Two ingredients suffice for Flander's Flake-Out, which combines Sambuca with sarsaparilla soda into a sweet, anise-forward long drink. The licorice character of the Sambuca melds with the root-beer-like herbal notes of the sarsaparilla, yielding an unusual and distinctive pairing. Requiring no technique beyond pouring both into the glass, it is served over ice in a Collins glass at a gentle 7% ABV. The result is an offbeat refresher that leans on the natural sweetness of its two components.
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Flander's Flake-Out is a simple two-ingredient long drink that combines Sambuca with sarsaparilla soda, creating a sweet, herbal, anise-forward refresher. The anise character of the Sambuca melds with the sweet, root beer-like herbal notes of the sarsaparilla for an unusual and distinctive combination. It is a low-effort build served in a Collins glass.
History & Origins
Flander's Flake-Out is a contemporary British pub drink with no documented single origin, combining two beverages with strong European herbal traditions. Sambuca has roots in southern Italian liqueur-making, while sarsaparilla was a popular 19th-century medicinal tonic in Britain and America. The name's precise origin is disputed and unrecorded.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: sweet anise from the Sambuca and the herbal, root-beer-adjacent aroma of sarsaparilla. Palate: very sweet and anise-forward with a herbal, slightly medicinal sarsaparilla character and moderate effervescence. Finish: sweet, herbal, and anise-heavy with a lingering root note.
Pro Tip
Pour the sarsaparilla first, then add the Sambuca gently to preserve the carbonation, and serve with plenty of ice to temper the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Flanders Flake Out made with?
The Flanders Flake Out is a simple long drink combining Sambuca, the Italian anise-flavored liqueur, topped with sarsaparilla soda, a root-beer-style carbonated beverage with herbal and vanilla notes. The combination creates a sweet, slightly licorice-flavored drink with the fizz and root-like complexity of the sarsaparilla.
What does a Flanders Flake Out taste like?
The dominant flavor is sweet anise from the Sambuca, which is softened and stretched by the sarsaparilla soda's herbal, vanilla, and molasses-like qualities. The effervescence of the soda lightens what would otherwise be an intensely sweet spirit, resulting in a refreshing long drink with distinctive root candy character.
How should a Flanders Flake Out be served?
The Flanders Flake Out is best served in a highball or collins glass over plenty of ice. Pour the Sambuca first, then top with well-chilled sarsaparilla soda and stir gently to integrate without losing carbonation. No garnish is traditionally required, though a strip of lemon zest can add a citrus counterpoint to the sweet base.
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