An aromatic Italian liqueur, Sambuca is based on star or green anise essential oils, which are often blended with other herbs such as licorice or elderflower for complexity. These are mixed into a sugar-based concentrate, which is then blended with pure alcohol. While white Sambuca is the most common, there are other types. Black expressions taste more strongly of licorice while red versions usually have a strong cinnamon note. Sambuca may be served neat or on the rocks but goes exceptionally well with coffee, where it is often used in place of sugar as a sweetener.