___ Maria (liqueur)

TIA

This sweet orange-flavored liqueur shares its name with a Spanish term of affection often used for aunts.

This clue is asking for a three-letter word that fills in the blank before "Maria" to name a well-known coffee-flavored liqueur. The answer is "TIA," short for Tía María, a Jamaican liqueur made with rum, coffee, and vanilla. The blank hints at a common nickname or abbreviation, and "Tía" (Spanish for "aunt") is often used in brand names for a familiar, warm tone. If you’ve seen the bottle, the label’s bold red and gold design might jog your memory.