Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLuna Blu Ristorante ItalianoRomana Sambuca Recipe

Romana Sambuca Recipe

Time2h
Serves10

An Italian anise-flavored liquor. Select black or white.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

For Black Sambuca (optional)

Method

Preparation of Anise Infusion

  1. 1

    Infuse Anise Flavor

    In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of anise seeds and 2 cups of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it steep for about 30 minutes. This allows the anise flavor to fully infuse into the water.

  2. 2

    Strain the Mixture

    After 30 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, discarding the solid anise seeds.

Final Mixing

  1. 3

    Combine Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the strained anise infusion, 2 cups of sugar, and 3 cups of neutral grain alcohol. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

  2. 4

    Add Vanilla

    Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the mixture. Add the whole bean as well for added flavor. Stir to combine.

  3. 5

    Optional: Add Color

    For black sambuca, add 1 teaspoon of caramel color to the mixture and stir until fully incorporated.

Bottling

  1. 6

    Bottle the Sambuca

    Using a funnel, carefully pour the sambuca into clean, sterilized bottles. Seal tightly with caps or corks.

  2. 7

    Let it Mature

    Allow the sambuca to sit at room temperature for at least 1 week before consuming. This will enhance the flavors.

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