PR Black Sambuca Liqueur Essence 20 ml

PR Black Sambuca Liqueur Essence 20 ml

Black sambuca is the night-time version of the classic aniseed liqueur. The same sweet, oily aniseed foundation – but coloured deeply dark and with a heavier, spicier flavour picture in which liquorice takes command. It is a liqueur that gets noticed: pour it and everyone at the table wonders what is in the glass.

The colour is more than mere effect. The black style takes its character from elderberries instead of elderflower, which gives a darker fruitiness and a little more backbone to the flavour. The result is a richly flavoured liqueur for everyone who loves liquorice – and a rewarding ingredient when the cocktails should look as exciting as they taste.

Colour & Appearance

The finished liqueur looks black in the bottle, but hold the glass to the light and it shows its true colour: a deep dark purple, like ink or blackberry cordial, with violet edges. The texture is thick, glossy and oily.

Nose

The nose is dark and spicy. Sweet liquorice leads, followed by star anise, ripe elderberries and a note of blackcurrant. Behind them you can sense clove, black pepper and a little dark syrup.

Palate

The palate is full and intense. Liquorice is the main event – sweet, dense liquorice root with a touch of saltiness at the edge – and star anise provides spicy warmth all around. The elderberries contribute dark berry fruit and a slightly grippy, winey note that makes the black sambuca less floral and more earthy than the white. The spiciness is also a notch higher: here there are pepper, clove and a little cinnamon at the base. The sweetness is substantial, the mouthfeel thick and the spirit gives a proper warmth.

Finish

The finish is very long. Liquorice and aniseed stay for several minutes together with dark berries and a peppery warmth – like a really good liquorice pastille that never runs out.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit plus sugar. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished liqueur. Instructions are on the label.

Serving Suggestions

• An ice-cold shot straight from the freezer – thick, black and silky.
• Over one large ice cube with a strip of lemon peel for contrast.
• As the dark bottom layer in layered shots and Halloween cocktails.
• With cola or blackcurrant soda and lime in a tall glass.
• Drizzled over vanilla ice cream for the liquorice lover, or in a dark liquorice sauce for dessert.

About the Essence

Black Sambuca is part of the PR (Prestige) series and is the sibling of the clear White Sambuca. Choose the white when you want the floral, classic style with coffee beans in the glass, and the black when you want more liquorice, more spice and more drama.

The black colour makes it a natural star at themed parties and in dark cocktails. The essence is also available in 25 litres for producers.