Sambuca is an Italian anise-flavoured, usually colourless, liqueur. Its most common variety is often referred to as white sambuca to differentiate it from other varieties that are deep blue in colour or bright red. Like other anise-flavoured liqueurs, the ouzo effect is sometimes observed when combined with water.

What is the meaning of the word sambuca?

The term comes from the Latin word sambucus, meaning "elderberry". The word sambuca was first used as the name of another elderberry liquor that was created in Civitavecchia about 170 years ago by Luigi Manzi.

Why is sambuca called sambuca?

Indeed, sambuca was first commercially produced in Italy by Luigi Manzi from 1851. He claimed that it was a fine anisette that was “very good for the stomach after a meal” and added that he named it after the “sambuchelli” watermen who worked between Ischia island and Naples.