The 10 best Sambuca cocktails

Introduction

Embrace the Unique Flavor of Sambuca!

Delve into the world of cocktails with our listicle highlighting exciting recipes featuring Sambuca.

Known for its distinct aniseed flavor, this spirit adds a unique twist to any drink, making it a favorite among adventurous cocktail enthusiasts. Popular for its sweet, herbal notes, it enhances both the complexity and depth of various cocktail creations, whether you prefer a fiery, flamboyant drink or a refreshing, chilled concoction. The versatility of this ingredient allows it to blend effortlessly with an array of mixers, from rich coffee liqueurs to crisp tonics, resulting in a diverse selection of beverages that cater to different taste preferences. Whether you're a fan of powerful espresso-based mixes or lean towards lighter, fruitier combinations, there's a Sambuca cocktail here to pique your interest.

Our carefully curated selection showcases how this bold flavor profile can elevate your cocktail experience. Not only does it bring something a little different to the table, but it also serves as the star ingredient in various crowd-pleasing recipes that are sure to impress at any gathering.

Top 10 Sambuca cocktails

  • · · · · · ·   Sambuca Coffee Frappe
  • · · · · · ·   Anaconda Shooter
  • · · · · · ·   Flaming Lamborghini
  • · · · · · ·   Black Prince
  • · · · · · ·   Great Wall Of China
  • · · · · · ·   Jefferson Airplane
  • · · · · · ·   Tongue Twister
  • · · · · · ·   Aftershock Surprise
  • · · · · · ·   Ice Bear
  • · · · · · ·   Mouldy Green Line

Conclusion

More about Sambuca

1. Sambuca Coffee Frappe

This concoction is a sophisticated blend that marries the robust flavors of coffee and the sweet, aniseed taste of Sambuca, creating a drink that's both invigorating and indulgent. Ideal for those who appreciate the depth of coffee coupled with the complexity of an anise-flavored liqueur, its inclusion in our list is owed to the seamless way it combines these two main ingredients into a harmonious and refreshing frappe. The balance of flavors speaks to the versatility of Sambuca, proving it's not just for sipping but also for crafting innovative iced beverages.

Ingredients

30ml 1oz 3cl
15ml ½oz 1.5cl

Method

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with a little ice
Garnish with some whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder before serving
Go to recipe

2. Anaconda Shooter

This shooter is where bold meets bolder, layering the smoky, rich essence of whiskey with the licorice-like sweetness of Sambuca for an unforgettable shot experience. It's a testament to the daring side of cocktail creation, where two powerful spirits converge to create a moment of pure intensity. Its inclusion reflects the adventurous spirits of those who love their cocktails with a bit of edge and demonstration of how Sambuca can complement and elevate the strong characters of other spirits like whiskey, making for a memorable, fiery sip.

Ingredients

22.5ml ¾oz 2.3cl
22.5 ml ¾oz 2.3cl

Method

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well then strain into the glass and serve
Go to recipe

3. Flaming Lamborghini

Imagine a cocktail that's not only a treat for the palate but a spectacle for the eyes - a dynamic mix where Sambuca plays a pivotal role alongside Bailey's, coffee liqueur, and Blue Curaçao. This creation is as much about the experience as it is about the flavors, with its fiery presentation and layered complexity. The choice of Sambuca not only adds depth with its aniseed flavor but also contributes to the visual and tactile drama of the cocktail, making it a standout in any gathering. Its selection underscores the multifaceted uses of Sambuca, from flavor enhancer to theatrical element.

Ingredients

30ml 1oz 3cl
30ml 1oz 3cl
30ml 1oz 3cl
30ml 1oz 3cl

Method

Add the Kahlúa to a cocktail glass then carefully layer the sambuca on top
Meanwhile pour a shot of Baileys into a shot glass and a shot of blue curaçao into another
Place a straw into the layered Kahlúa and sambuca, and set the sambuca alight
Serve the drinks together, drinking the Kahlúa through a straw and simultaneously pouring in the Baileys and blue curaçao into the drink
Go to recipe

4. Black Prince

This drink is a noble assembly of Sambuca with the warmth of Cognac and the sweetness of sugar and coffee liqueur, creating a royally rich experience. Sambuca's herbal sweetness plays well against the background of Cognac's complexity, bridging the gap between sweet and savory, and elevating the cocktail to a luxurious sipper. It celebrates the power of Sambuca to hold its own and complement the depth of aged spirits and the richness of coffee flavors, making this drink a testament to the elegance and versatility of the liqueur.

Ingredients

60ml 2oz 6cl
Teaspoon Teaspoon Teaspoon
30ml 1oz 3cl
30ml 1oz 3cl

Method

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into a chilled wine glass and serve
Go to recipe

5. Great Wall Of China

This unconventional blend highlights Sambuca's ability to mix with an eclectic array of ingredients, from vodka and cola to milk and Bailey's, showcasing its versatility. The drink is a multicultural mosaic that brings together different flavors and textures, creating a creamy, fizzy concoction that's both surprising and delightful. It exemplifies the adventurous spirit of modern mixology and Sambuca's surprising adaptability, inviting drinkers to experience the unexpected harmony of diverse ingredients unified by the anise-flavored spirit.

Ingredients

30ml 1oz 3cl
30ml 1oz 3cl
120ml 4.06oz 12cl
60ml 2oz 6cl
30ml 1oz 3cl

Method

Add the ingredients directly to a lowball glass filled with ice cubes
Stir and serve
Go to recipe

6. Jefferson Airplane

This cocktail uses luxury and simplicity to elevate the coffee drinking experience, blending Sambuca with tonic water and an infusion of coffee for a refreshing, effervescent beverage. The aniseed flavor of Sambuca enriches the coffee's earthy tones, while tonic water adds a crisp, quinine twist, creating a sophisticated drink that's both invigorating and comforting. Its inclusion highlights Sambuca's compatibility with coffee beyond the traditional, offering a novel approach to coffee-based cocktails.

Ingredients

60ml 2oz 6cl
Top up Top up Top up
3 3 3

Method

Add two shots of sambuca to a highball glass and then fill up with tonic water
Add three coffee beans, then finally set the cocktail alight before serving
Go to recipe

7. Tongue Twister

Featuring a playful mix of Sambuca, lemonade, blackcurrant cordial, and lime, this drink is a vibrant, tongue-tingling mix that plays up the anise flavor with a fruity backdrop. The addition of black Sambuca introduces a mysterious, darker tone to the cocktail, both in color and flavor, making it a visually appealing and tastefully complex experience. Its place on the list is well deserved for demonstrating how Sambuca can transition from traditional to trendy, infusing contemporary cocktails with its distinctive flavor.

Ingredients

30ml 1oz 3cl
Dash Dash Dash
Dash Dash Dash
2 wedges 2 wedges 2 wedges
30ml 1oz 3cl

Method

Add the black sambuca to a tall glass with lots of ice, then pour the white sambuca in
Give it a stir, squeezing the lime juice into the glass and dropping the two lime wedges in
Add some lemonade, add a dash of blackcurrant and give the whole thing a stir before serving
Go to recipe

8. Aftershock Surprise

This dynamic concoction mixes Sambuca with Peach Schnapps, Tequila, and Aftershock for a shot that’s bold in flavor and high in spirit. The Sambuca provides a sweet, licorice base that elevates the fruity punch of Peach Schnapps and the sharpness of Tequila, rounded off with the cinnamon spice of Aftershock. It’s a cocktail that's both explosive and harmonious, showcasing how Sambuca can serve as the foundation for layered, multi-spirit shots, appealing to a palate seeking intensity and depth.

Ingredients

7.5ml ¼oz 0.8cl
7.5ml ¼oz 0.8cl
7.5ml ¼oz 0.8cl
7.5ml ¼oz 0.8cl

Method

Pour tequila and sambuca into a jug, then slowly add the aftershock and peach schnapps
Then pour into a shot glass and serve
Go to recipe

9. Ice Bear

The cocktail pairs Sambuca's anise undertones with the creamy sweetness of Cape Velvet, creating a sumptuously smooth drink that feels both comforting and indulgent. It's a demonstration of how Sambuca can play a starring role in creamy, dessert-like beverages, offering a liqueur-based cocktail that's both rich and aromatic. This choice exemplifies the liqueur's ability to blend seamlessly with a variety of flavors, reaffirming its status as a versatile and essential ingredient in the mixologist's repertoire.

Ingredients

30ml 1oz 3cl
30ml 1oz 3cl

Method

Add a shot of Cape Velvet to a shot glass, then carefully layer a shot of sambuca on top before serving
Go to recipe

10. Mouldy Green Line

Combining Sambuca with apple liqueur, Smirnoff Ice, and WKD blue, this drink is a colorful, fun fusion that pushes the boundaries of traditional cocktail recipes. The aniseed flavor of Sambuca brings a surprising depth to the fruity and fizzy mixture, proving that it can be the secret ingredient that adds complexity to what might otherwise be a straightforward sweet drink. Its inclusion in our list is a nod to the innovative and playful potential of Sambuca in cocktails, offering a unique taste adventure while still paying homage to the spirit's Italian roots.

Ingredients

90ml 3.04oz 9cl
60ml 2oz 6cl
Top up Top up Top up
60ml 2oz 6cl

Method

Fill a half pint glass a quarter full with Apple Sourz and a quarter full with WKD Blue
Add three shots of sambuca
Top up the glass with Smirnoff Ice
Stir and serve
Go to recipe

Conclusion

The cocktails featured in our list have been chosen for their creativity, balance, and ability to showcase the unique attributes of Sambuca.

Each drink offers something special, from the visually striking Flaming Lamborghini to the soothing Jefferson Airplane, presenting an array of options to suit any mood or occasion. These selections represent the top ways to enjoy Sambuca, proving that this ingredient can elevate your cocktail repertoire and introduce exciting new tastes to your palate.

More info

Want to discover more?

More about Sambuca

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.