While sambuca and anisette are both anise-flavored alcoholic spirits that share a distinct licorice-like aroma, they are not identical. Anisette is a sweeter, lower-proof French liqueur flavored primarily with green anise seeds. Sambuca is an Italian liqueur that traditionally features a higher alcohol content and includes essential oils extracted from star anise, green anise, and elderflowers, often infused with sugar and other secret botanicals.