The liquorice column of the spirit shelf. Stronger than anise, more polarising than most, and the drink you pull out when you want the room to have opinions. Sweet, slightly medicinal, a little dark. Works beautifully in small doses inside bigger cocktails, and brilliantly on its own over ice.

Inside: Every cocktail that uses Black Sambuca, Fernet, Pernod, Absinthe, Jägermeister, or any licorice-forward liqueur. Heavy on flaming shots, chilled sours, and nightcap digestifs. Related: Anise Liqueur and Sambuca.

Looking for something different? Browse the full drink themes or the cocktails by ingredient index.