There’s a certain satisfaction in making a cup of tea that feels like a warm hug in a mug. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably heard about that popular “medicine ball” tea that’s taken the world by storm, thanks to a certain coffee chain. It’s that magical blend of citrusy tea with a hint of honey that just feels right when the weather turns chilly or you’re feeling a bit under the weather. But as much as I love grabbing one of those on a drive-through run, I wanted to try my hand at something homemade, something I could pull out from my freezer whenever I needed that little pick-me-up. Enter: Homemade Medicine Ball Tea Bombs.
It all started after I stumbled upon a local coffee shop during a weekend stroll. They had their own take on the drink, with an added punch of fresh ginger that was so good, I found myself going back for it again and again. But then I thought—what if I could make a version of this at home, and what if I could make it even easier to prepare? That’s when I got the idea for these tea bombs: little frozen flavor-packed cubes, ready to turn a cup of hot mint tea into a soothing, citrusy elixir.
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The Magic of Homemade Medicine Ball Tea Bombs
These Homemade Medicine Ball Tea Bombs are a dream for anyone who loves a warm, comforting drink. They’re like tiny flavor pods that melt right into your tea, cooling it down while also releasing the perfect balance of lemony brightness, ginger warmth, and honeyed sweetness. All you need are some lemons, a piece of fresh ginger, and a bit of honey—plus a little patience while they freeze up into icy gems of goodness.
Not only are they perfect for brewing up a cozy cup of tea on a cold day, but they’re also great for experimenting. Drop one into a hot toddy for a ginger twist or mix it with some sparkling water for a DIY lemon-ginger soda. The best part? You don’t have to measure or chop anything when you’re feeling too tired to think—all the hard work is already done!
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Homemade Medicine Ball Tea Bombs
Make these Homemade Medicine Ball Tea Bombs ahead, and have them on hand for a sniffle or immune boost any time!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freezing Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 tea cubes 1x
- Category: Beverages
Ingredients
- 5 lemons, washed, squeezed, and zested
- 1 piece of fresh ginger (about 3 inches), scrubbed and washed
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- Mint tea bags
Instructions
- Combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, ginger, raw honey, and water in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight.
- When you’re ready to enjoy a soothing drink, steep a mint tea bag in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Drop a frozen cube into the tea and stir until dissolved. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredients: More Than Just Citrus and Spice
The secret to these Homemade Medicine Ball Tea Bombs lies in their ingredients, each chosen for its unique health benefits and role in creating a balanced, soothing flavor. Here’s what makes this blend so comforting and why it’s earned the nickname “medicine ball”:
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which can support immune function and help to fend off colds. The juice provides a bright, tangy flavor that can cut through congestion, while the zest contains essential oils that add a deeper citrus aroma. These natural oils can have calming effects, making your drink feel more vibrant and uplifting—perfect for those days when you’re feeling a bit run down.
- Fresh Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is a classic home remedy for soothing sore throats and easing digestive discomfort. Its natural heat provides a gentle warming sensation that can help alleviate chills and relax sore muscles. Plus, ginger is rich in antioxidants, making it a go-to ingredient for overall wellness. Its spicy kick pairs beautifully with lemon, adding a bit of a zing that makes each sip feel extra invigorating.
- Honey: More than just a sweetener, honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to calm coughs and soothe irritated throats. It has antimicrobial properties, which can be especially helpful when you’re dealing with a scratchy throat. Honey also acts as a humectant, helping to coat and protect the throat while adding a gentle, natural sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon and the warmth of the ginger.
- Mint Tea: The final piece of the puzzle, mint tea adds a refreshing layer to this blend. Mint is known for its soothing effects on the digestive system and its ability to open up nasal passages, making it a great companion for combating congestion or sinus pressure. The coolness of the mint balances the warmth of the ginger, creating a harmonious blend that feels both energizing and calming.
Together, these ingredients work in tandem to create a comforting, health-boosting beverage. The vitamin C in the lemon supports your immune system, ginger’s anti-inflammatory benefits help with respiratory discomfort, honey soothes irritation, and mint offers a cooling relief. It’s these healthful elements that make Homemade Medicine Ball Tea Bombs a perfect go-to when you need a bit of extra support, whether you’re battling a cold or just looking for a cozy pick-me-up.
The Making of a Tea Bomb: Challenges and Surprises
Now, I won’t pretend that making Homemade Medicine Ball Tea Bombs went perfectly on my first try. Like any good experiment in the kitchen, there were a few surprises along the way. The first thing I learned was that blending a whole lemon was asking for a bitterness I couldn’t get past, which is why I stuck with fresh lemon juice and zest. I also quickly learned that using a high-speed blender is key. My first batch, made with a less-than-powerful blender, ended up with tiny bits of ginger floating around—definitely not the smooth, elegant infusion I had imagined. But once I upgraded my blender game, it was smooth sailing.
Another unexpected twist? The silicone ice cube trays. They’re a lifesaver when it comes to getting those frozen tea bombs out without a struggle. My first attempt, using an old-school hard plastic tray, had me banging it on the counter until I thought I might crack both the tray and my patience. If you’ve ever tried to wrestle a frozen cube out of one of those, you know exactly what I mean.
But once I got the hang of it, the process turned into a sort of meditative ritual. Squeezing the lemons, blending everything together, and popping the trays into the freezer felt like a little gift I was giving my future self. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing those neat little cubes lined up, waiting to become the base of a cozy drink.
How It Tastes
When you drop one of these Homemade Medicine Ball Tea Bombs into a steaming cup of tea, it’s just so warm and nurturing to your nervous system, at the least! The lemon and ginger strike a perfect balance—zesty, warming, and just sweet enough from the honey. The texture of the melted tea bomb gives the drink a slightly richer mouthfeel, almost like a very light syrup that dissolves seamlessly into your hot tea.
The fresh ginger gives a kick that’s more potent than store-bought ginger teas, while the lemon zest adds a floral note that elevates the whole experience. Compared to other tea bag based teas, these tea bombs have a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Tips for First-Timers
- Use a high-speed blender for a smooth blend.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference—trust me!
- Silicone ice cube trays make releasing the tea bombs much easier.
- Blend in small batches if you’re working with a smaller blender.
- Taste the mixture before freezing. If it’s too tart, add a bit more honey.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Honey: For a vegan option, swap the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup.
- Ginger: If you’re sensitive to fresh ginger, use less.
If you’re looking for a way to bring a little extra warmth into your life, these Homemade Medicine Ball Tea Bombs are definitely worth a try. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for those days when you just want to curl up with a hot cup of something special. Plus, they’re an easy way to add a homemade touch to your tea routine. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you, so don’t forget to leave a comment below if you give them a try!
And if you’re looking to grow your own lemon tree or want to learn more about caring for citrus, view our Lemon Gardening Guide for all the tips and tricks you need. Happy cooking and gardening!
sounds delish! but you left out the amount of water in the recipe!!!!
The mixture going into the blender does blender does not require water and the instructions for the “tea” were clear in the recipe: “steep a mint tea bag in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes.”
Your recipe sounds great and I can’t wait to try it. The number 1 instruction mentions to put all ingredients including water into blender. Based on your comment to the other person, there is to be no water added. You may want to update number 1 under instructions.
It does say to add water to blender in the first step of the instructions- but water is not mentioned in list of ingredients. I read and reread the article to see if I had missed it as well.