Anisette and sambuca are not the same but are similar. Here are why- Sambuca and Anisette may be just as confusing as strawberry ice cream and vanilla ice cream. Anisette is an Italian liqueur made from star anise. It has a very distinct licorice flavor. It is sweeter than Sambuca but not as sweet as Ouzo. Sambuca is Italian for "SUGAR CANE," an anise-flavored, colorless liqueur. It has a more subtle flavor than Anisette and Licorice.