Tia Mia Cocktail recipe
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Tia Mia sits in the modern tiki-adjacent sour family, blending two bold base spirits into something that feels both tropical and smoky. While it doesn’t have a widely agreed origin story like the big mid-century tiki standards, it reads as a contemporary riff on the rum-and-citrus template—built for drinkers who like their island cues with a little edge. You’ll find it lands somewhere between a classic rum sour and a mezcal twist, with sweetness and nuttiness keeping everything in balance.
Expect Jamaican rum to bring depth and funk alongside mezcal’s earthy smoke, creating a layered backbone that stays present from first sip to finish. Lime juice drives the tart snap, while orange liqueur adds a bright citrus sweetness that smooths the sharper edges. Orgeat syrup contributes a rich, nutty sweetness that rounds out the acidity, and the simple syrup nudges the whole drink toward a plush, cohesive balance without masking the spirits.
Serve it in a lowball when you want something punchy but polished—ideal for late-afternoon hangs, backyard heat, or a “one more round” nightcap. It suits you if you like sours that aren’t shy, especially if you’re torn between rum drinks and mezcal cocktails and don’t want to choose.
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Lowball / rocks glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Jamaican rum and mezcal lead with funky molasses and smoky agave, brightened by lime juice and orange liqueur, while orgeat syrup adds creamy almond richness and simple syrup rounds the edges into a plush, tropical-leaning sour. It works because the lime’s snap and mezcal’s smoke keep the orgeat and sugar from cloying, making it ideal for drinkers who like bold spirits with a sweet-tart, nutty finish.
Method
How to make a Tia Mia
- Jamaican rum 30ml, Mezcal 30ml, Orange liqueur 7.5ml, Lime juice 22.5ml, Orgeat syrup 15ml, Sugar / simple syrup 10ml
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- Begin by adding all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes
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- Give the concoction a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds, or until the exterior of the shaker feels cold and frosted
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- Next, take a glass filled to the brim with crushed ice
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- Carefully strain the contents of the shaker, ensuring to pour it over the crushed ice in the glass
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- Now, your refreshing cocktail is ready to be enjoyed
Power tips
Elevate the Tia Mia with these master mixologist tips
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Find out more- Select a high-quality mezcal with a balanced smokiness that complements rather than overpowers the other ingredients.
- Use homemade or top-quality orgeat syrup for a richer, more authentic almond flavor that enhances the cocktail's complexity.
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Tia Mia cocktail?
The Tia Mia cocktail is a modern creation that takes inspiration from classic tiki drinks. It blends the smoky flavors of mezcal with the tropical notes of rum and the sweetness of orgeat syrup, creating a unique twist on traditional tiki cocktails. Its exact origins are a bit murky, but it's known to have been popularized in cocktail bars seeking to innovate on classic recipes.
Can I substitute a different type of rum or mezcal in the Tia Mia?
Yes, you can substitute different types of rum or mezcal in the Tia Mia, although it may alter the flavor profile of the cocktail. Using a different type of Jamaican rum or a smokey mezcal can either enhance or soften the cocktail's smoky and tropical characteristics. It's suggested to stick with high-quality spirits to maintain the balance and depth of the original recipe.
What is orgeat syrup and is there a substitute I can use?
Orgeat syrup is a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and rose water or orange flower water, lending a distinct nutty and floral flavor to cocktails. If you're unable to find orgeat syrup, you can substitute it with almond syrup, though the latter might be slightly less complex in flavor. Homemade orgeat can also be made for a more authentic taste.
How should I serve the Tia Mia to best enjoy its flavor?
The Tia Mia should be served in a lowball glass, ideally chilled to enhance its flavors. While the cocktail is not traditionally shaken or stirred, it's important to properly mix the ingredients with ice before straining into the serving glass. Garnishing with a lime wheel or a sprig of mint can also add to the visual appeal and aromatic experience of the drink.
Is the Tia Mia suitable for those who prefer less alcoholic cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 21.72%, the Tia Mia is relatively strong compared to other cocktails. For those preferring a less alcoholic drink, you can adjust the proportions of the spirits downwards and increase the non-alcoholic components like lime juice or sugar syrup. However, doing so will alter the original flavor profile, making it lighter and possibly sweeter.
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