What is Sambuca?

Sambuca is the Italian take on aniseed flavoured liqueurs, flavoured with essential oils from star anise and sometimes green anise. Occasionally you can find Sambuca with additional ingredients like elderflower, mint and berries.

It is often served neat or with ice, which causes it to go milky in something known as the ouzo effect. In Italy, it is even added to coffee for an extra kick.

Sambuca varieties

• White Sambuca - The classic Sambuca with a clear colour and "normal" flavour. It's sweet with liquorice and herbal character.
• Black Sambuca - A more robust variant with richer flavours. Generally additional botanical spices are added to acheive this and to darken the colour.

If you are looking for something similar to Sambuca, check out Ouzo, Pastis, Arak and Raki