Tia Mia

Name: Tia Mia
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 30 ml / 1 oz Mezcal; 30 ml / 1 oz Aged Jamaican Rum; 30 ml / 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Orgeat Syrup; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Orange Curaçao

Ingredients Instructions

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 oz
An unaged (joven) mezcal with a moderate smoke profile works best.
Aged Jamaican Rum30 ml / 1 oz
A 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 oz
Must be freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
Orgeat Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
A high-quality almond syrup. Contains nuts.
Orange Curaçao15 ml / 0.5 oz
A 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.