In a TikTok posted on Dec. 16, Jason Carmorlinga (@misterjason), a Starbucks barista, gives the side eye to a customer who orders a “medicine ball”—a nickname for the chain’s Honey Citrus Mint Tea. It is also known as the “Cold Buster.“
According to Better Homes & Gardens, the drink includes two types of tea, hot water, lemonade, and honey.
The TikTok, which has over 5 million views, is set to a coughing sound. "No 'cause [y'all] don't even hide it," Carmorlinga wrote in the video's caption, referencing customers entering Starbucks while sick.
@misterjason no cause yall dont even hide it ? StayHome Starbucks Barista
♬ original sound - Jillian !
In the video's comments section, Carmorlinga said that the customer he made the TikTok about "coughed on the merchandise" in the store.
"Mmmm COVID holiday cups!" he added.
Carmorlinga told the Daily Dot in an Instagram direct message that he receives more orders for the medicine ball during the winter.
“It’s always been known as a drink to ‘cure’ a simple sore throat just like any hot tea would,” he told the Daily Dot
Other baristas commented on the video as well.
"Why this woman [ask] me to make hers with extra medicine today," commented @hobiskasa. "Miss girl I'm a barista not a pharmacist."
"They always think [it's] some type of [medicine] in there," wrote @byakuganpr1ncess. "Baby it's lemonade lmfao."
"When they say medicine ball and not honey citrus mint," which is the name of the drink on Starbucks' menu, commented @snacswell. "Honey I need you to pull that mask up for me."
The Daily Dot has reached out to Starbucks.
This post has been updated with a statement from Carmorlinga.
