Sambuca The oils are added to pure alcohol, a concentrated solution of sugar, and other flavouring. The "Oxford English Dictionary" states that the term comes from the Latin word "sambucus", meaning "elderberry". The Greek word "Sambuca" was first used as the name of another elderberry liquor that was created in Civitavecchia about 130 years ago. The first commercial version of such a drink started at the end of 1800 in Civitavecchia, where Luigi Manzi sold "Sambuca Manzi". In 1945, soon after the end of Second World War, commendatore Angelo Molinari started producing "Sambuca Extra Molinari", which helped popularise Sambuca throughout Italy.
Chartreuse (liqueur) processes and the same secret formula as the traditional liqueur, and by extra long aging in oak casks it reaches an exceptional quality. Chartreuse VEP comes in both yellow and green. Élixir Végétal de la Grande-Chartreuse (138 proof or 69% – also 142 proof or 71%) has the same base of about 130 medicinal and aromatic plants and flowers but is more alcoholic. It can be described as a cordial or a liqueur, and is claimed to be a tonic. Sold in small wood-covered bottles. Liqueur du 9° Centenaire (47%) was created in 1984 to commemorate the 900 year anniversary