Navigating the Starbucks app can feel a little overwhelming sometimes, especially when you’re craving a specific drink. If you’re looking for a comforting and soothing beverage, the Medicine Ball, also known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea, is a popular choice. This guide will walk you through ordering your Medicine Ball via the Starbucks app with ease, ensuring you get the perfect cup every time.
Understanding the Medicine Ball
Before diving into the app, let’s briefly discuss what makes the Medicine Ball so special. This beverage isn’t officially on the Starbucks menu by that name, but it’s widely recognized. It’s a custom blend of hot water, steamed lemonade, a combination of Jade Citrus Mint Tea and Peach Tranquility Tea bags, and honey. The drink is designed to be soothing and is often enjoyed during cold and flu season, hence the nickname “Medicine Ball.” It’s a comforting combination of citrus, mint, and peach flavors that can provide a refreshing and comforting sensation.
Setting Up Your Starbucks App
First, ensure you have the Starbucks app downloaded and installed on your smartphone. The app is available for both iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play Store) devices.
Once the app is installed, you’ll need to either create an account or log in to your existing one. Creating an account is simple and requires your name, email address, and a password. You’ll also have the option to add a Starbucks card or payment method for easy transactions. Having a Starbucks Rewards account also allows you to earn stars with each purchase, which can be redeemed for free drinks and food.
Adding a Payment Method
Before you can order, you need to add a payment method to your account. The app accepts various payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and Starbucks cards. To add a payment method, navigate to the “Payment” section within the app settings. Follow the prompts to enter your card details securely. You can also add multiple payment methods and select your preferred one at checkout.
Location Services
Make sure your location services are enabled for the Starbucks app. This allows the app to identify nearby Starbucks locations, making the ordering process smoother. You can usually find the location settings in your phone’s settings menu under “Privacy” or “Location.”
Navigating the Starbucks App to Order
Now that your app is set up, let’s walk through the steps to order your Medicine Ball.
Starting Your Order
Open the Starbucks app and tap on the “Order” icon located at the bottom of the screen. This will take you to the ordering interface where you can browse the menu and customize your drink.
Finding the Ingredients Individually
Since the Medicine Ball isn’t an official menu item, you’ll need to add each component individually. This might seem a little tedious, but it’s the key to getting your desired drink.
Adding Hot Water and Steamed Lemonade
Start by searching for “Hot Water” in the search bar. Select the “Hot Water” option and add it to your order. Next, search for “Lemonade”. Choose “Lemonade” and in the customization options, select “Steamed”. Now, add the Steamed Lemonade to your order.
Adjust the sizes of both the Hot Water and Steamed Lemonade to match your desired cup size (e.g., Tall, Grande, Venti). Remember that the proportions of each ingredient contribute to the overall flavor balance of your Medicine Ball.
Adding the Tea Bags
This is where the magic happens. You’ll need to add the Jade Citrus Mint Tea and Peach Tranquility Tea. Search for “Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Tea”. Add it to your order. Then search for “Peach Tranquility Brewed Tea” and add it to your order as well.
In the customization options for each tea, you’ll find a section for “Tea Bags.” You’ll need to specify “Customize”. For both tea types, choose the correct number of tea bags for your size. A general guideline is one tea bag of each type for a Tall, two tea bags of each type for a Grande, and two of each type for a Venti. Adding extra tea bags can make the drink stronger, so adjust to your preference.
Adding Honey
Finally, add honey to your drink. You won’t find “Honey” as a standalone item. Instead, customize the “Hot Water” you added earlier. Under the “Add-ins” section, you’ll find “Honey”. Select the number of honey packets you desire. A good starting point is one or two packets for a Tall, two or three for a Grande, and three or four for a Venti.
Reviewing Your Order
Before proceeding to checkout, carefully review your order to ensure all the ingredients and customizations are correct. Double-check the sizes, the number of tea bags, and the amount of honey. This step is crucial to avoiding any discrepancies when you pick up your drink.
Customizing Your Medicine Ball
The beauty of ordering through the app is the ability to customize your drink to your exact liking. Here are some popular customizations:
Adjusting Sweetness
You can adjust the sweetness of your Medicine Ball by adding more or fewer honey packets. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with fewer packets and add more later if needed.
Temperature
While the standard recipe calls for hot water and steamed lemonade, you can request that the drink be made with extra hot water if you prefer a warmer beverage. Alternatively, you can ask for less hot water and a splash of cold water if you want it slightly cooler.
Tea Strength
As mentioned earlier, you can adjust the strength of the tea by adding more or fewer tea bags. If you find the standard recipe too weak, add an extra tea bag of each type. If you find it too strong, reduce the number of tea bags.
Adding Ginger
Some people like to add a pump or two of ginger syrup for an extra layer of flavor and potential health benefits. You can find ginger syrup under the “Syrups” section when customizing your drink.
Placing Your Order
Once you’re satisfied with your customizations, tap on the “Add to Order” button. This will add your customized Medicine Ball ingredients to your virtual shopping cart.
Selecting a Starbucks Location
The app will display a list of nearby Starbucks locations. Choose the location where you want to pick up your order. Pay attention to the estimated wait times, which can vary depending on the location and time of day.
Choosing Pickup Method
You’ll typically have the option to choose between in-store pickup, curbside pickup (at select locations), or delivery (if available). Select your preferred pickup method.
Paying for Your Order
Review your order one last time and then proceed to payment. The app will use your preferred payment method to complete the transaction. You can also use a Starbucks card or reload your card if necessary.
Confirming Your Order
After your payment is processed, you’ll receive an order confirmation screen with an estimated pickup time. You’ll also receive a notification when your order is ready.
Picking Up Your Medicine Ball
Head to your selected Starbucks location and follow the instructions for your chosen pickup method. If you selected in-store pickup, your order will usually be waiting for you at the designated mobile order pickup area. If you opted for curbside pickup, follow the instructions in the app to notify the store that you’ve arrived.
Confirming Your Order
When you receive your drink, double-check that it matches your order details. Verify the size, ingredients, and any customizations you requested. If there are any discrepancies, politely inform the barista so they can correct the issue.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to address them:
The App Isn’t Showing the Right Ingredients
If you can’t find specific ingredients like the tea types, try searching using slightly different keywords. For example, instead of “Jade Citrus Mint Tea,” try “Jade Citrus.” Also, ensure your app is up to date, as older versions might have outdated menus.
The Barista Doesn’t Understand “Medicine Ball”
Since “Medicine Ball” isn’t an official menu item, some baristas might not be familiar with the name. In this case, simply explain the ingredients: hot water, steamed lemonade, Jade Citrus Mint Tea, Peach Tranquility Tea, and honey. Providing the recipe will ensure they can prepare your drink correctly.
The Order Is Taking Longer Than Expected
Wait times can vary depending on the store’s volume and staffing levels. If your order is taking significantly longer than the estimated time, politely inquire with a barista about the status of your order.
Alternative Ordering Methods
While ordering through the app is convenient, there are alternative methods to consider:
Ordering in Person
You can always order your Medicine Ball directly from a barista in the store. Simply provide the recipe, and they should be able to prepare it for you. This is a good option if you prefer a more personal interaction or if you have complex customizations.
Ordering via Phone
Some Starbucks locations may accept phone orders, although this is becoming less common. Check with your local store to see if this is an option.
Ordering a Medicine Ball at Starbucks through the app might seem like a multi-step process at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s quick and easy. By following this guide, you can customize your drink to your exact preferences and enjoy a comforting and soothing beverage whenever you need it. The flexibility to adjust sweetness, tea strength, and even add additional flavors like ginger makes the app a powerful tool for crafting your perfect cup. Embrace the customization options, experiment with different variations, and enjoy your personalized Medicine Ball!
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Can I really order a Medicine Ball at Starbucks through the app?
Yes, you absolutely can! The Starbucks app allows you to customize and order almost anything on the menu, including the popular Medicine Ball (also known as the Honey Citrus Mint Tea). The app streamlines the ordering process, saving you time and allowing you to skip the line in-store.
By using the app, you can also save your favorite customizations to the Medicine Ball, making reordering in the future even faster. Plus, you can earn Stars with every purchase, which can be redeemed for free drinks and food.
What ingredients do I need to add to create a Medicine Ball through the app?
To order a Medicine Ball on the app, you will need to start with the Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Tea and Peach Tranquility Brewed Tea. These are the base teas. You will then add steamed lemonade and honey. These ingredients can typically be found under the “Customize” section after selecting either of the tea bases.
Make sure to check the customization settings to ensure you’re getting the correct proportions. For example, you’ll want to ensure you select the steamed lemonade option and specify the desired amount of honey packets. Some people also add a pump of peppermint syrup for an extra soothing effect, which can be added in the syrup customization section.
Where can I find the Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility teas in the Starbucks app menu?
You can locate the Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility teas under the “Hot Teas” section of the Starbucks app menu. Navigate to the “Drinks” tab, then select “Hot Teas,” and you’ll find both teas listed there. Alternatively, you can also use the search function within the app by typing in “Jade Citrus Mint” or “Peach Tranquility.”
Once you’ve found either tea, you can select it and then tap on the “Customize” button. This will allow you to add the necessary ingredients to create your Medicine Ball, such as steamed lemonade and honey. Be sure to double-check that you have selected the correct tea and added all the desired customizations before placing your order.
How do I customize the Medicine Ball ingredients, like adding more honey or peppermint?
After selecting either the Jade Citrus Mint or Peach Tranquility tea base in the Starbucks app, you will see a “Customize” button. Tapping this button will bring you to a screen with various customization options, including sweeteners, milk, and syrups. Look for the “Honey” option under Sweeteners, and you can specify the number of honey packets you’d like to add.
If you want to add peppermint syrup, scroll down to the “Syrups” section. Select “Peppermint Syrup” and choose the desired number of pumps. You can also adjust the amount of steamed lemonade in the “Add-ins” section, if available, or by specifying instructions in the “Special Instructions” field.
Can I save my Medicine Ball order as a favorite in the Starbucks app?
Yes, you can definitely save your custom Medicine Ball order as a favorite in the Starbucks app for quicker ordering in the future. After you’ve created your Medicine Ball with all your desired customizations, look for the “Save” or “Add to Favorites” option, typically represented by a heart icon, on the order confirmation screen.
Tapping this icon will save your customized drink to your favorites list. The next time you want to order a Medicine Ball, simply go to your “Favorites” section in the app, select your saved order, and make any last-minute adjustments if needed. This saves you time and ensures you get your Medicine Ball exactly the way you like it every time.
What if the Starbucks app doesn’t list the Medicine Ball as a menu item?
The Medicine Ball is not officially listed as a menu item on the Starbucks app. It is a customized drink built from existing menu items. This is why you must manually create it by combining the Jade Citrus Mint and Peach Tranquility teas with steamed lemonade and honey.
If you’re having trouble finding specific ingredients or customization options, try using the search function within the app. If you still can’t find what you need, consider ordering in person at the store and explaining your desired drink to the barista. They should be familiar with the Medicine Ball recipe.
Are there any similar drinks to the Medicine Ball available directly on the Starbucks app menu?
While there isn’t an exact “Medicine Ball” drink listed directly on the Starbucks app menu, you might find similar options or variations. Look for tea lattes or other tea-based drinks that include honey and citrus flavors. These drinks might offer a similar soothing effect, although they won’t be the exact same recipe.
Consider exploring the “Refreshers” section of the menu, as some of those drinks include citrus and fruit flavors that could appeal to you. You could also try customizing a drink that’s already on the menu to include ingredients similar to the Medicine Ball’s ingredients. However, the true Medicine Ball experience comes from the specific combination of ingredients created through customization.
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