Lazzaroni Sambuca
Lazzaroni Sambuca is the Italian original — a 750mL bottle at 38% ABV (76 proof), produced in Saronno, Italy by Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli from a recipe the house dates to the 1800s — and you can order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 38% (76 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Saronno, Italy
- Producer: Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli (founded 1851)
- Production: essential oils from steam-distilled star anise seeds, plus distillates of elderberry, green anise, fennel, coriander, Ceylon cinnamon and neroli; molasses-distilled base, sweetened with European beet sugar
- Award: Beverage Tasting Institute Gold — 93 points
The Original Italian Sambuca, From Saronno
Sambuca begins with anise — and Lazzaroni's version starts with star anise seeds, steam-distilled for their essential oils, then layered with elderflower, green anise, fennel and a whisper of rose and neroli oils over a molasses-distilled base sweetened with European beet sugar. The result is the textbook sambuca profile: thick, oily and transparent, sweet and velvety, bold star anise over light floral and herbal notes with a long, warming, clean finish. Pour it neat after dinner the traditional way, with three coffee beans (con la mosca) for health, wealth and happiness, or browse the full liqueur selection and more Italian bottlings from Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli.
Tasting Notes
Nose of star anise with a hint of wild berry and meringue. Sweet, velvety and thick on the palate — bold star anise over light floral and herbal notes — finishing long, warming and clean.
How to Enjoy
Serve it neat or with a splash of chilled water after dinner, the classic Italian way — or pour it con la mosca over three coffee beans. Also the essential base for a rich Sambuca cocktail or added to espresso.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ABV of Lazzaroni Sambuca?
38% ABV (76 proof), per the brand's importer tech sheet and most US retailers.
What does sambuca taste like?
Sweet, thick and velvety with bold star anise, light floral and herbal notes, and a long warming finish.
What is "con la mosca"?
"With the fly" — the traditional Italian serve of sambuca with three coffee beans in the glass, representing health, wealth and happiness.
Where is Lazzaroni Sambuca made?
In Saronno, Italy, by Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli, from a recipe the house dates to the 1800s (the firm was founded in 1851).
Pour the Italian original — order Lazzaroni Sambuca online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.