Sambuca Is the Unsung Hero of Your Liquor Cabinet with These 3 Cocktails

The Sambuca is one of the most well-known after-dinner drinks. The anise-flavored liqueur, which is typically colorless, is served neat or with water. It is also occasionally served as a shot with three coffee beans, which is called con la mosca, or "with the fly."

Here are three inventive cocktails that highlight the versatility of Sambuca—specifically Luxardo's version—beyond just shots:

Sambuca Sazerac is easy.

Using Sambuca to enhance the anise flavor, this cocktail is a twist on the traditional Sazerac.

**Guidelines**:

1. In an ice-filled mixing glass, mix:

Baker's or another overproof bourbon, two ounces

1 ounce of Sambuca

Angostura bitters, four dashes

2. Stir until chilled thoroughly.

3. Strain over ice into a rocks glass.

4. Add two large lemon peel twists as a garnish, sprinkling the oils over the beverage.

Intermediate: Sambuca 75

This cocktail blends the anise notes of Sambuca with sparkling wine, creating a refreshing take on the French 75.

**Guidelines**:

1. In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, mix:

1 oz Sambuca

  - 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

0.25 oz simple syrup

2. Pour into a champagne flute after giving it a good shake.

3. Garnish with a long, skinny lemon peel.

4. Drizzle 4 ounces of sparkling wine over it. Adding a brandied cherry is optional.

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Advanced: Sambuca Summer

With a fresh and herbal twist, this cocktail showcases the interaction between sambaca and silver tequila.

**Instructions**:

1. In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine:

2 oz silver tequila (e.g., Patrón Roca Silver)

1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice

  - 0.75 oz Sambuca

0.25 oz agave syrup (dissolve equal parts agave in hot water)

(Optional) 2 dashes orange bitters

2. Give it a good shake, then strain into a tall glass with newly added ice.

3. Pour on a half-ounce of soda water.

4. Add wedges of lime as a garnish.

Sambuca is transformed into delightful drinks that are suitable for a variety of occasions by these cocktails. Enjoy trying out different flavors!