How to Make Honey Citrus Mint Tea Like Starbucks

By James Wilson · January 24, 2026

If you're wondering how to make honey citrus mint tea like the one served at Starbucks, the answer is simple: combine fresh orange slices, lemon juice, spearmint leaves, hot water, and honey for a refreshing, naturally sweet herbal infusion. While Starbucks doesn't sell this exact drink on its official menu, it's a popular custom order inspired by their Teavana Mint Majesty and Honey Citrus Mint Tea variations. This guide breaks down how to recreate it perfectly at home with barista-style tips, ingredient insights, and optimal brewing techniques.

Understanding Honey Citrus Mint Tea at Starbucks

Although not listed as a standard beverage, honey citrus mint tea has become a fan-favorite custom creation at Starbucks, often requested during colder months for its soothing, immune-supportive profile. It blends elements from existing offerings like the Steamed Apple Spice and Peppermint Mocha, but uses real fruit and herbs for a cleaner taste.

Why This Drink Is Popular

Perceived health benefits from vitamin C and antioxidants
Natural sweetness without refined sugar
Calming effect of mint, ideal for relaxation or digestion
Customizable temperature: served hot or iced
Gluten-free, vegan (if honey substitute used), and low-calorie

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

The magic of this tea lies in the synergy between its components. Each ingredient contributes flavor, aroma, and potential wellness properties.

Honey: Nature’s Sweetener

Raw, unfiltered honey adds antimicrobial properties and smooth sweetness. Opt for local honey to potentially support seasonal allergy resistance.

Fresh Citrus (Orange & Lemon)

Oranges provide natural fructose and vibrant color, while lemon juice boosts acidity and enhances antioxidant absorption (especially flavonoids).

Fresh Spearmint Leaves

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) offers a mild, sweet mint flavor—less intense than peppermint—making it perfect for daily consumption. It contains rosmarinic acid, known for anti-inflammatory effects.

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

Recreating the Starbucks-style honey citrus mint tea requires attention to temperature, steeping time, and ingredient ratios.

What You’ll Need

1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
1 orange slice (preferably blood orange for depth)
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp loosely packed fresh spearmint leaves
1–2 tsp raw honey (adjust to taste)
Optional: cinnamon stick or star anise for spice notes

Instructions

Place mint leaves and orange slice in a heatproof mug.
Pour just-boiled water over ingredients.
Cover and steep for 5 minutes (do not exceed 6 minutes to avoid bitterness).
Strain into another cup if desired.
Add lemon juice and honey; stir until dissolved.
Serve immediately. For iced version, chill and pour over ice.

Starbucks Customization Tips

Want to order this at Starbucks? Use these pro tips:

Ask for "Teavana Mint Majesty tea with fresh orange, lemon juice, and honey."
Request steamed instead of hot water for creamier texture.
Add a pump of honey syrup (about 0.5 fl oz) if you prefer sweeter taste.
Swap honey with agave for a vegan option.
Add a splash of coconut milk for a latte-style twist.

Nutritional Comparison: Homemade vs. Starbucks Version

Nutrient	Homemade (per serving)	Starbucks Tall (12 oz) Estimate
Calories	60 kcal	90 kcal
Total Sugar	15g	22g
Honey Content	2 tsp (10g)	1 pump + added honey (~15g)
Vitamin C	25mg (28% DV)	~30mg (33% DV)
Caffeine	0 mg	0 mg

Table data source:1, 2

The homemade version contains fewer sugars and calories due to control over honey quantity and absence of pre-made syrups. Both versions are caffeine-free and rich in vitamin C thanks to citrus content. Using fresh ingredients maximizes phytonutrient retention compared to processed alternatives.

Best Tools and Accessories

To achieve consistent results, consider investing in these tools:

Teapot with infuser: Allows full leaf expansion for better extraction.
Temperature-controlled kettle: Ideal for delicate herbs (steep below 200°F/93°C).
Wooden honey dipper: Preserves beneficial enzymes destroyed by metal spoons.
Glass mugs: Let you monitor steeping color and clarity.

About XX Common Questions

Is honey citrus mint tea available on the official Starbucks menu?

No, honey citrus mint tea is not listed on the official Starbucks menu. However, it can be made as a custom drink using Teavana Mint Majesty tea, fresh orange slices, lemon juice, and honey. Baristas are generally familiar with this request, especially in regions where seasonal herbal teas are popular.

Can I make this tea cold or iced?

Yes, absolutely. To make iced honey citrus mint tea, brew the tea as usual, then cool it completely before pouring over ice. Alternatively, try cold brewing: steep ingredients in room-temperature water for 6–8 hours in the fridge for a smoother, less acidic taste.

What type of honey should I use?

For best flavor and health benefits, use raw, unfiltered honey. Manuka honey is excellent for immune support, while local wildflower honey may help with regional allergies. Avoid ultra-processed honeys that lack live enzymes and antioxidants.

Are there any side effects of drinking this tea regularly?

Generally safe, but excessive consumption may lead to high sugar intake even from natural sources. Mint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening acid reflux in sensitive individuals. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before consuming large amounts of mint.

How does this tea support immunity?

The combination of vitamin C from citrus, antimicrobial compounds in honey, and antioxidant-rich polyphenols in mint supports immune function. While not a cure, regular consumption during cold season may reduce symptom severity and duration due to synergistic bioactive compounds.