"Sambuca is a licorice-flavored liqueur that derives its flavor from the gentle distillation of the elder bush, known in Latin as ""sambucus"". The fruit from the elder bush is steeped in alcohol at very cold temperatures. This flavorful mixture is then aged for four months and is cut to proof before bottling. The extended aging is what makes Meletti Sambuca stand head and shoulders above the competition. Sambuca is richer in body than anisette and has an underlying floral character."