Tia Mia
The Tia Mia is a captivating modern tiki cocktail that brilliantly marries the smoky notes of mezcal with the funky, tropical character of Jamaican rum. Balanced by the nutty sweetness of orgeat, the bright citrus of fresh lime, and a hint of orange liqueur, it's a complex yet refreshing drink. It offers a familiar structure to the Mai Tai but delivers a completely unique and memorable flavor experience.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Tia Mia is considered a modern classic cocktail that fits squarely within the Tiki category. Its use of rum, citrus, and orgeat follows the Tiki tradition, while the addition of mezcal gives it a contemporary twist.
Serving
Served cold over crushed ice in a standard rocks or double old fashioned glass, this is a spirit-forward but refreshing cocktail with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 160-180 ml / 5.5-6 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The Tia Mia was created as a signature cocktail for the opening of Leyenda, a pan-Latin cocktail bar in Brooklyn, New York. Creator Ivy Mix wanted a drink that would represent the bar's ethos, and she landed on this clever twist of a Mai Tai, swapping the traditional spirit base for a split of mezcal and Jamaican rum. The name "Tia Mia" is a play on "Mai Tai" and means "My Aunt" in Spanish.
Origin
Created by Ivy Mix at Leyenda in Brooklyn, New York, around 2015.
Tia Mia
The drink is most commonly known as Tia Mia. Occasionally, it is written with an accent as Tía Mía, which translates from Spanish to "Aunt Mia," a playful nod to its inspiration, the Mai Tai.
Original name
Tia Mia
Alternative name
Tía Mía
Characteristics overview
This drink presents a complex interplay of smoky and nutty aromas, leading to a taste that balances sour lime with sweet orgeat. The texture is rich and smooth, with a long, smoky finish that makes it a memorable and refreshing summer cocktail.
Flavor
Smoky, Funky, Nutty, Tart, Citrusy, Sweet, Tropical
Aroma
Smoked agave, Lime zest, Toasted almond, Tropical fruit, Molasses
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet, Smoky
Aftertaste
Long, Smoky, Nutty
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Cloudy, Pale yellow, Off-white
Texture
Rich, Smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is intensely driven by a prominent sourness from the lime, balanced by moderate sweetness and fruitiness. The alcohol strength is noticeable but well-integrated, with no carbonation and minimal bitterness or spice.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This drink requires a split base of mezcal and aged Jamaican rum, balanced with fresh lime juice, nutty orgeat syrup, and orange curaçao. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
- Mezcal30 ml / 1 ozAn unaged (joven) mezcal with a moderate smoke profile works best.
- Aged Jamaican Rum30 ml / 1 ozA pot-still Jamaican rum will provide the desired "funk". Appleton Estate Signature or a similar brand is a good choice.
- Fresh Lime Juice30 ml / 1 ozMust be freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
- Orgeat Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 ozA high-quality almond syrup. Contains nuts.
- Orange Curaçao15 ml / 0.5 ozA dry style like Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao is recommended over sweeter Triple Sec.
Ice type
- Cubed (for shaking), Crushed (for serving)
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and a strainer, to prepare this drink. A citrus juicer is also essential for using fresh lime juice.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing the ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pouring.
- Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) to separate ice after shaking.
- Citrus juicer for fresh lime juice.
Instructions
To make the Tia Mia, combine all liquid ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake until cold, and then strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig before serving.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.
2. Add the mezcal, Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange curaçao to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Fill a rocks glass to the top with crushed ice.
5. Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig. If using, add a lime wheel.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Garnishing
The primary garnish is a fresh mint sprig, which adds a crucial aromatic component to the drink. An optional lime wheel can be added for extra visual appeal.
- Mint sprig, slapped to release oils and placed in the glass.
- Lime wheel, placed on the rim or in the drink (optional).
Dietary Information
This cocktail is not suitable for individuals with nut allergies due to the presence of orgeat (almond syrup). Otherwise, it is typically dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the spirits and the high sugar content of the orgeat and curaçao. It contains a significant amount of carbohydrates and sugar per serving.
Calories
Averagely 260-300 kcal / 1088-1255 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 22-26 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 20-24 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfect for warm weather occasions, such as summer parties, barbecues, or any event with a tropical or tiki theme. Its refreshing and complex profile also makes it a great choice for a sophisticated happy hour.
- Summer Parties
- Tiki Night
- Happy Hour
- Casual Get-Togethers
Pairing suggestions
The smoky, tart, and sweet profile of the Tia Mia pairs excellently with spicy and savory Latin American or Caribbean dishes. It cuts through the richness of grilled meats and complements the bright flavors of seafood like ceviche, while also working well with salty snacks.
- Spicy Tacos (e.g., Al Pastor)
- Ceviche
- Grilled Pineapple
- Salty plantain chips
Tia Mia: A Smoky, Tropical Masterpiece
The Tia Mia is a masterful modern Tiki cocktail that offers a delightful journey of flavors. It takes the beloved template of the Mai Tai and gives it a smoky, agave-forward identity by introducing mezcal alongside funky Jamaican rum. The result is a drink that is simultaneously familiar and surprising, perfectly balancing sweet, sour, smoke, and nuttiness. It's a testament to modern mixology and a must-try for fans of both Tiki drinks and agave spirits.
Inspirations
Similar Cocktails
Oaxaca Old Fashioned
Another modern classic featuring agave spirits. It combines reposado tequila and mezcal with agave nectar and bitters for a smoky, stirred drink.
Jungle Bird
A complex tiki cocktail that also balances sweet, sour, and a unique bitter element from Campari, alongside dark rum and pineapple juice.
You May Also Like
Mary Pickford
A classic Prohibition-era tropical cocktail that beautifully balances the sweetness of pineapple and grenadine with white rum and a hint of Maraschino liqueur.
Rum and Tonic
A crisp, refreshing, and surprisingly complex highball that pairs the sweetness of rum with the bitter quinine of tonic water.
West Side Cocktail
A bright, crisp, and refreshing cocktail combining citrus-flavored vodka, fresh lemon juice, and cool mint.
Scorpion Bowl
A large, shareable tiki punch made with rum, brandy, fruit juices, and orgeat, famously served in a decorative bowl with long straws.
Have You Tried These Yet?
Horsefeather
A spicy and refreshing highball made with rye whiskey, ginger beer, and aromatic bitters.
Gin In The Afternoon
A crisp, botanical, and effervescent variation of the classic "Death in the Afternoon," which elegantly substitutes gin for absinthe.
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a
A refreshing, gin-based tiki cocktail with bright citrus, tropical pineapple, and nutty orgeat flavors.
Attorney General
A sophisticated and dry stirred cocktail that elegantly balances Scotch whisky with dry vermouth and a hint of orange.