Tia Mia

The Tia Mia is a smoky, nutty riff on the classic Mai Tai, blending the deep richness of Jamaican aged rum with the earthy edge of mezcal. Dry curaçao and lime juice add brightness, while toasted almond orgeat gives the drink a smooth, mellow sweetness. Served over crushed or pebble ice and topped with a fresh mint sprig and lime wheel, it’s a well-balanced cocktail with tropical roots and a mezcal twist. Great for summer sipping or tiki nights, this drink bridges bold and refreshing with surprising ease.

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Tasting Notes

The Tia Mia delivers a bold yet smooth blend of smoky, nutty, and citrus flavors. The mezcal’s earthiness pairs well with the aged rum’s depth, while dry curaçao adds a touch of orange brightness. Lime juice cuts through with tart freshness, and toasted almond orgeat brings a rich, nutty sweetness that rounds out the profile. Garnished with mint and lime, the drink smells as good as it tastes cool, slightly smoky, and layered with complexity. It’s a tropical-style cocktail with unexpected character, ideal for fans of tiki drinks who also enjoy a bit of smoke in their glass.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling the drink, a jigger to measure ingredients accurately, and a fine strainer to ensure a smooth pour. A citrus squeezer helps extract fresh lime juice easily. Pebble ice works best for this drink, so an ice crusher or nugget ice maker is ideal. The cocktail is traditionally served in an old fashioned glass, which showcases the garnish while keeping the drink cold and concentrated. A small paring knife can be used to prep the lime wheel, and a bar spoon helps adjust or stir as needed.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Jamaican aged rum
• 1 oz mezcal
• 0.5 oz dry curaçao
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz toasted almond orgeat
• Garnish: lime wheel and mint sprig

Instructions

• Add the rum, mezcal, dry curaçao, lime juice, and toasted almond orgeat to a cocktail shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake briskly for 10–12 seconds.
• Strain the mixture into an old fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.
• Garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh mint sprig.

Pro Tips

• Use high-quality Jamaican rum for better body and richness
• Lightly slap the mint sprig before garnishing to release aroma
• Fresh lime juice makes a noticeable difference avoid bottled
• Toasted almond orgeat adds depth; standard orgeat works in a pinch
• Chill the glass ahead of time to keep the drink cold longer
• Shake just long enough to chill without over-diluting
• Crushed or nugget ice is preferred for proper texture and presentation
• Try a split base with a dash of overproof rum for extra punch

When to Serve

Tia Mia is an excellent choice for summer parties, backyard gatherings, and evenings that call for something a little smoky and bold. It works well as a pre-dinner cocktail or as part of a tiki-style spread. This drink is especially well-suited for warm weather thanks to its refreshing acidity and crushed ice presentation. Serve it during barbecues, beach-themed events, or as a fun alternative to a classic Mai Tai. It’s a crowd-pleaser with enough complexity to satisfy seasoned cocktail fans.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Jamaican Aged Rum:

• Appleton Estate 8 Year Reserve
• Smith & Cross (for bolder flavor)
• Plantation Xaymaca
• Worthy Park Estate
• Hampden Estate

Mezcal:

• Del Maguey Vida
• Montelobos Espadín
• Bozal Ensamble
• Ilegal Joven
• El Silencio Espadín

Dry Curaçao:

• Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
• Senior Curaçao of Curaçao
• Grand Marnier (drier styles)
• Cointreau (as a substitute)

Similar Cocktails

• Smoky Blue Wave
• Gatorade Margarita
• Island Highball
• Lychee Jalapeño Margarita
• Frozen Spiked Coconut Lemonade