Romana Black Sambuca Liqueur

Name: Romana Black Sambuca Liqueur
Availability: BackOrder

750ml & 80 Proof

What is Romana Black Sambuca Liqueur?

Romana Black Sambuca offers a striking visual and flavor contrast to traditional clear sambuca, infusing the anise-flavored liqueur with an inky darkness from elderberries. Interestingly, despite its intense black color, Romana Black Sambuca was actually created in 1999 as part of a marketing campaign to attract younger drinkers to the category, proving that even centuries-old spirits can reinvent themselves for new generations.

Why do we love Romana Black Sambuca Liqueur?

Cocktail enthusiasts should appreciate Romana Black Sambuca Liqueur for its intense, jet-black color and robust anise flavor profile, which sets it apart from traditional clear sambucas. Unlike rum, this Italian liqueur is made from star anise, elderberries, and other aromatic herbs, creating a distinct, bittersweet complexity that adds depth and intrigue to both classic and contemporary cocktails.

How do you drink Romana Black Sambuca Liqueur?

Romana Black Sambuca Liqueur shines when served chilled as an after-dinner digestif, either neat or on the rocks, allowing its rich anise and licorice flavors to take center stage. This inky-black spirit also adds depth to coffee-based cocktails and pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts, making it a perfect choice for cozy winter evenings or as a luxurious nightcap year-round.

$40.99

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Romana Black Sambuca Liqueur

$40.99

Size:

Quantity:

Romana Black Sambuca Liqueur

$40.99

Size:

Quantity:

Tasting Notes

How It's Made

Fun Facts

Product Details

Nose: Intense licorice aroma dominates, supported by hints of star anise and fennel. Subtle notes of dark cocoa and coffee grounds emerge as the liqueur opens up. A touch of vanilla sweetness rounds out the bouquet.

Palate: Thick and syrupy texture coats the tongue. Strong anise flavor leads, followed by rich dark chocolate and espresso notes. Underlying sweetness balances the herbal bitterness. Faint hints of cinnamon and nutmeg add complexity.

Finish: Long-lasting and warming. The licorice flavor lingers, gradually fading to reveal subtle caramel and toasted almond notes. A slight medicinal quality reminiscent of cough drops persists, leaving a cool, minty sensation on the palate.

Romana Black Sambuca is crafted by infusing neutral grain spirits with a blend of star anise, elderberries, and other aromatic herbs and spices. The liqueur's distinctive black color comes from the addition of natural vegetable-based colorants, while sugar is added to achieve its characteristic sweetness before the final product is bottled at 38% ABV.

Romana Black Sambuca's striking color comes from a surprising source: elderberry juice. While traditional white sambuca is clear, this unique variation gets its deep, inky hue naturally, without artificial coloring.

Despite its intense black appearance, Romana Black Sambuca actually turns a vibrant electric blue when mixed with water. This color-changing property makes it a favorite for creating dramatic cocktails and shooters.

The name "Sambuca" is believed to derive from the Arabic word "zammut," referring to anise-flavored drinks brought to Sicily by the Saracens in the Middle Ages. Romana's recipe, however, dates back only to 1945 when the Pallini family created their signature liqueur in Rome.

Main Ingredient: Anise
Country of Origin: Italy