Sambuca (Italian pronunciation:[samˈbuːka]) is an Italian
anise-flavoured
liqueur. Its most common variety is often referred to as white sambuca to differentiate it from other varieties that are deep blue (black sambuca) or bright red (red sambuca).[1] Like other anise-flavoured liqueurs, the
ouzo effect is sometimes observed when combined with water.
The term comes from the Latin word sambucus, meaning "
elderberry".[3] The word sambuca was first used as the name of another elderberry liquor that was created in
Civitavecchia around 1850 by Luigi Manzi.[4]
Serving
Sambuca may be served
neat. It may also be served
on the rocks or with water, resulting in the
ouzo effect from the
anethole in the anise. Like other anise liqueurs, it may be consumed after coffee as an
ammazzacaffè or added directly to coffee in place of sugar to produce a caffè corretto.[5]
A serving of sambuca can be a shot with seven coffee beans, representing the
seven hills of Rome. Likewise, a shot with one coffee bean, called con la mosca, which means "with the fly", is as common. The traditional serving is with three coffee beans, each representing health, happiness and prosperity.[3][6] The shot may be ignited to toast the coffee beans with the flame extinguished immediately before drinking.[7]
Sambuca is also used in cooking, in small amounts because it has a strong flavor. It is usually used in desserts and seafood recipes.