Romana Sambuca

Romana Sambuca is Italy's classic anise liqueur — a unique blend of natural flavor essences including anise, elderberries, and sugar, with a secret natural flavor formula, distilled in the old-world tradition. Bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) in a 750mL bottle, it delivers a bold yet pleasingly sweet anise flavor with a memorable, smooth finish. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV: 42% (84 proof)
• Size: 750mL
• Style: white sambuca — clear Italian anise liqueur
• Origin: Italy (Diageo portfolio)
• Production: infusion of elder bush and licorice, sweetened with sugar, enhanced with a secret combination of herbs and spices

Italy's Classic Anise Liqueur

Romana is the sambuca the category is measured against — imported from Italy and produced by the infusion of elder bush and licorice, sweetened with sugar, and lifted by a secret combination of herbs and spices. The result is a distinctive, flavorful liqueur with a bold-yet-sweet anise character that has made it a staple of Italian drinking culture and home bars worldwide. Browse the Romana collection, its black sambuca sibling and other Italian liqueurs, plus Del Mesa's aperitif shelf.

Tasting Notes

Expect bold, sweet anise and black licorice on the nose and palate, with elderflower and subtle herbal complexity underneath. The texture is smooth and silky, finishing memorable and clean — sweet without being cloying at 42%.

How to Enjoy

Serve "con mosca" — in a snifter with three coffee beans, standing for health, wealth, and happiness — the traditional Italian serve. Also excellent neat, on the rocks, or with water, and it goes beautifully with or after coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sambuca made from?
Star anise (and traditionally elderflowers — "sambuca" takes its name from the elderflower plant), sugar, and a secret formula of herbs and spices.

What does "con mosca" mean?
"With the fly" — sambuca served with three coffee beans in the glass, symbolizing health, wealth, and happiness.

Is Romana Sambuca good in coffee?
Yes — a splash in espresso ("caffè corretto") is a classic Italian serve, and it pairs well with or after coffee.

Italy's defining anise liqueur, straight from the old world — order Romana Sambuca online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.