Food is an emotion, think of a freshly made, steaming hot biryani. It doesn’t matter what biryani it is as long as it makes us happy and sleepy (which is why we love it even more). Wondering why we are talking about biryani? Well, many of the spices that you taste in it can be experienced in Sambuca. This is an alcohol made using star anise, fennel seeds, cloves, cinnamon, and coriander. So with every sip, you get the delectable notes of spices and a nice buzz-inducing satisfaction.
History of Sambuca
Not to go all nerdy on you but it is believed that the name ‘Sambuca’ originated from the Latin word for ‘Sambucus’ which means ‘elderberry’. Molinari, who is one of the top producers of Sambuca, claims that the name comes from an Arabic word called Zammut. They say that it was the name for an anise-flavored drink that came from the East to the port of Civitavecchia in the 1800’s. Molinari, founded by Angelo Molinari, is known as one of the best brands for Sambuca in the world.
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But officially, the first commercial version of this alcohol dates back to 1851, when a guy named Luigi Manzi produced it in Civitavecchia, Italy. He named it Sambuca Manzi, in honor of the “sambuchelli”, or the “acquaioli” (water and anis sellers) from his hometown island Ischia, Italy.
It was only in the late 1900s that the drink began getting the attention it deserved in Italy because the “La Dolce Vita” era was all around the country. Oh, what a time to be alive that was! Musician Frank Sinatra who has delivered hits like ‘My Way’ and ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ loved Sambuca and this made the drink famous in the United States. In any nightclub he went to, this drink was served right away. Okay, enough history lessons for you guys, let’s see how’s it made.
How Is Sambuca Made?
To make sambuca, a mixture of neutral grain spirits or grape spirits along with extracts derived from flowers, herbs, and spices like cloves and cinnamon is used. Star anise is the most important ingredient used in sambuca. The taste and smell you get from this liqueur are all thanks to the star-shaped fruits that we get from the Illicium verum tree. It gives the drink a licorice-type flavor profile that suits well with the rest of the ingredients. The amount of star anise needs to be carefully balanced to get the optimal taste out of this alcohol.
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For natural sweetness, elderflower is used by the producers. This also gives it a subtle floral undertone. But to balance the spirit, additional sugar is added to this drink. This sugar, extracted from sugar beet, is mixed in such a way that it doesn’t disturb the bitterness of this drink. It’s also made with water. This addition helps dilute the alcohol and takes the ABV to 42%. Water also helps with toning down the intensity of the spices. In the end, what you have in front of you is a drink with a standout flavor that packs the magic of spices and the relaxing power of alcohol.
How To Drink Sambuca?
If you are a coffee aficionado, you’ll love this addition to the drink. Sambuca Con La Mosca is the traditional name for this drink and it’s often served with three coffee beans. These beans are representatives of health, happiness, and prosperity. Sometimes it’s also served with seven beans representing seven hills of Rome (but then you get super pumped up for no reason). Bartenders also make fire shots from this drink by lighting up the coffee beans!
Another great pairing for sambuca is with any dairy product like a milkshake or ice cream. You can even try being health-conscious like us and replace sugar in your expresso with this amazing sweetener! Mint, pineapple, figs, and coconut too have a flavor scale that does go well with that of Sambuca. You can prepare a Mojito too. If you don’t want to have the stress of thinking about the perfect pairing, just have it on the rocks and enjoy the night.
Best Food Pairings For Sambuca
You can pair with tikkas, kebabs, or samosas. Why? It’s because the anise in the drink compliments the strong flavor these dishes have. It’s also a good drink to have as a digestif. If you’re mixing sambuca with your expresso, pair it with some cake.
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Is Sambuca Available In India?
You can buy brands like Latinae Black Sambuca, Sambuca Cesare Imperator, and Molinari Sambuca Extra Liqueur online in India. These brands, mostly imported from Italy, range anywhere between INR 2,500 and INR 3,000.
Conclusion
Italians do have it sorted. Eating pizzas, enjoying art, and having delicious drinks like this one. Nothing’s stopping you from ordering a pizza, putting on some jazz, and buying a bottle of Sambuca. What else do you need in life, right? La dolce vita!
FAQs
What Kind Of Alcohol Is Sambuca?
Sambuca is an Italian liqueur that is made by the infusion of elder bush and licorice, sweetened with sugar, and enhanced with a secret combination of herbs and spices.
Is Sambuca Stronger Than Vodka?
While Sambuca is more potent than many liqueurs, it is not as strong as vodka. Sambuca’s ABV is 42% while most vodkas have ABV that ranges anywhere between 40 – 45%.
Is Sambuca Good For Health?
This alcohol is made using different spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and fennel seeds. This is why it is believed to help with indigestion, gastric issues, and cramps.
What Do You Mix Sambuca With?
Sambuca can be mixed with an espresso or could be used in Mojito too. It also tastes well with mint, pineapple, figs, and coconut which can be used with this drink.
What Is Sambuca Taste Like?
Sambuca’s taste is high in sweetness and notes of licorice too.
Is Sambuca High In Sugar?
The sugar content in Sambuca is high to balance out the bitterness of the spices and other ingredients added to it. An average of 350 grams is used per liter in the production of this liqueur.
