Sambuca

Sambuca is a sweet, strong Italian liqueur traditionally flavored with essential oils obtained from the star anise, anise, or less commonly, green anisette. Its distinctive flavor is enriched by a blend of spices, with the licorice-flavored star anise leading the pack, and sometimes other ingredients like elderflowers being added to create a more complex profile. The liqueur is clear in its original form, but it can also be found in black (Sambuca Nero) and red varieties which include additional flavorings and colors. Predominantly enjoyed as a digestif after meals, Sambuca's high sugar content and smooth, rich taste make it highly enjoyable when served neat or with a few coffee beans, known as "con la mosca," which means "with the fly." The coffee beans are intended to be chewed while drinking to enhance the flavor.

Sambuca is also a popular ingredient in cocktails and mixed drinks, where it contributes its robust anise flavor to a variety of concoctions. It's used in simple mixes with water, which turns the clear liquid milky white—a characteristic known as the "ouzo effect," attributable to the anethole in the anise reacting with the water. Sambuca can be enjoyed in more complex cocktail recipes, combining it with ingredients ranging from fresh citrus juice to cream, or even coffee, highlighting its versatility and appeal in the bartending world. With an alcohol content typically around 38 - 42% by volume, Sambuca packs a punch, making it a notable addition to any drink where it's included. Its unique flavor profile and mixing versatility ensure Sambuca's lasting popularity on the drink list of any establishment or home bar.