with steamed lemonade and honey.
It’s also a good idea to specify how much honey you would like in your drink, as some baristas may add more or less honey depending on their personal preference. You can also ask for any modifications, such as no honey or extra lemon, to make the drink to your liking.
What are the ingredients in a Medicine Ball?
The ingredients in a Medicine Ball include Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion, steamed lemonade, and honey. The Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion is a proprietary tea blend that is made with a combination of peach and citrus flavors. The steamed lemonade is made with freshly squeezed lemon juice and is steamed to a hot temperature to help soothe a sore throat.
The honey that is added to the Medicine Ball is a natural sweetener that is designed to help soothe a cough and calm a sore throat. The amount of honey that is added to the drink can vary depending on the barista and the customer’s personal preference.
Is the Medicine Ball a healthy drink option?
The Medicine Ball is a relatively healthy drink option compared to other Starbucks drinks. The Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion is a low-calorie tea blend that is made with natural ingredients. The steamed lemonade is also a low-calorie ingredient that is made with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
However, the honey that is added to the Medicine Ball is a source of sugar and calories. Depending on the amount of honey that is added, the Medicine Ball can range from 100 to 200 calories per serving. Overall, the Medicine Ball is a healthy drink option that can be enjoyed in moderation.
Can I make a Medicine Ball at home?
Yes, you can make a Medicine Ball at home using a few simple ingredients. You will need to purchase a Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion or a similar tea blend, as well as freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey. You can also use a pre-made lemonade mix if you prefer.
To make a Medicine Ball at home, simply steep the tea infusion in hot water, then mix it with steamed lemonade and honey. You can adjust the amount of honey to your taste, and add any other ingredients, such as a slice of lemon or a sprinkle of cinnamon, to make the drink to your liking.
Is the Medicine Ball a seasonal drink?
The Medicine Ball is not a seasonal drink and is available year-round at Starbucks. However, it is more popular during the winter months when cold and flu season is in full swing. During this time, many customers turn to the Medicine Ball as a soothing and medicinal drink to help alleviate their symptoms.
Even though the Medicine Ball is not a seasonal drink, some baristas may not be familiar with the drink during the off-season. If this is the case, you can simply ask for a Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion with steamed lemonade and honey, and the barista should be able to make the drink for you.
Can I customize my Medicine Ball?
Yes, you can customize your Medicine Ball to your liking. Some popular modifications include adding an extra pump of honey, using a different type of tea infusion, or adding a slice of lemon or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also ask for no honey or less honey if you prefer a less sweet drink.
Additionally, you can ask for a Medicine Ball with a different type of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, if you are lactose intolerant or prefer a non-dairy milk. You can also ask for a Medicine Ball with a shot of espresso if you want an extra boost of caffeine.