The term "sambuca" has an obscure origin and meaning. It certainly has no connection with the sambuco plant (sambucus nigra), in spite of this etymon both seriously and imaginatively accepted by many dictionaries. In fact, sambuco has absolutely no connection to the herbs contained in "sambuca".

Moreover, amongst the various hypotheses difficult to ascertain there is mention of the possible derivation from the Arabic word "zammut", connected to the concept of pleasant perfume which at least suits the product well.

Luigi Manzi, the first to produce sambuca in Civitavecchia (1851), said that he had chosen that name in memory of the "sambuchelli", or the "acquaioli" ( water and anis sellers) of his native Ischia. We have no reason to doubt his claims, even if - until now - no proof has arisen (the term "sambuchello" does not appear in the dialect dictionaries edited in the 1800's consulted by us). Even the history of the word "extra" is worth a mention, albeit small but relevant.

In the 1960's, the Italian Authorities declared as illegal all wording such as "superior", "extra", "extra refined" etc. The "Commendatore" Angelo Molinari, certain of the objective excellence of his product, decided to continue to use the word "extra" thus spreading this claim with millions of bottles of "Sambuca Extra Molinari" sold throughout the world. The sentence of 27.02.1970, issued by the Judge Aldo Peruzzini in Reggio Emilia, completely agreed with the Commendatore Angelo, and authorised "Molinari" to use the word "extra" as a distinguishing feature of its product. The expert's report had demonstrated that Sambuca Molinari was produced with alcohol, sugar, aromas of a particularly high quality superior to those usually used, and using particularly accurate procedures.

It also worth noting that with the passing of time, the severity of the application of the law has weakened and today it is much easier to sing the praises of your own products as being the best you imagine them to be, without the need for any particular objective evidence.

Another curious fact regards the subsidiary company, "Limoncello di Capri": until the year 2000 it was the only brand authorised to produce "limoncello," having patented this term. It was only with the sentence of Judge Berruti, issued in Napoli on 10/11/2000, that the word "limoncello" was considered as generic and so, from that day it can be used by anyone.