Tia Maria, a beloved coffee liqueur, has a rich history rooted in Jamaican heritage and a captivating story. Its authentic recipe and smooth character continue to inspire bartenders, delight coffee enthusiasts and shape modern cocktail culture.
– by Rizky Adityo –
Tia Maria holds a special place among coffee liqueurs, captivating drinkers with its distinctive taste and intriguing background. This dark, elegant spirit traces its origins to Jamaica, where a young Spanish aristocrat, during a time of upheaval, fled the island with her loyal maid. Together, they carried a family heirloom—a small jewellery box containing a precious recipe for a mysterious liqueur. In honour of the woman who helped save it, the liqueur was named Tia Maria, which means “Aunt Maria”. While the story has evolved over time, it reflects the tradition and intrigue that continue to surround the brand today.
At its core, Tia Maria is an authentic blend of 100 percent Arabica coffee beans, Jamaican rum and subtle hints of vanilla. Made using a cold brew extraction process, this combination creates a liqueur that balances smooth sweetness with deep roasted flavour, offering layers of caramel, chocolate and delicate herbal notes.Originally celebrated for its connection to Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountain coffee, Tia Maria has transformed into a globally recognised spirit while maintaining its island heritage. The careful selection of coffee and rum delivers a richness that appeals to both classic cocktail enthusiasts and contemporary mixologists seeking versatile ingredients.
What sets Tia Maria apart in today’s competitive spirits market is its ability to adapt while staying true to its authenticity. In an era where consumers increasingly value transparency and quality, the liqueur’s original recipe and commitment to natural flavouring distinguish it from others. It is also vegan friendly and gluten free, catering to a wide range of modern lifestyles. With a moderate alcohol content of 20% ABV, it is accessible for casual sipping over ice while also performing beautifully in mixed drinks. This balance has allowed Tia Maria to remain relevant as tastes have shifted toward more refined coffee-based experiences.
Modern bartenders appreciate Tia Maria not just for its rich flavour but also for its compatibility with a wide range of cocktails. It serves as the foundation of the popular Espresso Martini, adding depth and sweetness that enhance the freshly pulled espresso and crisp vodka, resulting in a smooth and memorable drink. From simply pouring Tia Maria into iced coffee to creating layered drinks like the White Russian, its versatility keeps it in demand in bars worldwide. Beyond cocktails, a splash of Tia Maria can also elevate desserts, transforming tiramisu or ice cream into a sophisticated indulgence.
With roots steeped in Jamaican legend and a legacy of craftsmanship, Tia Maria continues to resonate with those who appreciate genuine flavour and a touch of intrigue. Its timeless combination of rum, coffee and vanilla has not only withstood decades of changing trends but also inspired a new generation of drinkers to explore the potential of coffee liqueurs. As interest in coffee culture and artisanal spirits shows no signs of waning, Tia Maria stands ready to delight palates and spark curiosity well into the future.
Tia Maria is imported and distributed in Indonesia by PT Pelita Makmur Perkasa.
RECIPE TIA ESPRESSO MARTINI
Ingredients:
- 25ml Tia Maria
- 25ml vodka
- Double or single shot of espresso
Method:
Fill a martini glass with ice and set aside to chill. Pour Tia Maria, vodka and espresso into a cocktail shaker. Fill the rest of the shaker with ice. Shake the ingredients together. Empty the martini glass of ice. Pour in the contents of the shaker using a strainer and sieve into the glass. Finish with three coffee beans.
Exquisite Taste Volume 48
Tia Maria
W: tiamaria.com
IG: @pelita.makmur
