Sambuca con la Mosca
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Sambuca con la Mosca
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.7 / 5
Sambuca con la Mosca, which means "Sambuca with the fly" in Italian, is a traditional Italian cocktail that has a simple yet distinctive composition. The drink is served in a brandy glass and is centered on the anise-flavored liqueur Sambuca, accompanied by a unique garnish of three coffee beans, symbolizing health, happiness, and prosperity. The combination of the sweet, aromatic Sambuca with the rich, roasted notes from the coffee creates a harmonious and intriguing flavor profile, making it a favored choice for an after-dinner digestif or a social sipper among those who appreciate licorice-like flavors with a hint of coffee.
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Base ingredient
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Sambuca
Calories
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195 calories
Alcohol content
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36.19% | 2.28 units *

Tags

Sambuca ingredient icon
Sambuca cocktails

Brandy glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Sambuca cocktail ingredient icon for the Sambuca con la Mosca cocktail
Sambuca
Coffee cocktail ingredient icon for the Sambuca con la Mosca cocktail
Coffees
Serves:
-
+

Method
How to make a Sambuca con la Mosca

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Pour sambuca into glass before dropping in three coffee beans to float on top
Serve

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·  Float  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin story of Sambuca con la Mosca?

Sambuca con la Mosca, which translates to 'Sambuca with the fly', is an Italian cocktail tradition. The 'flies' refer to the coffee beans used as garnish. These signify health, wealth, and happiness. The cocktail's origins are shrouded in the broader history of Sambuca itself, a liqueur that has been popular in Italy since the early 20th century. The addition of coffee beans as a ritualistic garnish became popular as a way to enhance the drink's flavor and add a visually interesting element.

Garnishing tips icon

How should the coffee beans be added to Sambuca con la Mosca?

For Sambuca con la Mosca, it's traditional to use three coffee beans, adding them directly into the brandy glass before pouring the Sambuca. These beans symbolize health, wealth, and happiness. It's important not to crush or grind the beans as their whole form is part of the visual and aromatic appeal of the cocktail.

Ingredient specifics icon

Why is Sambuca the primary ingredient in Sambuca con la Mosca?

Sambuca is the primary ingredient due to its distinctive flavor, which combines sweet, aniseed, and licorice tastes. This liqueur is the base that carries the potent aromatic and flavor profile of the cocktail, enhanced subtly by the coffee beans. The selection of Sambuca is crucial as its quality greatly influences the overall taste experience of Sambuca con la Mosca.

Serving suggestions icon

What is the best way to serve Sambuca con la Mosca?

Sambuca con la Mosca is best served in a brandy glass to help concentrate its aromatic flavors. It is traditionally served at room temperature, allowing the full bouquet of the Sambuca and the subtle hints from the coffee beans to emerge. Pour the Sambuca over the coffee beans in the glass and allow the diner to savor the blend of scents before drinking.

Cultural significance icon

What cultural traditions are associated with Sambuca con la Mosca?

Sambuca con la Mosca carries cultural significance in Italy as a traditional Italian digestif, often served after meals to aid digestion. The ritual of adding exactly three coffee beans, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness, is deeply rooted in Italian hospitality and the practice of sharing drinks with guests. This cocktail is not just about the taste but also the experience and well-wishes imparted to those enjoying it.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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