Sambuca Cocktails
11 drinks with this bottle, from the easy ones up.
What goes with Sambuca?
Coffee first. A shot of sambuca in espresso is the classic Italian finish to a meal, and it works because bitterness cuts the sugar. After that, try cola, or lemon juice and soda if you want it long and less sweet.
What does it taste like?
Big licorice from star anise, with plenty of sugar behind it. It feels thick and warm, and it turns cloudy if you add water.
Which bottle should I buy?
Molinari is the name most people know, and Luxardo is the other classic Italian pick. Cheaper supermarket bottles are fine in a shot or in coffee.
Goes well with
A clear, sweet Italian liqueur flavored with anise. EU rules set a 38% ABV minimum, and most bottles sit around 38 to 42%. Anisette is the closest sweet swap, and ouzo or pastis work with a touch of sugar.
Questions
What do you mix sambuca with?
Coffee is the classic, either stirred into espresso or as a shot on the side. Cola makes an easy long drink, and lemon juice with soda keeps things sharper.
What cocktails have sambuca in them?
The Slippery Nipple is the best-known, a layered shot with Irish cream. The Flaming Lamborghini and B-53 are the party versions. All three are small drinks, because a little sambuca goes a long way.
Why are there coffee beans in sambuca?
It's a traditional Italian serve called con la mosca, which means with the fly. Three beans are said to stand for health, happiness and prosperity, and chewing them cuts the sweetness.
One good drink, every Friday.
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