Flander's Flake-Out
A bold and herbaceous highball that pairs the intense anise flavor of Sambuca with the distinct, medicinal sweetness of Sarsaparilla. This simple two-ingredient cocktail offers a unique licorice kick perfect for those who enjoy strong, herbal profiles.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by sharp anise and earthy root herbs. The palate features a heavy sweetness where black licorice merges with creamy vanilla and wintergreen. The mouthfeel is thick and syrupy, lightened by moderate carbonation. It finishes with a long-lasting herbal spice and a cooling sensation from the star anise.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Sambuca2 oz
- Sarsaparilla6 oz
Preparation
- 1
Fill a Collins glass completely with fresh ice cubes.
- 2
Pour the Sambuca over the ice.
- 3
Top with the Sarsaparilla.
- 4
Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
Substitutions
- SambucaOuzo — This creates a drier drink with a cleaner anise profile and less residual sugar.
- SarsaparillaRoot Beer — Root beer increases the vanilla and wintergreen presence while adding a foamier head.
- SambucaPastis — The drink becomes cloudy when mixed and introduces a more medicinal herbal complexity.
- SarsaparillaCola — Cola provides a sharper caramel flavor and higher acidity to contrast the syrup.
Variations
Bitter Flake-Out
Add two dashes of aromatic bitters to introduce woodiness and reduce the perceived sweetness.
Flander's Sour
Add half an ounce of fresh lime juice to provide an acidic counterpoint to the dense sugar in the liqueur.