Lazzaroni is one of the oldest Italian houses known to have produced this strong but sweet liqueur. It is packed with flavour, thanks to the traditional process of steam-extracting essential oils from anise seeds. Lazzaroni make some of the highest quality sambuca, which is often served as an after-dinner digestive, over ice.

Traditionally, restaurants and bars may even serve this drink flambéd - Italian legend has it that flies are attracted to the high sugar content, and that flaming the drink before consumption was the perfect way to get rid of them. We don't suggest trying this at home - but we do know that it makes a great, and unusual gift for any spirits fan.

There are lots of ways to enjoy Sambuca Lazzaroni - it can be enjoyed over ice, or more unusually "con la mosca" (with flies), which means chewing a few coffee beans at the same time as sipping the drink, which smooths the strong anise taste.