Definition

A type of Italian liqueur that is sweet and flavored with anise or elderberries, often served as a digestif after meals.

Example

After dinner, we enjoyed a shot of sambuca to help with digestion.

Conversation

Have you ever tried sambuca before?

Yeah, I had it at a friend's party once.

What did you think of the taste of sambuca?

I thought it was pretty strong, but enjoyable!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sambuca originates from Italian, where it refers to a type of elderflower liqueur. The term is derived from 'sambucus', the Latin word for elderberry, which is the plant used to make the liqueur. Thus, sambuca refers to a drink made from elderberries.

Memory Tip

Think of the Italian word for elderberry, 'sambucus', to remember that sambuca is a liqueur made from elderflowers.

Visually Confused Words