THE MOLINARI STORY – SINCE 1945:

The Creator: Angelo Molinari created the secret recipe for Molinari Sambuca in 1945 in post-war Rome—a time when Italy was rebuilding and seeking comfort in traditional flavors.

The Secret Recipe: Angelo’s formula has been passed down intact through generations to today. The exact recipe remains a closely guarded family secret, ensuring Molinari Extra maintains its distinctive character and quality.

Italian Icon: Molinari became synonymous with sambuca in Italy and around the world, setting the standard for this classic Italian liqueur category.

THE SECRET RECIPE:

Base Ingredient:

Star anise (anice stellato) – Expertly distilled to capture the pure, sweet anise flavor that defines sambuca

Other Quality Herbs: The recipe includes other carefully selected herbs (erbe di qualità selezionate) that are excellently blended (ottimamente miscelata). The exact botanicals remain secret, but contribute depth and complexity beyond simple anise.

Production:

Star anise and herbs distilled with precision

Blended with neutral grain spirit

Sweetened and refined

Crystal-clear result—no coloring added

APPEARANCE: Crystal-clear and colorless—pure, clean, inviting. The transparency showcases the purity and quality of distillation.

TASTING NOTES:

Nose: Intense sweet anise dominates. Licorice, fennel-like aromatics. Herbal complexity underneath. Fresh and inviting.

Palate: Sweet anise flavor—smooth and warming. Licorice sweetness balanced by herbal notes. Silky texture with pleasant viscosity. At 42% ABV, it has substance and warmth without harshness. Clean, pure anise character with subtle herbal complexity from the secret recipe.

Finish: Long and warming. Sweet anise lingers with herbal undertones. Clean and smooth.

CHARACTER: Molinari Extra delivers authentic Italian sambuca—smooth, sweet, intensely anise-flavored, yet refined and balanced. The 42% ABV provides warmth and structure while remaining approachable. The secret blend of herbs adds complexity beyond one-dimensional anise liqueurs, making it both a traditional digestif and a versatile cocktail ingredient.

FOOD PAIRING:

Traditional Digestif: Served after rich Italian meals to aid digestion. The anise and herbs are believed to have digestive properties.

Pairs With:

Espresso and coffee

Italian desserts (tiramisu, panna cotta, biscotti)

Chocolate

Nuts and dried fruits

After-dinner service

WHY MOLINARI SAMBUCA EXTRA:

Angelo Molinari’s secret recipe since 1945

Passed down intact through generations

Based on expertly distilled star anise

Quality herbs carefully selected

Excellently blended for balance

Italian icon and gold standard

42% ABV—substantial yet smooth

Traditional “con la mosca” serve

Perfect in caffè corretto

Unique in cocktails

Crystal-clear purity

OCCASIONS: After-dinner digestif, Italian coffee service, flamed presentation, cocktail parties, traditional Italian entertaining, shot service.

PERFECT FOR:

Sambuca and anise lovers

Italian liqueur enthusiasts

Digestif service

Coffee enhancement (caffè corretto)

Cocktail mixing

Traditional Italian entertaining

Gift-giving (iconic Italian spirit)

Those seeking authentic sambuca

STORAGE: Room temperature in cool, dark place. Can be kept in freezer for ice-cold serving (42% ABV prevents freezing). Long shelf life.

ITALIAN TRADITION: Sambuca is deeply rooted in Italian culture—especially in Rome and central Italy. The ritual of serving “con la mosca” (with three coffee beans) is a cherished tradition passed from generation to generation, just like Angelo Molinari’s secret recipe.