Tia Maria liqueur

Tia Maria is a renowned coffee liqueur with origins tracing back to Jamaica in the 17th century. According to legend, a young Spanish aristocrat fled colonial turmoil in Jamaica, and her maid saved a family treasure—a manuscript containing the secret recipe for a mysterious liqueur. This recipe was named after the courageous woman, 'Tia Maria' (meaning 'Aunt Maria' in Spanish). The recipe lay dormant for many years until the 1940s when Dr. Kenneth Leigh Evans rediscovered it and began producing and marketing the liqueur. In 2009, Illva Saronno S.p.A., an Italian company known for producing various liqueurs, including Amaretto Disaronno, acquired the Tia Maria brand from Pernod Ricard. Production was transferred to Illva Saronno's distillery in Saronno, Italy. Tia Maria is made from a blend of Jamaican coffee beans, South Jamaican rum, vanilla, and sugar, resulting in a 20% alcohol content. It is enjoyed straight, over ice, with milk, or as an ingredient in various cocktails, including the classic Espresso Martini.