This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of TUACA Vanilla Citrus Liqueur . All opinions are 100% mine.

If the word spiked in the Spiked Caramel Latte Recipe didn’t give it away, this post contains references to alcoholic beverages and is meant for those 21 and older. Please drink responsibility. I’m sure you also know that you should never ever drink and drive, but I’m throwing that out there too.

Taste the History of TUACA

TUACA is a liqueur with a rich history. It’s actually been 500 years in the making, created for the Lorenzo de Medici, the once-ruler of Florence.  The recipe sort of faded away, hidden from the world for generations, until two brothers-in-law- Gaetano Tuoni and Giorgio Canepa- found it in 1938. They recreated it and gave it a new name: TUACA.

The result is a flavor combination that’s warm and smooth. The vanilla shines through, while the citrus flavors are more like notes. I’ll be honest, I have no idea how to describe liqueur the way pro tasters do. My brother could probably break down every single last note and tell you where the brandy itself came from! He’s two states away though, so I couldn’t invite him over to try it. Me? I know what tastes good and what doesn’t.  TUACA tastes good. 

The Diversity of TUACA: 3 Recipes to Try

As an ingredient in cocktails, TUACA is incredibly diverse. I wanted to see just HOW diverse it was by creating a coffee-based cocktail, one of my favorite types. Since TUACA is an Italian liqueur and lattes are also Italian, I thought it was a perfect way to celebrate the spirit’s history.  I went with an iced version- sans the ice. I kind of used all the ice in the house on a wrist injury. So let’s just call it a Chilled Spiked Caramel Latte, shall we? You can put ice in yours if you prefer. Just adjust the ratios or move to a bigger glass. I’m not a big ice person to begin with.

Chilled Spiked Caramel Latte Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz TUACA Liqueur
• 3 oz chilled caramel latte coffee concentrate (or 3 oz very strong coffee or espresso and about a tablespoon caramel ice-cream syrup topping, get the coffee concentrate though, it actually works out to be cheaper if you don’t have the other stuff on hand if you get a store brand).
• 6 oz cold milk (I used 2%, you can use any type, including soy or almond if you prefer)

Method:  Start with the coffee concentrate (or espresso and caramel), then add the milk. Give it a stir. Add the TUACA last, give it another stir. Top with whipped cream if desired.

TUACA Mule

I also tried out the Tuaca Mule . I actually went and bought a copper mug and everything! Ingredients:

• 2.00 oz TUACA Liqueur
• 4.00 oz Ginger Beer (or Ginger Ale, if you can’t find the Ginger Beer)
• 0.50 Lime

Method Squeeze lime into a copper mug filled with ice. Drop lime into mug, then add Tuaca® and top with ginger beer. Stir gently and enjoy. Garnish with lime wedge.

TUACA Hot Apple Pie:

The Tuaca Hot Apple Pie  is one is next on my list to try, it sounds like THE perfect fall adult drink. I want to get fresh apple cider from our local farmer’s market for it because they have the best. You can use apple cider from your grocery store, though, if you want. Ingredients:

• 1.50 oz TUACA Liqueur
• 6.00 oz Warm Apple Cider
• Whipped Cream
• 1.00 Cinnamon stick

Method Pour ingredients in a mug. How easy is that? Garnish Whipped Cream, Cinnamon stick

Have you ever tried TUACA? What is your favorite cocktail to make with it?