Flaming Sambuca – Playing with Fire: An Italian Ritual
The European approach to wining and dining is to sit back, relax with good company and, above all, slow down. Every bite of food and sip of drink is savored. The dining experience begins with drinking what the Italians call an aperitivo – an apéritif - which serves to whet the appetite in anticipation of the many wonderful courses of food to follow. At the end of the meal, it is customary to linger at the table with a digestivi – or an after-dinner drink. Typically, it is more potent and much sweeter than the aperitivo. Can you guess what the Italian digestivi of choice is? Yes, it’s Sambuca. However, this digestivi comes with a caveat: Use extreme caution when dealing with fire!
Sambuca hails from the Latin word Sambūc-us, meaning elderberry, one of this clear liqueur’s core ingredients. It is often erroneously confused with its Greek counterpart, ouzo, which also has that distinct licorice flavor from star anise. Although it can be enjoyed straight up or on the rocks, the traditional (and adventurous) way to drink Sambuca is by setting it on fire – literally! The traditional Flaming Sambuca is prepared by placing 3 coffee beans in a shot or liqueur glass, adding 1 oz. of Sambuca, then lighting it, waiting 10 seconds before extinguishing the flame by placing the palm of your hand over the glass. If you wait too long before putting the flame out, you may be making a trip to the local Emergency room. Additionally, if the glass tips over, you may set your tablecloth on fire! Don’t laugh, it’s happened! (So don’t forget to keep a fire extinguisher handy. Always use extreme caution).
And the 3 coffee beans floating on top? Well, here’s to your health, happiness and prosperity. Salute!