Reader Question: What to Make with Sambuca

Tzvika from Israel wrote in saying:

“I just spent four hours reading your blog…and it is just amazing!  I have a little question.  I got a bottle of black Sambuca…what kind of cocktails can I make with it.  Thank you.”

Tzvika,

First of all, thank you for taking so much time to pour through the material on my site.  It is wonderful that you found it so informative.  My regret is that you did not find everything you were looking for.  However, I am so happy you decided to take the time to email me. 

Sambuca is an Italian liqueur flavored with aniseed that is most often found in clear or “white” form.  Other varieties are deep blue in color, referred to as black Sambuca, and bright red, red Sambuca.  Black Sambuca usually has a hit of lemon zest flavoring along with the anise. 

The most common ways of serving Sambuca is neat, on the rocks, with fresh water added, or in coffee in place of sugar.  Sambuca con mosca (neat with coffee beans floated atop) is a common Italian way of serving Sambuca.  Flaming Sambuca is also interesting and eye catching as there really is nothing like setting alcohol on fire before throwing it down the gullet. 

Black Widow

1-1/2 measure Citrus Vodka

1-1/2 measure Black Sambuca

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Folly Martini

2-1/2 measures Coffee Vodka

1/4 measure Sambuca

Coffee Beans Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend & chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with coffee beans floated on top.

Gotham Martini

3 measures Vodka

1/2 measure Blackberry Brandy

1/2 measure Black Sambuca

Fresh Blackberries Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with skewered blackberries.

Licorice Martini

2 measures Coffee Liqueur

1/2 measure Sambuca

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Buca-Cinco

3/4 measure Sambuca

1/2 measure Gin

2 measures Half & Half

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Bullet Martini

1 measure Gin

1/4 measure Sambuca

Splash Lemon Juice

Splash Simple Syrup

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

Plenty Good

3/4 measure Black Cherry Vodka

3/4 measure Sambuca

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled shot glass.

White Cloud

3/4 measure Sambuca

1/2 measure Vodka

3 measures fresh Coffee

Whipped Cream Garnish

Place sambuca and vodka in heat proof mug. Top with fresh hot coffee. Garnish with whipped cream.

Five Points Sazerac

1/4 measure Blood Orange Bitters

1 measure Canadian Whisky

1 measure Sambuca

Lemon Twist & Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist and cherry.

Con Mosca

1-1/4 measure Sambuca

1 measure Club Soda

3 measures Cranberry Juice

Lemon Twist Garnish

Place ice in highball glass. Add liquids in order given. Stir. Garnish with lemon twist.

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