There’s a liqueur for every mood, every palate, and every celebration, and when it comes to bold, aromatic spirits, anisette stands out with unmistakable flair. National Anisette Day is the perfect occasion to discover (or revisit) this time-honoured liqueur, celebrated for its unmistakable aniseed flavour and rich cultural heritage across Europe.
While whisky and gin may command more shelf space, anisette remains one of the spirit world’s hidden treasures. It’s an old-world classic, steeped in centuries of tradition, yet still modern enough to make waves in today’s cocktail scene. Anisette isn’t just a liqueur; it’s a journey through Mediterranean piazzas, Italian cafés, and Spanish taverns. Its licorice-sweet, herbal character conjures images of leisurely European evenings and lively conversations, making it a perfect companion for special occasions and quiet nights alike.
Whether sipped neat, poured over ice, or used to add complexity to cocktails and desserts, anisette brings a touch of licorice sweetness, intense aroma, and a smooth, lingering finish that’s both nostalgic and refined. Its versatility and vibrant personality make it equally fitting for a cosy after-dinner ritual or as the secret ingredient in a creative modern cocktail.
So what exactly is anisette? Let’s decode it, and raise a glass to two award-winning sambucas that are perfect for the celebration.
Also Read: Three Easy Cocktail Recipes To Up Your Drinking Game
What is Anisette Liqueur?
Anisette is a clear, sweet liqueur flavoured primarily with aniseed. Anise has a distinctive licorice-like taste and is used widely in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. What sets anisette apart from other anise-flavoured spirits, like absinthe or ouzo, is its sugar content and gentler alcohol strength, making it more approachable and versatile for both sipping and mixing.
Sambuca is a type of anisette liqueur that hails from Italy and is typically stronger, more intense, and often served flambéed or with coffee beans (con la mosca). It’s a popular after-dinner drink, thanks to its bold sweetness, clean finish, and digestive properties. The coffee beans are not just decorative, they symbolise health, happiness, and prosperity.
How to Enjoy Anisette and Sambuca
While sambuca and anisette are delicious sipped straight, there are countless creative ways to enjoy these aromatic liqueurs:
✅ Neat or On the Rocks: The traditional way to appreciate anisette’s full aromatic bouquet. Pour into a small liqueur glass and enjoy slowly.
✅ Con la Mosca: Serve sambuca neat with three coffee beans floating on top. Light the surface briefly for a flambéed twist; a dramatic and traditional Italian serve.
✅ Caffè Corretto: Add a splash of sambuca to your espresso for a true Italian experience. It cuts the coffee’s bitterness and adds sweet, aromatic complexity.
✅ Over Ice Cream: Drizzle sambuca over vanilla or chocolate gelato for an instant, adult dessert.
✅ Cocktails: Use anisette as a flavourful substitute in classic cocktails like a White Lady or a Sazerac for a unique twist.
✅ In Baking: Anisette’s licorice notes shine in biscotti, cakes, or syrups for poached fruit.
Its balance of sweetness and herbal notes makes anisette an excellent pairing with creamy desserts, rich cheeses, or spicy charcuterie. It’s also a fantastic companion for conversation after a hearty meal.
Molinari Sambuca Extra
A timeless classic, Molinari Sambuca Extra is perhaps the most iconic sambuca in the world—and with good reason. Created in 1945, it’s still family-owned and proudly carries the label of “Extra” to signify its superior strength and quality.
Expect rich aromas of star anise and fennel, balanced by a subtle sweetness and clean, velvety texture. On the palate, it’s bold yet smooth, with a licorice intensity that lingers without overwhelming. Molinari is best enjoyed neat, with three coffee beans for good luck, or over ice for a slightly mellowed sip.
This sambuca isn’t just a drink, it’s a sensory ritual. From its striking aroma to its long, warming finish, it delivers an authentic Italian experience in every drop.
Importer: Aspri Spirits
Price: ₹4,000 (Maharashtra)
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Luxardo Sambuca Dei Cesari Liqueur
Elegant and refined, Luxardo Sambuca Dei Cesari offers a more nuanced take on the anisette experience. This historic liqueur, produced by one of Italy’s oldest and most respected spirit houses, is crafted using traditional infusion techniques that honour generations of expertise.
Flavour-wise, it’s a symphony of anise, herbs, and subtle spices, balanced by a silky, slightly syrupy mouthfeel. What sets Luxardo apart is its smoothness less aggressive than some sambucas, it appeals to both purists and newcomers alike.
Serve it chilled as a digestif, drizzle a splash into espresso for a true Italian caffè corretto, or use it to bring depth to creative cocktails. Luxardo Sambuca is versatile, aromatic, and undeniably sophisticated.
Importer: Chenab Alcobev
Price: ₹3,125
Looking for amazing wines and spirits recommendations? Click here to check out the winners of the India Wines And Spirits Award 2024 edition.
