logo

Make Me a Cocktail

Sambuca

Sambuca is a sweet and aromatic Italian liqueur, made from a blend of anise, fennel, and other botanicals. It is typically clear in color and has a distinct licorice flavor. Sambuca is commonly used in cocktails and mixology due to its versatile and bold taste, adding a unique sweetness and depth to drinks. It is often served as a shot, mixed with coffee, or as a base for various cocktails such as the famous Sambuca and soda or Sambuca sour. Its flavorful profile also makes it a popular ingredient in desserts and pastries.
Category
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spirit > Sambuca
Origin
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Italy
Invented
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1895
Strength
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38%
View the top 10 Sambuca cocktails

With Sambuca you can make

Sambuca Coffee Frappe

Anaconda Shooter

Flaming Lamborghini

Black Prince

Great Wall Of China

Jefferson Airplane

Tongue Twister

Ice Bear

Aftershock Surprise

Red Wanderer

We've got 74 cocktails that can be made with Sambuca.

Find out what to make with Sambuca

View all Sambuca cocktails
View all you can make

Q&A

ORIGINS_HISTORY

Where does Sambuca come from and what is its history?

Sambuca originates from Italy and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. It was traditionally created as a digestive drink, enjoyed after meals to aid digestion. The name 'Sambuca' was inspired by an Arab drink called 'Zammut,' which was brought to the port of Civitavecchia by ship from the East. The Italian liqueur's distinct flavor comes from essential oils extracted from star anise, anise, and green anisette, enhanced with a secret blend of spices and herbs, making it a unique and popular spirit globally.

INGREDIENT_SUBSTITUTIONS

What can I use as a substitute for Sambuca in a cocktail?

If you're looking for a substitute for Sambuca in a cocktail, consider using other anise-flavored liqueurs such as Anisette, Pernod, or Ouzo. These options share the licorice-like taste characteristic of Sambuca. However, note that the sweetness and viscosity may vary, so you might need to adjust the quantities and add a bit of simple syrup or sugar if a sweeter profile is desired.

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

How is Sambuca traditionally served?

Traditionally, Sambuca is served neat with three coffee beans, known as 'con la mosca,' which means 'with the fly.' The three beans are said to represent health, happiness, and prosperity. It can also be served as part of a 'flaming Sambuca' ritual where the spirit is briefly set aflame before drinking. Moreover, mixing Sambuca with water will turn it milky white due to the ouzo effect, providing another popular serving method. As a versatile liqueur, it's also common in cocktails and mixed drinks.

PREPARATION_TECHNIQUES

What's the correct way to mix Sambuca with coffee?

To mix Sambuca with coffee correctly, first prepare a shot of espresso. Once brewed, pour a shot of Sambuca into the coffee, and stir gently to combine. For a traditional touch, you can serve it 'con la mosca' style by adding three coffee beans on top. The Sambuca adds sweetness and aniseed flavor to the coffee, making a delightful beverage that can be enjoyed after dinner or as a special treat.

CULTURAL_SIGNIFICANCE

Does Sambuca have any cultural significance in Italy?

Yes, Sambuca holds a strong cultural significance in Italy, particularly as a digestif. It is a staple in Italian dining culture, enjoyed after meals to aid digestion and as a sign of hospitality. The tradition of serving it 'con la mosca' with three coffee beans symbolizing health, happiness, and prosperity adds a layer of ritual and meaning. Through these practices, Sambuca is celebrated not just for its flavor but as a part of Italian heritage and social customs.

Ingredients like Sambuca

Other Sambucas

How it works

Easily create your bar from the ingredients you have at home, and we'll show you what you can make with the ingredients you have to hand.

Once you've added this ingredient head to your My bar page and fill up everything else you have.

We'll also show you cocktails that can make by substituting what you have for one of the ingredients you don't, riffing on the original. Now go forth and create something delicious!