Tia Alexa Recipe

Chill glass

Place a coupe or small cocktail glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice water while you prepare the drink to chill it.

Measure ingredients

Measure 1.5 oz Cointreau Noir, 0.75 oz Tia Maria, and 1 oz fresh cream. If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, have 0.25 tsp simple syrup ready.

Add to shaker

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice (about 4 medium cubes). Pour in the Cointreau Noir and the Tia Maria, then add the simple syrup if using.

Shake with cream

Pour the cream into the shaker last. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. The goal is to chill and slightly dilute the mixture while emulsifying the cream to create a silky texture and light froth.

Double strain and finish

Remove the chilled glass from the freezer or discard the ice water. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh sieve to catch ice shards and any coagulated cream bits.

Add cinnamon

Sprinkle a small pinch (about 1/8–1/4 tsp) of freshly grated or ground cinnamon on top of the foam. For a slightly stronger cinnamon aroma, grate a light dusting directly over the surface.

Garnish the drink with a cinnamon stick laid across the rim or rested in the glass. Optionally express an orange twist over the top to release oils and drop it into the drink for a bright citrus note.

Serve immediately while chilled. Advise the drinker to sip slowly to appreciate the layered flavors of Cognac, coffee liqueur and cream with warm cinnamon aromatics.