Main Difference
The main difference between Ouzo and Sambuca is that the Ouzo is a anis drink and Sambuca is a Italian anise-flavoured liqueur.
Ouzo
Ouzo (Greek: ούζο, IPA: [ˈuzo]) is a dry anise-flavoured aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece, Cyprus and Lebanon. Its taste is similar to other anise liquors like pastis and sambuca. Other spirits of the region may or may not include anise: arak, rakı, and mastika.
Sambuca
Sambuca (Italian pronunciation: [samˈbuːka]) is an Italian anise-flavoured, usually colourless, liqueur. Its most common variety is often referred to as white sambuca to differentiate it from other varieties that are deep blue in colour (black sambuca) or bright red (red sambuca). Like other anise-flavoured liqueurs, the ouzo effect is sometimes observed when combined with water.
Ouzo (noun)
An anise-flavoured aperitif, originating in Greece.
Ouzo (noun)
A serving of this drink.
Sambuca (noun)
An Italian liqueur made from elderberries and flavoured with licorice, traditionally served with 3 coffee beans that represent health, wealth and fortune (or past, present and future).
Sambuca (noun)
An ancient form of triangular harp having a very sharp, shrill tone.
Ouzo (noun)
a Greek aniseed-flavoured spirit.
Sambuca (noun)
an Italian aniseed-flavoured liqueur
“a glass of flaming sambuca”
“a good few sambucas were consumed before he finally tottered into a taxi”