Sambuca Liqueur from Italy

Sambuca from Italy with 700 ml. and 40 % Vol. Sambuca contains essential oils obtained from star anise, Illicium verum, which give the liquor a strong anise flavor. The oils are added to pure alcohol, a concentrated solution of sugar, and other flavoring.

Serving suggestions:
Neat
Sambuca can be served neat, as Ammazzacaffè or just as refreshment.

On the rocks
Sambuca can be served with ice, optionally adding some coffee beans as ornament. The ice enhances the flavors and changes the color of the drink from transparent to dense white.

With toasted coffee beans
In Italy it is common to serve neat Sambuca with some floating coffee beans dropped on it: it is called Sambuca con la mosca (literally, "Sambuca with flies")<4><5>. The beans are there as an ornament, but they can be chewed to increase the taste of anise. It is usually served in restaurants with 3 coffee beans and is said that the beans represent health, happiness, and prosperity.

In coffee
Sambuca can be added to coffee as a sweetener instead of sugar. The mixed drink in Italian is called Caffè corretto (literally, "corrected coffee"), though more commonly caffè corretto refers to grappa and coffee.

With water
Sambuca can be served by adding fresh water, becoming a refreshing drink with less alcoholic bite.

Flaming Sambuca

Flaming Sambuca.Sambuca may be served in a shot glass and then set on fire for a second or two, in order to increase its flavour.