Anise-flavoured liqueurs are popular throughout the Mediterranean region. The French have many varieties of pastis or anisette, the Turks drink arrack, the Greeks have their cherished ouzo and Italians celebrate with sambuca. Although an ingredient in many cocktails, sambuca is normally consumed neat -- often flamed or with a few coffee beans added. Like other anise-flavoured liqueurs, it can also be diluted with water for a less-intense flavour.

Pour the sambuca into a small tumbler.

Dilute with an equal quantity of water. Add more water as desired. Like ouzo or Pernod, sambuca will become milky when diluted.

Serve before meals as an aperitif, or after meals as a digestive.