Cocktails with Sambuca
A clear, sweet Italian liqueur with a strong anise flavour. Drunk neat or with coffee beans in Italy, and used in bars for layered shots.
- Type
- Liqueur
- Strength
- 38–42% ABV
- Aroma
- Star anise, Liquorice, Sweet herbs
- Taste
- Sweet anise, Liquorice, Syrupy
- Finish
- Warming, Long liquorice
3 drinks with Sambuca
History
Anise liqueurs have a long history around Rome and Civitavecchia. The modern commercial style took off after the Second World War, when Angelo Molinari launched Molinari Sambuca Extra in 1945 and made it Italy's best-known brand.
How it’s made
Neutral spirit is flavoured with essential oils of star anise or green anise, often with elderflower and other botanicals, then sweetened heavily with sugar and bottled at around 38-42% ABV.
Bottles to try
Molinari Sambuca ExtraMid-range
Italy's best-known sambuca and the benchmark for the style.
Ramazzotti SambucaBudget
Widely stocked Italian sambuca from the makers of the amaro.
Luxardo Sambuca dei CesariMid-range
Softer, slightly less sweet sambuca from the Luxardo distillery.
Romana SambucaMid-range
The best-selling sambuca in the United States.
Molinari Sambuca ExtraMid-range
The Italian benchmark, widely imported.
Luxardo Sambuca dei CesariMid-range
A lighter, less sugary Italian option.
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