Homemade Tia Maria

Name: Homemade Tia Maria
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20170 min
Ingredients: 4 tsp. instant coffee (substitute instant espresso); 1/2 cup boiling water; 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar, or to taste; 1 1/2 cups cold distilled water; 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract; 750 ml (26 oz.) 94% alcohol (Footnote)

Author: Francine Lizotte

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Posted on Oct 20th, 2020

by Francine Lizotte

I’ve always enjoyed entertaining. I love having my friends and family over and treating them with great food and refreshing cocktails. As much as it’s fun being the hostess, it can be quite pricey depending on how many guests you are having over and what you’ll be serving that day. I guess that is why potlucks are so popular…

When I just moved out on my own, my budget was very limited and most of the time I was asking people to bring their own booze. These days, it depends. If I invite 2 couples over for dinner, they technically don’t have to bring their own (I say “technically” because if someone asks me what to bring over, I always mention “wine” 🍷) but if there are more, I definitely ask them to bring their own booze although I’ll be serving something like Sangria, Margarita, Cosmo, etc. at one point or another.

Back when I was on a very tight budget…
Buying any liqueur at the store was expensive for me and I really had to make the right choice. One day though, one of my mother’s clients gave her a “homemade liqueur” recipe (she owned a couple of hair salons) and it was Tia Maria! It was one of my favorite liqueurs back then so I just couldn’t wait to make it. It was like the brand from the store except perhaps a tad sweeter. As I got older, I modified the recipe a few times. I’ve been adding a little less sugar and depending on how I feel, I either use espresso or regular instant coffee.

Since I moved to British Columbia, I haven’t made Homemade Tia Maria very often. The reason behind it is that here in BC, they don’t sell alcohol unless you have a license or you’re a doctor 👩‍⚕️, dentist, veterinarian, pharmacist, etc. I got my “liqueur making” supplies when I was visiting family and friends back east.

The next question is – “can it be made with vodka?” Yes! The same applies when making your own Limoncello, Amaretto, Peach, Amaro, other Coffee Liqueur and so on. I personally prefer alcohol but when push comes to shove, vodka is the second best solution.

At the end of October or the beginning of November, I like to get ready for the Holidays 🎄. Planning the menu as well as cocktails ahead can be less stressful. When it comes to Homemade Tia Maria or any other liqueur, it’s always nice to make it in advance so the flavor has time to develop and combine nicely together.

This is such a great homemade recipe. This Homemade Tia Maria is perfect served on the rocks, with some milk 🥛 or as an ingredient for other concoctions like Spanish Coffee, Mochatini, White Russian, and even in recipes like Tiramisu! The advantages of making it at home are you can adjust it to your liking and it makes more than a 750ml bottle plus you’re saving money! Like I always mention, please drink responsibly.
Cheers! 🥂

Here are other delicious cocktail recipes for you to try… 😀
– White Sangria
– Blackberry Mojito
– Vodka Yummmosa
– Mulled Cider ~ Slow Cooker
– Blood Orange Martini
– Cosmocello
– Mint Julep
and for even more great cocktail, smoothie, and alcohol-free beverage recipes, click on this link… Recipe Category • Beverages

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