Sambuca

A colorless, anise-flavored liqueur from Italy. Sambucas nigra is the Italian name for the elder shrub, an attractive bush with honeysuckle-shaped leaves, clusters of tiny scented white flowers, and violet-black berries—elderberries. The name sambuca was given to the liqueur because elder was originally used as a flavoring agent. The traditional way of serving sambuca in Rome is flambéed, with one or two dark-roasted coffee beans floating on top (referred to in Italian as con la mosca, “with the fly”). This is said to bring good luck. Sambuca has a sweet licorice taste and is very strong for a liqueur, 42 percent alcohol or 84 proof.