Sambuca is an aromatic liqueur with interesting pairing traditions and a unique flavor that you won’t forget!
What is Sambuca?
Sambuca is an Italian liqueur made from fermented sugar and anise oils, which produce its characteristically sweet and aromatic flavor. Other ingredients, such as licorice, elderflower, chili, and spices are optional extras and may be added depending on the brand. A bottle of this liqueur can last a long time once opened but may lose some of its flavors if kept open and exposed to oxygen for years. [1]
Nutrition Facts & Alcohol Content
Its ABV range varies from 38-42%, the lower limit is the legal minimum for the spirit and the most common. Sambuca is often drunk in shots – small quantities of 37–44 ml. There are approximately 100 calories in a single shot of Sambuca, most of which come from carbohydrates. There are no glutenous ingredients in this type of alcohol, making it a good option for those with an intolerance.
Sambuca is a colorless liqueur made from anise and has its origin in Italy. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
How to Drink?
There are many ways to drink Sambuca, let’s take a look at them in detail below.
- Traditionally, it is drunk ‘con la Mosca’ – with a fly! These ‘flies’ come in the form of three coffee beans, which are put into the glass of neat liqueur.
- It is possible to set fire to this drink, due to the high alcohol content, thus toasting the coffee beans. The beans are then chewed while drinking, as anise and coffee are considered complementary flavors. In this way, this specialty drink can be enjoyed both as an aperitif and a digestif. [2]
- If you’re not a coffee fan, you might prefer to drink Sambuca in a simple shot form.
- Alternatively, some people choose to drink this flavorful spirit on the rocks, with just a splash of water.
Adverse Risks Associated with Alcohol Consumption: The risks involved with drinking excessive alcohol can be short term such as violence and injuries to long-term health risks such as chronic diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who should not drink alcohol include women who are pregnant, individuals younger than 21 years of age, and people who are recovering from alcoholism or cannot control the amount they drink. Also, it should be avoided by people who are planning to drive or any other activity that required focus and skill. However, different countries have different rules on alcohol purchase and consumption. [3]
