Want the best coffee liqueur? Skip the Kahlua and opt for Tia Maria! This smoother, refined spin on Kahlua is absolutely worth adding to your liquor collection. Originating from Jamaica, it’s got a sophisticated nuance in flavor with vanilla, caramel and citrus notes. It makes a stellar White Russian and a super sophisticated Mudslide. You can even sip it straight: it’s s smooth and refreshing on the rocks. Here’s why to grab a bottle!
What is Tia Maria?
Tia Maria is a coffee liqueur invented in Jamaica in the 1940’s, made with Arabica coffee, Jamaican rum, bourbon vanilla and sugar. It was manufactured in Jamaica until it was bought in 2005 by the Pernod Ricard company. It’s now manufactured in Italy. The back story to this liqueur is fairly improbable: in the 18th century, a Spanish aristocrat fled a colonial war to Jamaica and her maid saved the secret liqueur recipe in a jewelry box. The name of the maid? Maria. (Tia is Spanish for “aunt”). A more likely story links Jamaican lawyer Morris Cargill and Dr. Ken Evans to the liqueur in the 1940’s, who claimed to be influenced by the recipe Cargill’s aunt used to make.
What does Tia Maria taste like?
Tia Maria is sweet, with bitter coffee and strong vanilla notes, and hints of caramel and citrus. It has more depth and tastes smoother and more refined than Kahlua, with a stronger coffee flavor. How much alcohol is in Tia Maria? It is 20% ABV (alcohol by volume), which is similar to Kahlua and other liqueurs. Are there any Tia Maria substitutes? Kahlua is the best substitute, but you can also use other coffee liqueurs like Sheridan’s.
Why we like it
Tia Maria is like Kahlua, but better! Take a sip and you’ll get a nuance in flavor that’s not present in the more straightforward Kahlua. Notes of caramel, citrus and vanilla swirl into the bittersweet coffee. It makes a killer Espresso Martini and a next-level White Russian.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Tia Maria is mid-priced. A 750 ml bottle costs about $25.
Best Tia Maria drink recipes
You can use this classy coffee liqueur in any way that you use Kahlua: it’s fantastic in an Espresso Martini or in the modern classic, the Revolver. Here are some of the top Tia Maria drinks to try:
More cocktail guides
Need more liquor guides? We’ve got them! Here’s all you need to know about home bartending: Ingredients: Bourbon whiskey, Tia Maria, orange bitters, orange peel Ingredients: Vodka, Tia Maria, espresso or strong coffee Ingredients: Vodka, Tia Maria, cream Ingredients: Vodka, Tia Maria, Irish cream, heavy cream or ice cream Ingredients: Vodka, Tia Maria 5 from 1 review
2 ounces* bourbon whiskey 1 ounce Tia Maria 2 dashes orange bitters
For the White Russian
2 ounces vodka 1 ounce Tia Maria 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) heavy cream
For the Espresso Martini
2 ounces vodka ¾ ounce Tia Maria 1 ounce warm espresso or strong coffee
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