Sambuca is Italy's national anise-based liqueur.

All the countries of the Mediterranean basin embrace the age old tradition of having an anise based national liqueur. Italy is no exception with its Sambuca. Luxardo Sambuca is strictly Italian and produced with the infusion of elderberry and green aniseed.

Sambuca is a sweet but strong liqueur, containing essential oils obtained by steam distilling the seeds of star anise, which are soluble in pure alcohol. A concentrated solution of sugar and other natural aromas is added to this.

The anise plant, originating from China became known in ancient times for its therapeutic properties. Throughout the centuries, it became widespread through the Mediterranean coast, where it became widely used in preparing traditional dishes and desserts. Most commonly, the oils obtained from anise were used by liqueur firms to produce a selection of liqueurs such as French Pastis, Spanish Anis, Turkish Raki and Greek Ouzo. The word for Sambuca was derived from the Arab word for anise,‘Zammut’. The word ‘zammù’ still exists in the Sicilian dialect, meaning an anise drink diluted with water. On the front label is featured the Arch of Constantine in Rome (315 A.D.)

Color

Clear

Flavor

Sharp but well balanced, well-rounded, with a lingering anise flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Neat or on the rocks. Frozen or flaming. In your favorite cocktail recipes calling for anise-based spirits. Excellent sipped in the classical Italian way alla mosca, with three coffee beans floating in the glass, set aflame to roast the beans, and release extraordinary aromas in the glass.