Antica Sambuca Licorice

Antica Sambuca Licorice combines classic anise liqueur with the intense spice of licorice — a liqueur that polarizes and that's exactly the point.

Behind the brand is the Italian distillery Antiche Distillerie Riunite , which produces Sambuca in the tradition of Roman-South Italian anise brandy. The base remains star anise, complemented by licorice extract, which gives the liqueur its characteristic licorice flavor.

In the glass, it presents a clear, slightly sweet opening with notes of anise and dried licorice root. The body is full-bodied, the sweetness is present but balanced by the bitter spice of the licorice. The finish is long, dark, and aromatic, with a slightly mentholated aftertaste.

Best enjoyed neat and ice-cold — or classically "con la mosca" with three coffee beans in the glass. For a milder taste, pour it over crushed ice. It works well as a digestif after a heavy meal; it's also suitable for cocktails wherever a Negroni or Black Licorice Sour calls for a dark depth.