These are our all-time favourite gin and Tia Maria cocktail recipes!

If you love a coffee liqueur cocktail to perk you up, whether that’s in a delicious creamy cocktail, prefer it on the rocks or fancy adding a caffeine twist to your favourite gin cocktails, there’s nothing quite as iconic as Tia Maria coffee liqueur.

It’s a total bar cart staple, and can seriously upgrade your tipples. If you’re wondering how Tia Maria is made, what Tia Maria tastes like, or how to drink Tia Maria - then scroll down and have a read... You’ll adore our favourite gin and Tia Maria cocktails!

What is Tia Maria? 

Tia Maria is a coffee liqueur that can be used in any cocktail that incorporates the complexity of coffee flavours – think Espresso Martinis and White Russians.

When was Tia Maria first made?

The recipe for Tia Maria is centuries old. It was first developed on the Caribbean island of Jamaica – the recipe was the prized possession of an aristocratic Spanish family.

When war came to the island and they had to flee, their maid managed to save one treasure: a jewellery box containing a black pearl and the family’s liqueur recipe scribbled on a slip of paper. 

The recipe was rediscovered in the 1940s and has since become a must-have for bartenders across the world. In fact, Tia Maria was used in the first-ever Espresso Martini which is, understandably, now one of the UK’s favourite cocktails. 

What does Tia Maria taste like?

Tia Maria is rich, bitter and sweet thanks to its three key ingredients: a base of Jamaican white rum, cold-brewed coffee and Madagascar vanilla.

The coffee beans – which are 100% Arabica – are harvested while they’re still green. The beans then go through the roasting and cold brewing process.

By cold brewing the beans, the producers of Tia Maria are able to extract an intense and delicious coffee flavour. 

This combines with the warm and complex flavours of Jamaican white rum and Madagascar vanilla, which is noted for its quality. The result is a delicious blend of bitter and sweet notes. 

How do I drink Tia Maria? 

Tia Maria is fantastically versatile and works in lots of twists on classic cocktails. Try the Tiagroni (below) or take inspiration from the pre-made Tia Maria Cold Brew Iced Coffee Frappe from our October Gin of the Month box - the good news is you can make your own Tia Maria Frappe easily at home.